downtownpeggy

Who’s ready for Movies on Memorial?

Published on August 7, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Things are about to get mean and green over at Memorial Park this summer.

Kicking things off on Tuesday, August 7, you can catch everyone’s favourite green ogre, Shrek, on-screen, conveyed by none other than celebrated Canadian comedian Mike Myers.

The lasting cultural phenomenon, Mean Girls, written for the screen by SNL darling Tina Fey, will be shown on the big blow-up on August 14.

Movies start roughly at dusk (around 9 p.m.), projected on the big, inflatable screen along Broadway at Memorial.

As always, showing up early will be rewarded, as you’ll have your pick of blanketed perch for the main event.

It also means you get to interact with any kiosks set up for the show – expect something from presenting sponsor, Bridgeport Office Solutions, as well as popcorn, your favourite treat from a food truck, and lots of lovely people cozying up to catch the free outdoor entertainment.

As a seasoned Movies on Memorial-goer, I have a few pro tips to share to make the most of the screening:

Bring bug spray

Sometimes a sponsor will shell out for this (thanks for looking out!), but it’s best if you prepare so you can reapply on demand if the pesky pests don’t let up throughout the show.

Layer up

Even though Winnipeg summers are beautiful, our summer nights truly cool down, especially in August. Bring layers so you’re ready for the dip in temperature as dusk turns to night. You likely want to wear closed-toe shoes (resist the flip flops!) so your feet don’t lose heat.

Bring lots of blankets, pillows (go crazy!), or a low, attendee-friendly chair

You’ll likely want to mark your spot for the duration of the show with a nice beach blanket or throw. Then, don’t be afraid to cuddle up with a blanket overtop – you won’t regret mimicking your living room comfort out in this beautiful setting.

**Bring your friends and pets**

If you have a well-mannered dog who likes to cuddle at your side during movies, bring him or her out! The park is pet-friendly and as long as you don’t disturb other movie-goers, you may as well invite Sparky!

That’s it – you’re ready to enjoy Movies on Memorial!

The final screenings for this year’s 2000s theme are School of Rock (August 21), and Miss Congeniality (August 28). In case of rain, movies will be moved to the next calendar date. An announcement will be made by 5 p.m. on the day of the event if it needs to be rescheduled.

Your Guide to Everything Folklorama 2018

Published on July 17, 2018July 25, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Photo by Darcy Finley, courtesy of Folklorama.

Folklorama Festival Dates
Experience this memorable multicultural festival by visiting over 40 pavilions where you will be captivated by dance, cuisine, art, language, stories and music from August 5-18, 2018.

This year, there will be 44 Pavilions available for everyone to take in! In fact, 2 new pavilions are being added to the list. There will now be a Métis Pavilion and an El Salvador Pavilion to visit this year. Also, there will now be 7 Pavilions located at RBC Convention Centre. The Convention Centre will host the Brazilian Pavilion, Hungary-Pannonia Pavilion, Mexican Pavilion, and Polish Pavilion during Week One. Week Two will include the First Nations Pavilion, India Pavilion, and United Kingdom Pavilion.

I encourage you to find a pavilion that interests you and start your pavilion planning online at folklorama.ca right now so you don’t miss out! Here’s what you need to know about purchasing your tickets online:

Online Ticketing for all Pavilions
General Admission Tickets $6.00 per ticket + service fee
Free admission for children 12 and under when accompanied by an adult (limit of five children admissions per paid adult).

Vickar Automotive Group Multi-Pack $54.00 + service fees
Buy a Vickar Automotive Group Multi-Pack online at folklorama.ca and get 12 tickets for the price of 9! Perfect for visiting several pavilions or for use by family and friends.

When purchasing tickets online, follow these 4 easy steps:
Step 1: Go to folklorama.ca
Step 2: Click General Admission Tickets button
Step 3: Choose a Pavilion, Date, and Show time
Step 4: Confirm and Pay
When you arrive at the pavilion look for the sign “Ticket Holder Entrance” and present your electronic or printed ticket.

