The Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival's dream of being a multi-day event is facing some obstacles.

The 7th annual event was scheduled for August 23rd - 25th, but this may have to change after the Portage la Prairie RM meeting Tuesday morning.

At the meeting, the Festival's 2017 Conditional Use Application was reviewed and it was found that the intentions of the application (a one-day event, with far fewer people) did not match the intentions of this year's planned event.

Reeve Kam Blight reveals this was not an easy decision to make, but, as of now, the 2019 Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival will only be a one-day event.

"The festival has changed," says Blight. "What we're seeing is it's outgrowing its venue. We support them growing the event but, unfortunately, we have to protect ag, residents in the area, and we have a responsibility to the safety of those attending the event"

There is a chance the festival could become a multi-day event. For that to happen, the festival organizers will have to apply for a new conditional use swiftly. With that, another public hearing process would commence.

Blight outlines the RM has asked the Portage la Prairie Planning District to wave the conditional use application fee. The Planning District does not have to grant it, and if that is the case, the RM will have to look into covering the cost.

Blight stresses, timing is tight, and the Council Recognizes that.

"Unfortunately, it's not up to the municipality. It's up to people hosting the event to do their due diligence and to make sure that all the applications and permits are in and everything fits within the proper zoning and conditional use, etc.," says Blight. "I hope that it can get done."

We reached out to the Festival organizers, but they did not want to comment at this time.