The Manitoba government is proud to participate and officially kick off the 54th edition of the Festival du Voyageur, the largest annual winter festival in Western Canada.
“As Manitobans, we pride ourselves on how much we celebrate and embrace winter and the many outdoor activities that provide us the opportunity to celebrate our province’s rich history, diversity and beautiful landscapes,” said Premier Heather Stefanson. “Festival du Voyageur is one of the province’s signature festivals and I encourage Manitobans and visitors alike to take in the many experiences at Fort Gibraltar including music, sculptures, contests and historical interpretations that honour and celebrate the fur-trading era and its lasting legacy.”
The Manitoba government is providing nearly $325,000 to support this year’s festival, which runs Feb. 17-26, the premier noted.
“Every winter, I look forward to Festival du Voyageur, from the lively fiddling and jigging to the awe-inspiring snow sculptures,” said Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Obby Khan. “I am especially honoured to celebrate the ‘joie de vivre’ and voyageur spirit this year as Manitoba’s new minister of sport, culture and heritage.”
The festival received special designation in 2019 under the Celebrate Manitoba program, which recognizes long-running community events, fairs and festivals that have celebrated the province’s heritage for at least 50 years, Khan noted.
Festival du Voyageur Inc. also received a $75,000 grant to support infrastructure improvements in Whittier Park to reduce the costs of heating temporary venues. The grant was received through the 2022-23 Building Sustainable Communities program, which helps build thriving sustainable communities.
Additionally in 2022-23, grants of $100,000 were provided from the Manitoba Arts Council through the Manitoba government’s Arts and Culture Sustainability Funds and of nearly $32,000 through the Urban/Hometown Green Team Program to support youth employment opportunities in grounds maintenance and tourism activities.
“Festival du Voyageur has strong ties to the francophone and Métis communities, and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors each year,” said Families Minister Rochelle Squires. “Through music, cuisine and historical interpretation activities, the festival has been bringing history to life for over half a century.”
The festival also hosts a number of events throughout the year that reach another 100,000 visitors, added Squires.
“Festival du Voyageur is the largest francophone event in Western Canada and thanks in part to the Manitoba government’s support, this year we are reopening with our biggest edition yet,” said Darrel Nadeau, executive director, Festival du Voyageur Inc. “We look forward to welcoming back Manitobans from all walks of life to Voyageur Park to create memories and live special moments that only in-person events can deliver.”
To learn more about Festival du Voyageur, visit heho.ca.