Photo by Darcy Finley, courtesy of Folklorama.

Looking to purchase General Admission Tickets or Vickar Automotive Group Multi-Pack Tickets? This is some important information that you may want to know!

All tickets are on sale now! It’s important to know that these tickets guarantee admissions only, and seating is not guaranteed. Online ticket sales close one hour before each show time, but can be purchased at the door of the show, with cash, credit, or debit.

Also, tickets are specific to pavilion, date, and show time, (and non-refundable). Once purchased, tickets may not be exchanged for another pavilion, date, or show time so make sure you plan which shows you want to see ahead of time!

Would you like to be front and center on a VIP Tour? VIP Tours are only $39.95 – $74.95 (GST included) Explore Folklorama pavilions on a World Tour, Party Tour, Cycle Tour – and more – or build your own customized tour to create the Folklorama experience that’s right for you. Folklorama VIP Tours include two or three pavilions and are all inclusive allowing guests to bypass line-ups, enjoy reserved seating and a progressive meal. Visit folklorama.ca for tour details or to book your tour today!

Folklorama Travel Guide
Pick up your Folklorama Travel Guide at Manitoba Liquor Marts, Cambrian Credit Union branches, Vickar Automotive Group dealerships and 7-Eleven stores, and many other locations throughout Winnipeg and Manitoba.
The digital version of the Folklorama Travel Guide is available to download here. (https://www.folklorama.ca/festival/detail/74)

Don’t forget to share your #myfolklorama experience with Folklorama:
#myfolklorama on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @folklorama

Volunteers
The Folklorama Festival would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of our network of over 20,000 volunteers!

Folklorama in the Community
Leading up to the Festival, you will find many of our Folklorama Talent and Teaching performers as well as our Folklorama Llama out and about this summer promoting our organization in the community. See where you can find us. (https://www.folklorama.ca/festival/detail/80)

See you there!

Photo by Darcy Finley, courtesy of Folklorama.

Maximizing Your Experience Downtown at the Downtown Winnipeg Night Market

Published on June 27, 2018July 25, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

This Friday (and Friday, July 27 and Friday August 31), my pals behind the Downtown Winnipeg Farmers’ Market are hosting their first ever Downtown Winnipeg Night Market from 4pm-11pm at Manitoba Hydro Plaza and on Kennedy Street between Portage Avenue and Graham Avenue!

The Downtown Winnipeg Night Market is a great way to end off the month and kick off your weekend in the heart of downtown. Plus, you’ll get to see a lot of cool things, support a lot of great local businesses, experience the new Pop-Up Park on Kennedy and so much more!

Here’s how I’m planning to maximize my experience this Friday:

GETTING THERE

Did you know that the Winnipeg Bike Valet will be on site during the whole event offering their bicycle valet service (it’s like a coat check for bicycles!)? It’s a great way to easily travel downtown, to and from the other destinations you’re hitting on Friday, and I love the friendly folks behind the Bike Valet!

Find the Winnipeg Bike Valet on Edmonton Street at Graham Avenue on the South East corner, thanks to my friends at the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.

Additionally, you can always walk, take Winnipeg Transit or drive. Street parking is free after 5:30pm and there will be lots of availability to park in downtown parking lots and parkades.

HAVING FUN

The Downtown Winnipeg Night Market is fun for the whole family and includes:

Farmers’ Market vendors on Manitoba Hydro Plaza 4pm-11pm
Enjoy two beer gardens: The patio at Rudy’s Eat & Drink and the Rudy’s pop-up beer garden on Kennedy Street 4pm-11pm
Instagram Alley on Kennedy Street featuring Creating A Scene, Studio 393 and Graffiti Gallery for you to capture your experience 4pm-11pm
Big Fun Games on Kennedy Street from 6:30pm-11pm
Balloon Artist and Facepainter on Graham Avenue from 6pm-9pm
Live painting of The Horn on Kennedy Street from 7pm-8pm
Experience the new Pop-Up Park on Kennedy Street 4pm-11pm
Buskers including Ila Barker, Lana Winterhalt and Phil Natividad providing music throughout, plus Kurrent Motion entertaining throughout the evening
Downtown Winnipeg businesses including Teeyah’s, Shoppers Drug Mart, Bison Books, Fluid Float, and Clay Oven are also all on site

MAKING A NIGHT OF IT

Make the Downtown Winnipeg Night Market just one of your many stops on Friday!

