Spring 2022 is looking much better than one year ago for groups that rely on hosting events and people.

The Keystone Centre in Brandon is noticing an increase in bookings. Marketing director Jared McKenzie says there’s a lot more interest from people wanting to book something at their facility over the next several months.

“Right now with mask and vaccine mandates being put aside we’re getting tons of interest from all concert and tour promoters looking to bring events back to Manitoba and specifically back to Brandon in 2022.”

The Keystone has a number of confirmed events and officials hope the Brandon Wheat kings can have a strong end to the season and a good showing in the play-offs.

“We also have ZZ Top and Dallas Smith both coming up in May. We have PBR in June and events booked all the way through to November and hopefully December. Some we have announced and some we are still waiting to announce” said McKenzie.

March 28 to April 2 will be the busiest week of the year with the return of the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair. “We continue to follow the health rules and right now it looks like no mask and no vaccine is required.”

“This week is business as usual at the fair. We’ll have all the usual suspects out on the concourse selling all the food and concessions. We’re looking forward to the week and the fair will be a great event for the Keystone Centre as it always is.”