Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION

Provincial boost for Folk Fest plan

BIRDS HILL PARK - The Selinger government catered to a key component of its voter base - Winnipeg Folk Festival fans - by announcing a contribution to the festival's capital campaign.

The folk festival is trying to raise $6 million in cash or future commitments by the end of this year, to help pay for improvements that include new forested stage areas and a bus loop at the Birds Hill Park site.

The province pledged Saturday afternoon to spend $650,000 over two years on the plan. As a result, the festival has now raised $4.3 million and will seek individual and corporate donations in an effort to meet the target, said festival spokeswoman Margaret Koshinsky.

While the five-day festival caps its paid attendance at 14,000 people per day, the site can be crowded on the busiest days and short on shaded areas.

So far this weekend, paid attendance has been an average of 10,215 a day, based on figures from Wednesday through Friday.

Tonight's mainstage headliner is DeVotchKa, a Slavic-influenced band from Denver.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Fire destroys Manitoba Ave home, residents escape

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Goslings with some size head for cover Wednesday afternoon on Commerce Drive in Tuxedo Business Park - See Bryksa 30 Goose Challenge- Day 12- May 16, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)
  • PHIL.HOSSACK@FREEPRESS.MB.CA 100527-Winnipeg Free Press THe Provencher Foot Bridge is lit up

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Will you go see the kangaroos at the Australian Outback zoo exhibit?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google