February 15, 2017
Manitoba Congratulates 70th Annual Trappers' Festival
THE PAS—The province congratulates the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival as it prepares for its 70th celebration of northern traditions and activities, Premier Brian Pallister and Sport, Culture and Heritage Minister Rochelle Squires announced here today.
“Northern Manitoba is a vibrant, exciting place with a unique landscape that allows for visitors to experience activities not found many other places and which boasts communities and a culture with a special connection to the great outdoors,” Pallister said. “I would like to both congratulate the festival’s organizers and host community and encourage Manitobans to add The Pas’ Trappers’ Festival to their list of must-do Manitoba events.”
Held annually in February, the Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival is one of the oldest winter festivals in Western Canada and celebrates the heritage and culture of the northern pioneer. The festival is supported through Manitoba Sport, Culture and Heritage’s Community Festivals and Events program.
The five-day celebration features championship dogsled races that attract mushers from around the world, adult and youth trapper competitions, and chainsaw events. The festival also offers music and jigging, a torch light parade and Fur Queen contest.
“The Trappers’ Festival is an iconic tradition that celebrates the unique northern way of life, while at the same time reminding us all that we have much in common,” Squires said. “As a community gathering, the festival is an important link to our history and I’m pleased to join the premier and other colleagues from the legislative assembly at this important community event.”
Pallister and Squires were accompanied by Growth, Enterprise and Trade Minister Cliff Cullen and three government MLAs. Members also participated in I Love to Read Month and Mini-Trappers at Kelsey School, and meetings with the leadership of The Pas, Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN) and the RM of Kelsey.
For more information on the 2017 Northern Manitoba Trappers’ Festival, visit:
www.trappersfestival.ca.
- 30 -