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On February 29, 1892 the new City Hall and Opera House was opened with a Fireman’s Ball, admission $8.00.  
 
The Hall was decorated with evergreens in graceful festoons, banners, bannerettes and red, white, and blue bunting.  
 
The effect of richness was heightened by the brightness of electric lamps that were placed around the building.  
 
Later in 1905, the start of this year’s Social Season was celebrated with the first Military Ball ever held in the Brandon Opera House.  
 
In its Portals, the 12th Manitoba Dragoons formed a Guard of Honour, while inside the Hall were ladies dressed in their finery with flowing gowns and sparkling jewellery, accompanying them were the Regimental Officers dressed in their Dress Uniforms with buttons that glittered.  
 
Bunting was hung in long festoons with many Flags placed at conspicuous locations with the walls being decorated with mirrors, and the Arms of the Regiment.  
 
The windows had a covering of Chenille, and the Opera Stage, which was accessible by means of a wide staircase that led from the Ballroom, was tastefully furnished with luxurious chairs and sofas, offering a delightful place to rest for any one who sought it.  
 
Just before the enchanting hour of Midnight the guests were summoned to the Council Chamber for fine dining fit for a King.  
 
Government Dignitaries in attendance at this first social assembly were Lieutenant Governor and Lady McMillan, and legal representatives from Winnipeg, Ottawa and Southwest Manitoba.  
 
During the cold weather winter months Brandon was Hungary for entertainment and thus a paradise for travelling Thespians.  
 
Presentations such as the “Dixie Jubilee Singers” who rendered American Plantation melodies and popular songs, the “Pollard Lilliputian” group, who composed of eleven Australian Juveniles,  
“professional in every thing but size”, or the Sherman & Platt Stock Company who performed a Labour Drama on a weeks engagement.  
 
Source: Brandon, a City. G. F. Barker  
 
Daly House Museum Archives.