Portage la Prairie RM Council had quite a lengthy deliberation yesterday on the issue of the local Whoop and Hollar folk festival taking place Saturday, September 9, just east of Portage. Reeve Kam Blight weighs in.

"The organizers have been promoting and advertising this event," says Blight. "There were certain individuals who came across this and realized maybe there should be more control over what is happening at this event, and that certain permits are required. The organizers were made aware of that, and they've applied for a permit for their campground, so to speak."

Spokesperson Josh Wright says some were in attendance opposing the festival due to planned camping at a second site located south of the festival grounds where trailers were slated to stay overnight, making use of possible bonfires during these current dry conditions.

Organizer Linda Omichinski says peak season of farm equipment moving down the roads was also a concern. She adds the RM concluded the festival could carry on without the second site available to campers as well as only allowing vehicles to park on the north side of Highway 331 and west side of Road 34 west.

She adds all parties are now pleased with the outcome.