While the night didn't end with an award in their hands, those with Whoop & Hollar Folk Fest were grateful to be recognized among some of the Province's best when it comes to promoting Manitoba.

The Manitoba Tourism Awards were presented in Winnipeg on April 17, with nine awards up for grabs. The Whoop & Hollar Folk Fest was named a finalist for Event of the Year but ultimately lost to the Gimli Ice Festival.

Festival Coordinator and President Linda Omichinski says it was a night to remember despite the result.

"It felt like the Oscars," notes Omichinski. "I mean, I don't know what the Oscars feel like, except while watching it on TV, but it was so well done and so well put together. We were thrilled to be one of the finalists."

Josh Wright, Vice-President and Artistic Director, adds they were thrilled to meet members from other organizations in the Province that are all working to improve tourism in Manitoba.

"Seeing the joy and experiences that the folks attending the festival are participating in is enlightening and inspiring for our committee to continue doing what we do," states Wright.

As the festival has been around for ten years, they thank the volunteers, partners, sponsors, and festivalgoers for allowing them to continue hosting such events.

"The community coming together from all walks of life is something that is a central pillar to Whoop & Hollar," notes Wright. "Creating joy and memorable experiences and inclusion for populations and groups who are marginalized to be on stage and also to take part in it in an accessible and affordable way has gotten us to where we are as an organization."

The Whoop & Hollar Folk Fest will hold its final Open Mic and Jam Night at the Legion on Friday, April 26.

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