This weekend a few of Brandon's most memorable, influential, and extraordinary residents will be coming back to “life.” A ghostly affair with heart and enthusiasm, Gossip in the Graveyard has become a staple summer event in Brandon. This is an opportunity to see some of the illustrious people who gave so much strength to our community and for us to truly comprehend the important role each played in the shaping of Brandon. Don't worry kids, this may be extremely educational, but it is also just really cool to see “ghosts” in a graveyard.

The idea of Gossip in the Graveyard originally was created in 2006. George Buri, founder of 7 Ages Productions, was approached by the city to contribute a reenactment of sorts. This was to be presented during the national "Communities in Bloom" convention in Brandon. What resulted was a “lively” walking tour throughout the Brandon Cemetery. Buri chose community members who were both vibrant and inspiring to portray. He gathered some of talent pool in his theatre community to bring these marvelous characters back to life.

During this 2006 showcase a person from Brockie Donovan happened to catch the tour and was intrigued by the concept. They believed this could make an excellent fundraising event for Westman Hospice, an organization that helps people with terminal illnesses. Buri ultimately joined forces with Brockie Donovan and this year will mark the fourth anniversary of the event.

Through the voices of the actors the stories of: Kaye Rowe (a journalist and socialite), Lucy Beaubier (humanitarian and hotel heiress), Flora Cowan (first woman appointed acting mayor in Brandon), J.R. Foster (a prominent policeman), J. Kirschhoffer, Tommy Town (Olympic athlete), George Tackaberry (inventor of special hockey skates), and Gus Yaeger (owner of the fur-coat factory and retail store) have all been told. We can expect a few favourites to make their return this weekend but also be prepared for a few new surprises.

I have had the honour of portraying the eccentric and fabulous Kaye Rowe and had an absolute blast learning the details of her remarkable life. As a social butterfly myself who also happens to do a bit of writing I find the similarities between us fascinating. Brandon lady superstars Diane Nelson and Kitrina Plante have both brought Rowe back to life in previous showings and I find it interesting how well Buri casts Gossip. He tries to find actors who not only have a similar physical appearance but also a bit of the essence of the person as well. Because of this, the realism in the event will blow you away.

The tours themselves are at the Brandon Cemetery on Eighteenth Street with each of the characters located by their final resting places. The tour begins at 7 and 7:15 p.m. on Saturday, June 26 and at 3 and 3:15 p.m. on Sunday, June 27. Refreshments will follow.

Participation is limited so please register a head of time for this event by contacting Kelly Lumbard at 724-2682 prior to June 20. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to Westman Hospice.

Organizers are asking everyone to park in the Shoppers Mall parking lot (southeast side opposite SportChek). Access to the cemetery is right off the parking lot. They will have a Brockie Donovan hearse parked there for a visual cue.