Winterfest Celebrations a Big Hit
CKX-TV News ~  February 10, 2009 

Brandonites had a wildly good time at this year’s Winterfest celebrations. “The people are just fantastic, weather cooperated really good for us. So it’s just wonderful,” says Manfred Wicht, coordinator at the German pavilion. 

Revellers came from across the Westman area, lining up to stimulate all their senses with great food and entertainment. "I can’t really tell what I enjoyed the best. We come home just exhausted and what a wonderful time we’ve had,” says Mary Bosman, one of the visitors. 

Whether you were in the mood to listen to some traditional folk music, enjoy some fancy foot work or just dabble in some art, there was something for everyone. While it was a local event, some pavilions had an international crew of volunteers and performers. 

We had acrobats from Tian Jiang China on Thursday and so they were certainly from another country,” says Sue-On Hillman, coordinator at the Chinese pavilion. “And the Wu Shu Lions are actually from Winnipeg and are really a terrific group.” 

The event’s multicultural appeal also helped many new Brandonites feel welcome. And for locals, like Mary Bosman, the event was a happy reminder of how culturally rich the community has become. “It’s so good to see so many of the countries keeping up their traditions, keeping up the Scottish singing, the Icelandic, it doesn’t matter,” she says. 

And now that the celebrations have officially come to an end, organizers say they will start planning for an even bigger event next year. 

• Maple Leaf Pork: All the pork products
• RBC and Maple Leaf: Entertainment
• Marlow Kirton, The Town Centre and Staff: A perfect venue and assistance for any of our needs
• UFCW: Entertainment
• City of Brandon: Financial and opportunity for this event
• Darcy of Sub Shop: Use of their kitchen facilities
• Anna and Collin - Anna's Indulgence: Equipment

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  All the Volunteers: Chinese Community, Maple Leaf employees, BUCSSA (Chinese Students Association) for all the hours prior to and during the festival

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  The Citizens of Brandon and the WestMan area for visiting and supporting our pavilion