Festival du Voyageur reveals programming for its 47th edition

SAINT-BONIFACE,– This morning at Fort Gibraltar, Festival du Voyageur revealed the programming for its 47th edition, taking place February 12 to 21, 2016. As indicated by this year’s slogan, put on your tuque and mitts, tie up your moccasins and BE VOYAGEUR!

THE LARGEST MUSIC SELECTION EVER!

This year, over 140 artists will be showcased at Voyageur Park as well as in our 9 other official sites during the 10 days of the Festival! Franco-Manitoban acts Carmen Campagne, Jocelyne Baribeau, Marijo, Ça Claque! and more will be performing this year. The Festival is also proud to welcome artists from outside the province such as Cœur de Pirate (Quebec), Les Poules à Colin (Quebec), Les Hay Babies (New Brunswick), Vishten (Prince Edward Island), and Sweet Crude (Louisiana). Many Anglophone acts are also part of this year’s programming, including The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer (British Columbia), Del Barber (Manitoba), Rosie & the Riveters (Saskatchewan), and Andino Suns (Saskatchewan).

A BRAND NEW THEMED TENT FEATURED AT VOYAGEUR PARK

This year, Festival du Voyageur offers, for the very first time, unique and diversified programming in the new themed tent. The Université de Saint-Boniface Portage Tent will have its’ doors open for both weekends offering themed nights such as: Karaoke Night, Singles Night (on Valentine’s Day) and a Board Game Night in collaboration with Across the Board! The new Market Days will be held on Saturdays, February 13 and 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to visit kiosks of over a dozen local vendors and artisans that will display unique and high quality products.

ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGES

Voyageur Park is the ideal location to celebrate winter! The young ones can enjoy a winter playground with a snow maze, snow slides, voyageur adventures, hills to climb, instruments, arts and crafts, games, horse-drawn sleigh rides, a giant igloo and much more! Adults can participate in one of the many free snowshoe workshops, relax at the Liquor Mart Snow Bar, shop for unique items in the Souvenir Tent, sip on a hot beverage in Bar Gibraltar or take part in the Voyageur Apprentice Workshops and learn more about Manitoba’s history at Fort Gibraltar.

#BERIEL FOR LOUIS RIEL DAY

To celebrate Louis Riel Day presented by Global News on February 15, Festival du Voyageur offers a full day of events for all ages. There will be loads of activities at Fort Gibraltar, such as traditional trades and crafts demonstrations, fiddling and jigging workshops, and much more. We will also unveil the giant

Louis Riel mosaic, created with photos submitted by the public over the past year! We are accepting photos until January 15, 2016.

A PLETHORA OF SHOWS AT OUR OFFICIAL SITES

In addition to Voyageur Park, nine other official sites will offer special programming during the 2016 Festival du Voyageur. The Voyageur Trading Post (Centre culturel franco-manitobain), Le Garage, l’Auberge du violon, Pionniers Trading Post, Club St-B, Rendez-vous on Ice, The Marion Hotel, Mon Ami Louis, and The Wood will all be open to those looking to extend the party! The Community Night presented by La Liberté will take place in the evening of Saturday, February 20 at the CCFM where we will unveil the new

Official Voyageurs as well as the Honorary Capot recipient! The Rendez-vous on Ice, located at The Forks where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet on the Red River Mutual Trail, will be open to the public from February 12 to 15 and will offer an outdoor bar, a fashion show on ice, a family day and more. The complete programming of our official sites is available on our website at www.heho.ca.

CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS OPENS FIRST OUTDOOR EXHIBIT AT FDV

To celebrate 100 years since women first won the right to vote in Canada, the CMHR launches its first-ever outdoor exhibition at Festival du Voyageur. Let Them Howl: 100 Years in the Women’s Rights Struggle features large reproductions of portraits (mostly from Library and Archives Canada) of women who broke gender barriers: from Nellie McClung to Beverley McLachlin. Did you know Manitoba was the first province to legalize voting for women?

SHUTTLE SERVICE: EASY AND FREE FOR ALL!

Again this year, Festival du Voyageur offers a free shuttle service provided by Exclusive Bus Lines, in order to help lessen traffic around Voyageur Park and to enhance the visitor experience. The shuttle’s route will take it from the Centre LaVérendrye free parking lot (614, Des Meurons street), to Université de Saint-Boniface free parking lot (entrance on Despins St.), to Voyageur Park. The shuttle will stop every 20 minutes at these designated parking lots.

LAST WEEK FOR THE PRE-SALE OF 10-DAY FDV PASSES

The 10-day Voyageur Pass, which gives you access to Voyageur Park and free or discounted admission to all Festival du Voyageur sites is on pre-sale until January 15 at the Festival du Voyageur offices (233 Provencher blvd.), at 233-ALLÔ as well as online at www.heho.ca. They are also on sale in Safeway stores throughout Winnipeg at its regular price of $32 for adults (18 and over), $16 for youth (13-17 years old) and $11 for children (6-12). Admission is free for children 5 and under.

For additional information regarding Festival du Voyageur, download the newest version of our free mobile application available for iOs and Android devices developed by Greencopper, visit our website at www.heho.ca, like our Facebook page or follow our Twitter account.

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Source :
Dominique Tétrault, Communications Assistant
(204) 258-2563
dtetrault@heho.ca

To coordinate an interview :
Jean-Bocar Diallo, Marketing Assistant
(204) 258-2564
jbdiallo@heho.ca

NT5