Manitoba Chamber of Commerce
Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1120525
32 SPRING 2019 of $9.7 million, according to a study completed in 2010. Revenue is reinvested in both the community and the festival site, which now boasts a 14,000-seat amphitheatre, paved roads, upgraded campgrounds and other amenities. Dowhan notes that festival funds have been invested in a range of community projects, including Dauphin's recreation centre, an indoor swimming pool and the Countryfest Community Cinema. Community groups whose volunteers provide services to the festival also share in its success. "It's a big enterprise and it's been really great for our community," Dowhan says. "We've got about $150,000 worth of volunteering every year because about 100 volunteers get involved. For some groups, it is the only time of year they raise funds." Waloschuk, who also promotes Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa, among other events, spends $3 million on festival acts before they hit the stage. A total of about $4.5 million is spent on the festival before the first ticket is sold, he says. "We once spent $150,000 on one act (Alabama)," he says. "That used to be our entire budget. But it was the first year we sold out, possibly our 10th anniversary." Countryfest Inc., which operates year- round with three full-time employees, has built a reserve fund over the years. It relies on generous corporate sponsorship as well as ticket sales. "If we break even, we're a success," Waloschuk says. Most fans ride in from Winnipeg, but Countryfest draws visitors from Saskatchewan, Alberta, North Dakota, Ontario and farther afield. "We've also had fans from P.E.I., Newfoundland and even Europe," Dowhan says. The festival site itself is a drawing card. While fans at most outdoor music festivals spread tarps on the ground or bring along small lawn chairs, Countryfest's amphitheatre is built into a hillside, so every seat has a good view of the stage. The site will be adapted for athletes and sports fans when Dauphin hosts the 2020 Manitoba Summer Games. Learn more at countryfest.ca. ■ DAUPHIN'S COUNTRYFEST << CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS