January 24, 2013

MANITOBA'S WINTER FESTIVALS OFFER OPPORTUNITY FOR FAMILIES TO EXPLORE MANITOBA'S DIVERSE CULTURE

– – –
Communities Across Province Hosting Events that Celebrate the Season: Marcelino

Manitobans are encouraged to head out to one of the many festivals being held this winter to check out the different entertainment opportunities offered across the province, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Flor Marcelino said today.
“The province proudly supports a number of winter festivals that provide Manitoba families the opportunity to explore the beauty and wonder of the winter season across the province,” said Marcelino.  “From celebrating our history at Festival du Voyageur to listening to great music at the Brandon Jazz Festival, these festivals offer something for everyone.”
This year, the province is providing more than $426,000 in grants through a number of programs to support winter festivals across the province including:

• the Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 in Brandon;
• the New Music Festival from Jan. 28 to Feb. 2 in Winnipeg;
• Blizzard Fest from Feb. 8 to 9 in Carman;
• theGrand Marais Family Festival from Feb. 8 to 10;
• theNorthern Manitoba Trappers Festival from Feb. 13 to 17 in The Pas;
• Festival du Voyageur from Feb. 15 to 24 in Winnipeg;
• Aurora Winterfest from March 15 to 24 in Churchill;
• theBrandon Jazz Festival from March 14 to 16;
• Cormorant Aboriginal Days from March 13 to 16;
• Festival Manipogo de Saint-Laurent from March 7 to 10;
• Freeze Frame, the International Film Festival for Kids of All Ages from March 2 to 10 in Winnipeg; and
• theLundar Winter Carnival from March 15 to 17.

“We know that festivals in rural and northern communities are a key to bringing friends and families together to celebrate and share experiences,” said Marcelino.  “We’re proud to provide these kinds of grant opportunities to support the work of people in rural areas and the north.”

- 30 -