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"Filthy Lucre" opens on the main stage of the Rockin' the Fields classic rock festival, last summer in Minnedosa. The local band also opened at the festival in its first incarnation back in 1996.
A Manitoba entry in WestJet’s "Canada’s Favourite Festival" contest is within reach of the coveted title.
Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa is in the top spot provincially and ranked fifth in the country.
While the community-run festival is no size match for last year’s overall winner — and current leading favourite — the Calgary Stampede; the Minnedosa music fest makes it big by living up to its "by the fans, for the fans" tagline.
Organized by 11 board members, 160 co-operative members and run by roughly 300 volunteers, the annual event draws more than 4,000 people over the August long weekend.
This year marks the 10th annual Rockin’ the Fields taking place at Lake Minnedosa from Aug. 3-5.
Canada’s favourite festival wins bragging rights and a special trophy — and for all named on the list, it’s a chance to be noticed.
"(The attention) is something we believe is important for some of the smaller or lesser-known festivals," said WestJet spokesperson Jennifer Sanford.
Manitoba’s festivals are getting a lot of love as the province has 41 listed entries out of 450 from across Canada. Manitoba’s second pick and 38th overall, is Winnipeg’s multicultural festival, Folklorama. Brandon’s own Lieutenant Governor’s Winter Festival is in third for the province, followed closely by the Threshermen’s Reunion and Stampede from Austin — last year’s top pick in the province.
Brandon is also represented by the Brandon Folk, Music and Art Festival and the Augustfest Homecoming Concerts.
Last year, more than 10,000 Canadians voted and this year that number has already surpassed 75,000.
Some festivals have duplicate entries, with votes currently split between two versions.
Fans can go to westjet.com to submit their vote and enter to win prizes until Nov. 30. Two draws have already taken place, and three more are coming up on July 1, July 15 and Nov. 30. Prizes include gift packages to Halifax International Buskers Festival, The Fair at Pacific National Exhibition Festival and Winterlude Festival.
For an interactive map of Manitoba’s entries and where they rank on the list, visit brandonsun.com.
» dponticelli@brandonsun.com
Republished from the Brandon Sun print edition June 12, 2012
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A Manitoba entry in WestJet’s "Canada’s Favourite Festival" contest is within reach of the coveted title.
Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa is in the top spot provincially and ranked fifth in the country.
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A Manitoba entry in WestJet’s "Canada’s Favourite Festival" contest is within reach of the coveted title.
Rockin’ the Fields of Minnedosa is in the top spot provincially and ranked fifth in the country.
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