Did you know that Alleyways Market is taking place from 4pm-10pm in the Exchange District? Stopping by both of these markets is a great way to support local and find yourself the perfect produce and gifts for you and your loved ones!

Street patio! The weather looks great so I’m looking forward to hitting up the Rudy’s Pop-Up Patio on Kennedy, while I’m at the Market.

Goldeyes! Our baseball team takes on St. Paul Saints at 7pm at Shaw Park.

Patio hopping! It’s Friday night and I know I’m looking forward to the long weekend! You’ll find me at some of my favourite downtown patios and places for dinner, snacks and drinks!

Dancing! With a handful of venues downtown showcasing great music of all types, I’m going to be wearing my dancing shoes all night long!

Here’s a handy map with some of my recommendations – enjoy Friday!

For more information on the Downtown Winnipeg Night Market, visit downtownwinnipegbiz.com/night-market/.

Free Downtown Entertainment This Summer

Published on June 12, 2018June 12, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

While the whiteout parties are behind us, there’s no shortage of excuses to head downtown in droves for free entertainment this summer.

Tune in

Throughout June and July, every Thursday comes alive with members of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) serenading people in the streets through their lunch hours.

Edmonton Street (between Graham Avenue and Portage Avenue) will see duets or solo acts from the WSO perform each week. Concert pianists, violinists, horn players and vocalists will carry tunes throughout the noon hour.

On Tuesdays, Cityplace draws its own crowd for a lunchtime concert series out on its second-floor terrace off the food court. Catch live Manitoban acts throughout the summer months until August’s end.

Not to be outdone, Portage Place stages its own Indigenous Concert Series on the last Fridays of June, July and August.

Sweat it out

If it’s a workout you’d rather fit in, the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s Fitness in the Park is kicking off another summer jam-packed with opportunities to work up a sweat.

Every Monday to Friday, from now until August’s end, green spaces throughout the downtown will host free fitness classes suited to all types of participants.

Memorial Park, Millennium Library Park and Upper Fort Garry will see Pilates enthusiasts, Zumba lovers, boot camp devotees and yogis unite for a free sweat.

The rotating roster at each location helps you mix up your routine if you’d like to attend multiple classes – visit Millennium Library Park for yoga on Mondays and Fridays, Memorial Park for Zumba on Mondays and Fridays, Millennium Library Park for Zumba on Wednesdays and Pilates on Thursdays, and Upper Fort Garry for boot camp Tuesdays and Thursdays.

(Dates are weather permitting – be sure check the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ social media channels @downtownwpgbiz to be notified in case of any changes!)

Shop ‘til you drop

Finally, shopping for fresh produce during your workday is made easier through the popular Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s Farmers’ Market, serving up fresh local fruits and veggies, baked goods, preserves, meats and cheese, crafts and many other handmade gems looking for a home.

Everything from locally made bitters and spirits, gluten-free perogies and fresh lemonade can be squeezed out of this hyperlocal festivity. Located behind Manitoba Hydro Place and along Edmonton Street, the market is always received with much fanfare (not unlike our beloved Jets making playoffs). Find the Market running 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Thursday from June through September.

Stay tuned for more on special Night Markets (new this year) to take place the last Friday of each month this summer from 4 to 11 p.m. outside Manitoba Hydro Place.

For more information on upcoming downtown summer events, visit downtownwinnipegbiz.com/events.

