The 130th edition of Gimli's Icelandic Festival is in the books.

This year's festivities included a Viking village, sand-castle building competitions, a Viking battle and so much more.

Margaret Bjarnson was born in Gimli but has since moved to British Columbia. She talks about why she keeps coming back to Gimli for the festival.

"There are 22 of us in the family here and every year we come back (to Gimli) and we love it, the kids love it."

The First Icelandic Festival was held in Winnipeg from 1880-1931, before moving to its current home in Gimli. Bjarnson outlines why Gimli is a popular tourist destination.

"I think a lot of it is some of us grew up here and we bring our kids here too, Says Bjarnson. "It's also busy, it's peaceful, and it's by the lake."

Barb Teichroeb's a volunteer for STARS Air Ambulance, and thinks it's because of the culture.

"It's for the Icelandic people because is for that specifically," says Teichroeb. "It's also for the water (because) it's hot and everybody wants to go to the beach."

This year's festival wrapped up Monday.