Local History Comes Alive at Brandon’s Gossip in the Graveyard

Brandon’s annual event, Gossip in the Graveyard, returns this weekend, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city’s history through the voices of those who once inhabited it. Local actors from the Assiniboine Theatre Company will bring historical figures to life during interactive walking tours at the Brandon Municipal Cemetery on October 14 and 15, 2023.

Participants will experience the past as actors, dressed in period-appropriate clothing, portray various individuals interred at the cemetery. Each tour will feature guides sharing captivating stories and historical facts, enriching the experience for attendees. Tours are scheduled for Saturday at 17:00 and 17:15, and Sunday at 15:00 and 15:15. Refreshments will be served following each performance.

Lisa Hammond from Brockie Donovan Funeral Home noted the significance of this event. “The tours provide visitors the chance to meet the colourful and inspiring individuals who helped shape our city,” she explained. “The characters of Brandon’s past will literally come alive to tell their tales and offer some juicy bits of gossip to those plucky participants who venture through their hallowed resting grounds.”

Participation in the tours is limited, and admission costs $20 per person. Registration is required in advance, and interested individuals can secure their spots by calling 204-727-0694. This event, which has been staged in the cemetery since 2007, has proven popular with locals and visitors alike.

Funds raised from Gossip in the Graveyard go directly to charity. Since its inception, the event has raised over $36,000 for various organizations, including the Alzheimer Society, Westman Dreams for Kids, the Women’s Resource Centre, and the Westman Hospice Association. This year, proceeds will benefit the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium, supporting local artists while educating and entertaining participants.

As the weekend approaches, anticipation builds for this engaging journey into history. The tours promise not only to inform but also to entertain, offering a glimpse into the lives of those who have shaped Brandon’s rich heritage. With limited spots available, those interested in participating are encouraged to register promptly.