UnCommon Pours V02 | Presented by The Common at The Forks Market

Published on June 11, 2018 by downtownpeggy1 Comment

“Eat what you like and drink what you like and you will be happy.” – Veronique Rivest. These words rang especially true through the Commons yesterday. Everyone who came to enjoy the Common’s new summer wine list was especially impressed with the presentation and experience.

We were first served Vaporetto Prosecco from Italy which was a simple and pleasing wine, but it had more depth than the average, with hints of citrus, apple, and floral elements. This wine was served with delicious Provenzal Fries provided by Empanadas & Co. by Simon’s cuisine.

Next, we were served a Jamaican Beef Patty provided by Bindy’s Carribean Delight with False Bay Rose from South Africa. Veronique explained that this wine paired well with fried or saltier foods, which was definitely the case. The wine broke up the thickness of the Beef Patty, and was more refreshing than tangy.

wine3

Just when I thought my taste buds could not get any happier, they brought out the Tomato Citrus Salad from corto. Fresh tomatoes served with cream cheese and lots of flavour tasted exquisite, especially when combined with the Yealands Sauvignon Blanc wine from New Zealand.

Lastly, we were able to try a lovely Cabernet Sauvignon originating from Chile. Paired with a Blueberry Yum Yum mini burger from Nuburger. The Cabernet Sauvignon gave off hints of black cherries along with earthiness going well with blueberry jam and thick cream cheese presented in the burger. A rich taste was definitely required!

Veronique’s approach was very kind and laid back, but the event at the Forks was lavish. Her taste towards wine was casual and delightful! Her choices in the win that we drank at The Common reflected that. I encourage you to join the next Uncommon Pours Tour!

DT-Peggy-Signature-2017

Timon’s UP!

Published on May 28, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Today’s Guest Blog is from Michelle Boulet, Director of Timon of Athens, and the Artistic Director of Shakespeare in the Ruins.

Shakespeare in the Ruins is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year, and while the venue for their plays is the Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park, their administrative office are in Portage Place (along with our mutual friends, Prairie Theatre Exchange)

At Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR) we believe that the immutable truths of our shared humanity revealed through Shakespeare’s writing remain relevant and transformative to today’s audience. We seek to pair the questions and problems raised by Shakespeare’s work with the compelling questions being asked in our culture today. We consciously illuminate our times through the magnifying and magnificent lens of Shakespeare’s art.

In 2015, our mainstage spring production was Antony & Cleopatra. We set this timeless loves story against the backdrop of pre-confederation Manitoba. We could not have found a better vehicle to generate dialogue about Indigenous issues. Here, the effects of colonialism are still felt on a day to day basis. The show resonated powerfully.

Jump ahead to the spring of 2016 and we produced Richard III featuring SIR Artistic Associate Debbie Patterson in the title role. We knew SIR stood poised to make history by casting a woman with impaired mobility due to multiple sclerosis as Richard III. And indeed, we received international press. But it was Deb’s artistic journey and the joy of embracing inclusivity that made the mounting of this production so memorable.

Which bring us to 2018, SIR’s 25th Anniversary and to Timon of Athens. One of Shakespeare’s least known works, the compelling tale of a wealthy man whose privilege prevented him from learning the true value of money. Despite dire warnings he is unable to see which of his friends are false. This underrated drama is seldom produced. But it is perfect for us, being a timely exploration of elite privilege and the hard fall that follows the loss of public stature. Do you think a play about personal judgement and power might have something to say to us in 2018?

In a year which saw the toppling of many a male public figure and the surge of the female voice, we have opted to tell the story using an all-female cast.

And what do we hope to achieve? Well for all of the young people who will see the show, we hope that for the girls they see themselves reflected on stage. And the boys we hope we are on the cusp of a world that will never be the same. Not just changed, but changed utterly….made better. For in making more space for women, and for those whose voices are marginalized, that is the path to a better world.

The outdoor performances will be set in the early 1980’s, a time when the art scene was gaudy, colorful, and rife with controversy. The show will feature live music and more than a casual nod to that exhilarating period where the rich blindly gave money to artists, “high”art and “street” art were in fierce competition and feminism often took the form of women adopting an androgynous, boyish form.

