The Whoop and Hollar Festival was recognized for Marketing Excellence at this year's Central Manitoba Tourism Awards gala held in Morden.

Festival coordinator Linda Omichinski says they have been trying to raise their profile in Portage la Prairie and the surrounding communities.

"The Central Manitoba Tourism committee felt that we have achieved that through the introduction of the Open Mic and Jam Night which gives Whoop and Hollar regular presence all year round," says Omichinski.

The final Open Mic & Jam Night was held Friday.

Meantime, the lineup has been officially announced for this year's event.

"Our line-up this year features 25 performing acts and that's over 60 musicians," says Artistic Director Josh Wright. "They will be playing over three days at Whoop and Hollar Folk Festival August 23rd to 25th."

Some of the bigger names on the bill includes ATLAAS, D. Rangers, Justin Lacroix, and Raine Hamilton. There are some local acts including Fireball Paul, The Rainy Apparel, Ashes and Dreams, and Roulette.

Early Bird Tickets are now on sale at Hill's Drug Store or can be purchased online at www.whoopandhollar.com.