Brandon City Hall Welcomes Over 200 to Annual Christmas Open House

The annual Christmas Open House at Brandon City Hall attracted over 200 residents on Sunday, December 3, 2023, creating a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, conversation, and holiday spirit. This cherished community event transformed the civic building into a festive gathering space, showcasing performances from the Brandon Community Orchestra and students from the Suzuki Talent Education program.

Mayor Jeff Fawcett emphasized the importance of this tradition, stating, “It’s always existed as a seasonal open house — a reason to get people into city hall, listen to some music and just generally enjoy it. It’s the people’s building.” Fawcett noted that this year’s turnout was notably strong, potentially boosted by favorable weather conditions, contrasting last year’s heavy snowfall that hindered attendance.

Musical Performances Highlight the Event

The afternoon featured a lively performance by the Brandon Community Orchestra, conducted by Nikki Boylan-Currie. She highlighted the extensive preparation involved, noting that music selection begins in August, with rehearsals continuing until December. “It’s a community volunteer group, so sometimes it can be challenging, depending on which instruments we have, but we usually make it work,” Boylan-Currie shared. She praised the musicians for their energetic performance, which resonated well with the audience.

In addition to the orchestra, young musicians from the Suzuki Talent Education program also took to the stage. Conducted by Robert Richardson, these students had already participated in multiple concerts over the weekend. Richardson remarked on the challenges posed by missing players due to illness but expressed satisfaction with their performance. “It’s a very different ambiance — the room is very alive, and it’s hard to hear each other — but they did well,” he stated.

Community Impact and Lifelong Lessons

The essence of the event extended beyond music. Richardson emphasized the significance of showcasing music across generations. “The kids see what happens when they grow up — that music is for life,” he explained. “You might become anything, but you can still play music together. Seeing multiple generations perform is really special.”

The Christmas Open House not only entertained attendees but also fostered a sense of community, reinforcing the idea that music plays a vital role in bringing people together. As the event concluded, the positive energy and joy exhibited by both performers and audience members underscored the enduring spirit of the holiday season in Brandon.

With such a successful turnout, Mayor Fawcett and community leaders look forward to continuing this beloved tradition that enriches the city’s cultural landscape.