While the title isn’t Shakespeare’s best known work, an SIR supporter recently quipped, “I’m so excited for this one. It’s Beckett before Beckett was Beckett.”

Michelle Boulet

Director of Timon of Athens | Artistic Director of Shakespeare in the Ruins

Timon of Athens runs May 30-June 23, 2018 at the Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park.

Call 204-942-5483 for tickets or visit www.shakespeareintheruins.com

The Family Mental Wellness Festival – Saturday, May 19, 2018

Published on May 15, 2018May 15, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Guest blog post by: Angela Taylor of Inspire Community Outreach Inc.

The Family Mental Wellness Festival (#FMWFestival)has been dreaming up big things to help celebrate Winnipeg’s diverse and amazing community.

For those of you who are not from Winnipeg and surrounding area or even those hiding from all things festival, the #FMWFestival could be one of the most anticipated FREE events of the year!

More than just the usual food and entertainment, #FMWFestival features a Mental Health Resource Fair, where local charities participate at no cost, to celebrate their work. There’s also an outdoor market with nearly 50 vendors, where we’ll be selling our recently published book, All Kinds of Minds. Profits made from sales are sending free books all through Canada.

There’s a wide variety of entertainment, from performances by Big Daddy Tazz, renowned hoop dancer, Shanley Spence, Winnipeg Youth Chorus, Zumba, Yoga, Exhale dance studio, and Sweet Alibi.

Our partners Aulneau Renewal Centre and Canadian Mental Health Association of MB, are supporting the celebration along with Tiny Treehugger by their sponsorship of the Tot Tent. Shea Tree will have a Wellness Oasis for rest and relaxation.

There’s also a Workboots safety tent, Brio Insurance and Sunova Credit Union sponsored Art Tent with Kindness Rocks to hide and seek all day and the Macaroni Winnipeg East craft area. We will also have Heather’s Pretty Parties with face painting and princesses, Costume Alliance superheroes and movie characters, a Magician, Balloon animals, Therapy dogs, and Dance Party fundraiser with DJ Wanda.

Food trucks: Poutine King, Deeks Dog House, GG’s Gelati.

All money raised supports youth and families with unique challenges like ADHD, anxiety and neurological and trauma related differences.

The Family Mental Wellness Festival is sure not to disappoint!

Learn more about Inspire Community Outreach at www.Inspirecommunityoutreach.ca or reach us at info@inspirecommunityoutreach.ca

The Family Mental Wellness Festival runs from 11am to 6pm on Saturday, May 19, 2018 at The Forks.

6 Ways to Not Let Spring Break Slip By

Published on March 22, 2018March 22, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

Nothing says spring better than school being out! And when there’s reason to celebrate, downtown shows up.

Just in time for Spring Break, plenty of arts and community organizations (the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ included!) are ramping up their programming to welcome parents and their children during their time off.

Here are just a few of the amazing offerings for parents and kids alike.

Spring Break Art Camp at The WAG (300 Memorial Boulevard)

From Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., kids can take in a full day of camp with various art themes, play games, and of course, see the incredible art on display at the Winnipeg Art Gallery.

While Monday’s clay day is sold out, Tuesday is open for kids to try their hand with a paint brush; Wednesday will welcome students on break to design their own super hero; and on Thursday, kids will discover the uses for unconventional materials in their masterpieces.

Visit here for more information on the WAG’s art camp.

Tetris, Manitoba Theatre for Young People (2 Forks Market Road)

Why not take this opportunity to introduce your kids to a live theatre experience, if you haven’t already? Watch as these flexible performers weave together in unexpected ways, and treat your kids to a full sensory experience for their first play. The show runs about 45 minutes, and is ideal for ages 5 to 12. Visit the MTYP’s box office page for showtimes and to buy tickets.

Video Games Live, Centennial Concert Hall (555 Main St.)

