You’re invited to Brandon University Kids Day at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair

Tens of thousands of visitors will be treated to a warm blue-and-gold Brandon University welcome as they stream through the gates of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair on Thursday, March 29, as BU hosts Kids Day at the Fair.

“As Brandon University celebrates our 50th anniversary since receiving our charter, and more than a century of providing quality education for southwestern Manitoba, we are elated to bring a little bit of BU to the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair,” said BU Interim President Steve Robinson. “Watch for BU volunteers, including staff, faculty and students, who will be throughout the Keystone Centre, saying howdy and passing out stickers inviting everyone to BU’s big birthday party at Homecoming this fall.”

Along with a full day of horse shows, agricultural education and exhibitors, BU Kids Day at the Winter Fair will feature renowned family entertainer Fred Penner, who received an honorary doctorate from BU in 2007.

“Fred Penner needs no introduction. Which is great, since I might be a little star-struck when I take the stage to introduce him,” Robinson laughed. “He is a titan of Canadian entertainment, no matter what your age, and we are so proud that he accepted an honourary BU Doctor of Music degree. I am sure that everyone in the audience will be singing along with his every word.”

Additional family entertainment on Thursday will also include Juno-award winner Norman Foote, stunt ventriloquist Tom Holland, Doodles the Clown, and the perennial favourite SuperDogs. Adding to the fun, Brandon University mascot Bailey the Bobcat will prowl the Keystone Centre, handing out high-fives and posing for photos with fans.

Kids Day at the Winter Fair is a natural fit for Brandon University, which welcomes students of all ages to campus.

“Through programs like Mini University, Let’s Talk Science and the ’Cats Kids Club, we have been opening our doors to younger learners for a very long time,” Robinson said. “Education brings huge benefits to everyone, and as enrolment continues to expand at BU, we find that students are better poised to succeed the more familiar they are with Brandon University and with our campus.”

The Royal Manitoba Winter Fair is one of Westman’s largest events, and draws attendance from a very wide area. An extensive presence at the Winter Fair allows Brandon University to cultivate important connections with industry, alumni and the broader community.

“We are thrilled to have Brandon University present Kids Day at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. This is a perfect partnership for two of the longest-running and most distinguished institutions in Brandon and in Westman,” said James Montgomery, Sponsorship Coordinator at the Provincial Exhibition. “We each share a deep engagement and a rich history with our communities, and these will be on full display as BU joins with the Provincial Ex at the Winter Fair.”

Brandon University Kids Day — Thursday, March 29 — Full Schedule

Brandon University Kids Day gets underway at 7 a.m. on Thursday, March 29, with the Hunter Jumper Horse Show in the Westoba Agricultural Centre of Excellent. Shows in the Westoba Place Main Arena begin at 9 a.m.

Fred Penner’s shows are in the BU Kids Day Amphitheatre at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m., with plenty of other family entertainment throughout the day in the Amphitheatre and in MNP Hall.

The ATCO Cup and other shows conclude BU Kids Day that evening in Westoba Place, beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Brandon University volunteers will be wearing BU T-shirts and will be positioned throughout the Keystone Centre to greet Winter Fair attendees and hand out Homecoming stickers. Look for the BU booth for more information and free draws.

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