The Manitoba government is proud to congratulate the organizers and volunteers offering Manitobans a unique opportunity to experience the traditions and activities that celebrate the province’s northern wilderness at the 77th annual Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival.
“Visitors to the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival will experience events that they won’t be able to see anywhere else,” said Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Glen Simard. “We are proud to be able to join the people of The Pas while they showcase their sense of community, their respect for history, and their instinct for fun.”
Despite the cancellation of the world champion dog races due to lack of snow, the festival’s other popular events will continue as usual. Events such as the ice worm and weasel hunt, the smoked fish and cured meat contest, and the bannock baking contest will once again delight attendees, the minister noted.
Held annually in February, the event is one of the oldest winter festivals in Manitoba and celebrates the rich culture and history of northern pioneers. The 2024 festival is also supported with a grant of $25,000 through the Department of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism’s community festival and events program.
The theme of this year’s festival is ‘let your spirit soar in 2024,’ a theme that will likely be reflected in the faces of those visitors who enjoy the king and queen trapper competition, the fur queen competition or the snow and ice sculpting and decorating contest, the minister noted.
This year’s celebration runs until Feb. 18.