Just when you thought you’d never get your kid to sit still for a symphony, the Video Games Live show immerses the audience in a gaming-like experience, with dazzling video on screen, live action, lighting and special effects. This interactive multimedia experience showcases music from some of the most popular video games of all time, created and produced by veteran video game composer Tommy Tallarico. A treat for symphony lovers and gamers alike!

Video Games Live plays Monday, March 26. Visit the Centennial Concert Hall’s page for tickets and more info.

A Dog’s Purpose, The Globe Theatre in Portage Place (393 Portage Avenue, 3rd Floor)

Brought to you by the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, this free event invites you to take in a family-favourite in this downtown relic.

Opening its doors at 5 p.m. for the special event, make sure to scoop up treats from your favourite Portage Place vendors before showtime. Plus, it pays to come early, as the first 100 people will also receive a special loot bag!

Showtime starts at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 28. Click here to see all event details.

Along with regular programming and activities, the Children’s Museum and Manitoba Museum kick into another gear for Spring Break.

Help to build a life-size cardboard castle at the Children’s Museum, or hunt for all things small during the Manitoba Museum’s Science of the Small-themed scavenger hunt.

Have an amazing Spring Break!

Four Ways to Test Your Luck of the Irish This Weekend

Published on March 16, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

There has to be a reason for all this early snow melt – it must be the luck of the Irish!

With St. Patrick’s Day on its way with warmer weather, this weekend is shaping up for some seriously shamrock-infused good times.

Downtown never disappoints in the Guinness or whiskey department, and this St. Patrick’s Day is no exception, with special events happening all throughout my favourite neighbourhood.

The People’s St. Paddy’s Fun Run-Walk (The Forks Freight House, 1 Forks Market Rd)

If you haven’t already signed up for a 5-km or 5-mile run, head to The Forks early to cheer on the individuals, couples and family teams participating in the St. Patrick’s Day Running Room race.

Most noteworthy are the extravagant green costumes donned by runners, and the good-natured vibe of the race where prizes are simply awarded for the best costumes and highest volume of donations.

After the race, grab breakfast at the Original Pancake House or Danny’s All Day Breakfast while you wait for it to be appropriate to grab a pint at The Common (or until it opens at 11:30!).

Shannon’s Irish Pub & Eatery (175 Carlton St.)

Heading to the “Official House of Jameson on the Prairies” on St. Patrick’s Day just feels right. Here, you’ll find the most time-honoured St. Patrick’s Day entertainment featuring traditional dancers, live music, plenty of pub fare (including fish and chips on special!), frosty pints of Guinness, and of course, Irish whiskey.

Patrick’s Day Beer Bash & Dance Party, Club 200 (190 Garry St)

For a raucous evening, stay out into the wee hours at Club 200’s dance party hosted by Anita Stallion with DJ Wizzard. You can usually count on the renowned LGBTTQ* club for a packed dance floor, but for St. Paddy’s Day, you can even expect cheap green beers for a fun-filled evening (on special for just $4!).

Shark Club (2^nd floor, 233 Hargrave St)

While it doesn’t land on game day, Shark Club is gearing up to do St. Patrick’s Day justice as though Laine was from the motherland (I mean, with that gingery beard, he nearly passes).

All the Irish classics are on special – from $4 Jameson shots to $5 pickleback shots – which are really just whiskey shots chased with pickle juice for those of us less practiced.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

10 Reasons to Hit Up the Winnipeg Tattoo Show this Weekend!

Published on February 21, 2018February 21, 2018 by downtownpeggyLeave a comment

The Winnipeg Tattoo Show is this week! Opening at 1pm on Friday, February 23rd and running through to 6pm on Sunday February 25th, there’s a jam-packed schedule of Tattoo and Tattoo-related awesomeness coming your way.

Here are my top 10 reasons to hit up the Winnipeg Tattoo Show this weekend!

1. Watch Live Tattooing and Tattoo Competitions

This one’s a no-brainer – there is a great selection of the best of Winnipeg’s Tattoo Artists at the show this weekend! You can check out their work beforehand and even book yourself in for a tattoo during the show, if the artist you choose has availability.

