As the province returns to regular activities, the Manitoba government is providing more than $36,000 through the Community Festivals and Events grant program to three festivals taking place this winter.
“These winter festivals are a welcome opportunity to celebrate our communities and all that our province has to offer,” said Sport, Culture, and Heritage Minister Andrew Smith. “It feels good to be able to attend events like this again and get back to doing what we know and love. Our government is proud to continue offering support to these special events and encouraging outdoor winter activity within the current public health guidelines.”
Funding provided under the Community Festivals and Events grant program includes:
- $25,000 for the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival Inc. in The Pas and Opaskwayak Cree Nation,
- $10,000 for the Canadian Power Toboggan Championships in Beausejour, and
- more than $1,000 to support the St. Adolphe Winter Carnival.
“The Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival is extremely pleased and appreciative of the support we receive from the Community Festivals and Events grant program. With the program’s support, we are able to continue to show our diverse and rich northern culture to festival visitors and competitors,” Jennifer Cook, chair, Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival Inc. “As the longest- running winter festival in Manitoba, we have a long history of celebrating what makes the north and our communities unique. Funding support like this grant program ensures that we are able to continue the legacy and culture of festivals past.”
Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival is the largest event in the region and starts today and runs until Feb. 20. Its feature event is the dog-sled racing and trapping skills competition. The festival attracts up to 5,000 people over five days and has approximately 200 local volunteers to support the festival.
The Canadian Power Toboggan Championships will take place March 6 to 7. The event includes snowmobile championship racing on a specialized track, youth and kid games, youth races, and various other activities.
The St. Adolphe Community Club hosted the annual St. Adolphe Winter Carnival Feb. 12 and 13. This event began in 1970 and is an annual gathering for local businesses and winter sports and recreation enthusiasts.
The Community Festivals and Events grant program provides rural and northern communities with operating grants towards organizing a festival that takes place over a minimum of two days. These festivals must be recognized as the community’s signature annual event and promote the understanding, awareness and appreciation of their heritage, culture and identity.
The program supports events that:
- encourage youth participation and leadership;
- reflect, celebrate and profile the unique character of the community;
- foster a sense of identity and pride; and
- contribute to local tourism and economic activity.
For more information on the Community Festivals and Events program, visit gov.mb.ca.
