27 nominees and dozens of sponsors and guests gathered at the Backyard on Aberdeen on the night of Thursday, June 11 to celebrate the best of Westman’s tourism industry and recognize winners in nine categories.
Awards for categories ranging from large events to small businesses to volunteers took centre stage at the gala, which saw a celebration of the passion and dedication it takes to bring people in to the tourist attractions and events of the region and to keep them coming back.
“It’s been awesome,” said Michelle Frechette, regional tourism coordinator for Tourism Westman. “I feel like there’s been lots of excitement in the room and people are really happy to be together celebrating all the awesome people that we have working behind the scenes in our tourism industry in Southwest Manitoba.”
“Everyone is working really hard in the region,” said Frechette. “I think it’s really important to come out and show your support to them. Tourism wouldn’t be what it is within our region without these individuals, organizations, and businesses doing what they do.”
🏆 2026 Tourism Westman Award Winners — Recap
Tourism Westman handed out nine awards at its 2026 Tribute to Tourism Gala, recognizing standout events, volunteers, and operators across the region.
- Brandon Event of the Year (over $10,000): Westman Multicultural Festival
- Event of the Year (over $10,000): Virden Indoor Rodeo & Wild West Daze
- Event of the Year (under $10,000): ArtFest / Amazing Race Neepawa by Arts Forward
- Marketing Excellence Award: Section 6 Brewing Co. of Brandon
- Partnership Award: Prairie Gateway Tourism of Virden
- Employee of the Year: Dean Hammond of Brandon
- Volunteer of the Year: Stan Peck of Boissevain
- Indigenous Tourism Award: National Indigenous Peoples Day in Brandon
- Small Business of the Year: Deer Meadow Farmacy near Oak Lake
The Multicultural Festival continues to draw more than 25,000 visitors annually, while the full slate of winners reflects the depth of tourism activity across Westman — from major events to small‑business innovators and long‑serving community volunteers.