There are different Tattoo Competitions each day – Friday is Neo-Traditional and Horror, for example – and there are daily Tattoo of the Day awards culminating in a Tattoo of the Show award on Sunday.

If you’re a fan of the show Ink Masters, there are four of the show’s stars at the show this weekend – Big Ceeze from Anaheim, California, Babiery from New York, NY, Erik Campbell from Grand Junction, Colorado and Jhon, also from New York, NY. Even if you haven’t been able to book an appointment with your favourite Tattoo Artist, this is a pretty amazing way to see them work live!

2. Catch Some Great Live Music

There’s a great selection of local musical talent to take in during the show, in addition to tattoo artist talent. Friday evening sees local band “Lowdown and the Dirty Rotten” play two sets – the first from 5 to 6pm and the second from 9 to 9:45. Describing their style as rebel country/hillbilly, they’re definitely a band you need to catch!

The other two bands to watch this weekend, The Honour and The Paul Stanleys will be playing as a part of the F#ck Cancer Fundraiser (Reason #3, below!).

3. Have Fun and Support a Great Cause at the F#ck Cancer Fundraiser for CancerCare Manitoba

$15 will get you in to the F#ck Cancer fundraiser social, from 9pm Saturday evening to 2am Sunday morning, with all proceeds going to CancerCare Manitoba. There will be live bands (The Honour and The Paul Stanleys, mentioned above), a silent auction, prizes, dancing, and what Manitoba social isn’t complete with the traditional late lunch! Get your tickets online or at the CancerCare Manitoba Booth on Friday or Saturday.

4. Watch Burlesque Performers

Come and watch M Funk Dance Productions perform burlesque-inspired routines at 4:30pm on Saturday and at 1:30pm on Sunday.

5. Crush on a Drag Queen, at the Drag Queen Show

Experience the most fabulousness that the Prairie Provinces have to offer! On both Friday (from 7-7:30pm) and Saturday (from 6 to 6:30pm) Jenny Talia (in photo above, from Regina, SK), Victoria Lush (Winnipeg), Lita Takeela (Winnipeg), Satina Loren (Winnipeg) and Tyra Boinks (Winnipeg) will strut their stuff and entertain audiences !

6. Cheer on the Pinups in the Very First Peg City Pinup Competition

Hosted by the lovely and delightful Evie Assault (pictured on the poster to the right) and happening throughout Friday and Saturday, follow Peg City Pinup Contestants as they compete in Formal Wear, Swimwear and at a Talent Show. They are all vying to win the title of the very first Ms. Peg City Pinup, with a fab prize package that includes photo shoots with Pinup Photographer, Dano Tanaka, outfits from the prettiest pinup boutique, The Foxy Shoppe, along with a sash and crown. The winner will be announced between 5:15 and 5:45pm on Saturday evening.

7. Support the Great Vendors

There’s a vendor area showcasing pinup and lifestyle clothing, artwork including pin-striping and graffiti styles, baking, cosmetics, you name it really! The list of vendors can be found here.

8. Come Play at Kids’ Corner

Bring the family – kids 12 and under are FREE! There’s an entire section dedicated to kids where they can colour, get “tattooed” (temporary tattoos by The Sparkle Girls and The Wow Factor), and play games. Everybody’s favourite magical sisters, Anna and Elsa, will be in attendance on Saturday, between 2 and 4pm.

9. Marvel at Local Performers

Local contortionist and antipodist (juggling using her feet!), Samantha Halas will be performing throughout the weekend, as will Brett Hogan , who can do everything from fire-breathing to acrobatics!

10. Drool over the Motorcycles and Hotrods

I don’t know about you, but it just seems to me that tattoos and speed go together! Walk through and oggle the hotrods and motorcycles area of the Winnipeg Tattoo Show.

The Winnipeg Tattoo Show starts at 1pm on Friday, February 23rd and runs through to 6pm on Sunday February 25th.

Until next time, friends and followers,