MBiz

Midwest Clockwise from left: The Trews, Finger Eleven and Trooper are among the acts that have rocked the fields in recent years, drawing thousands of fans and earning the festival a Travel Manitoba Partnership Award (at right). Photos supplied by Minnedosa Area Community Development Corp. I t's only rock 'n' roll, but fans of Minnedosa's annual summer music festival like it — a lot.  Organized as a not-for-profit cooperative, Rockin' the Fields of Minnedosa has been run by volunteers for the past 10 years. Recently, it received a Travel Manitoba Partnership Award in recognition of the immense community effort that's made it a success. Held over the August long weekend, the threeday festival attracts some 4,000 fans, along with bands that this year included Theory of a Deadman, The Trews and classic rock acts like Trooper.  Over the years, the music mix has expanded from hits of the '70s and '80s to represent several eras, with a greater emphasis on having something for every generation. Sandra Ingenmey, economic development officer for the Minnedosa Area Community Development Corporation, nominated Rockin' the Fields for the tourism award. It also earned the regional Wesman award before being advanced for the provincial honour. "For a small town to be recognized for a signature event run by volunteers is pretty nice," she says. "It's an honour for the group." It's also an impressive feat given that the planning committee and other volunteers took the reins after the defunct Little River Rockfest failed in 2003, and built the festival into a major attraction without a professional concert promoter. "The festival would not be as successful as it is without the volunteers," Ingenmey says.  "They're running the main gate, they're directing and organizing camping and ticket sales, they're running the bars and token booths." Money raised stays within the community, going back to those dedicated volunteers and the organizations they support. "They may be volunteering on behalf of the golf club or as part of the wildlife committee and Rockin' the Fields pays these groups for their volunteer efforts," Ingenmey explains.  "Over the past 10 years they've given out in excess of $200,000. All of these volunteers step Midwest Hamiota Chamber of Commerce Minnedosa Chamber of Commerce Neepawa & District Chamber of Commerce forward and say, 'I'll give my time' for whomever. It's a real trade and everyone's involved in some capacity." Increased traffic in the community also has benefits for area businesses and Ingenmey says there have been measurable results. "We don't know, for instance, how many people are spending money at the pharmacy, but what we do know is banks are loving it. Their ATM withdrawals are huge and you know it's not leaving," she says. "Either it's spent at the rock site, or it's going out for breakfast." Tourists might also support the golf course, Lake Minnedosa beach businesses and the local farmers' market while they're in the area. The RM of Minto and Minnedosa's business community get behind the festival each year. Sponsorships, service agreements and generous financial support help the organization bring in higher-profile bands — which generates ticket sales and draws more tourists. Even the fields that give the festival its name are donated.  "The site belongs to a farmer who the festival works with to develop and make enhancements. Where everybody camps, that's pasture land. It's swathed and then it's mowed, but it's still farmland, and for one weekend a year it becomes festival land," Ingenmey explains. Sensors have been placed within the field to mark the campground boundaries, allowing farming to continue uninterrupted.  The community will come together once again in 2014, building on the festival's success as it keeps on rockin' into its second decade.  Rivers & District Chamber of Commerce Wasagaming Chamber of Commerce New & Noteworthy >> Pharmacist Kyle Skayman returned to Hamiota to launch his career after graduating from the University of Manitoba. The son of Gwenda and Dallas Skayman, Kyle is the new owner/ manager of Super Thrifty Drug Mart. He's also a new member of the Hamiota Chamber of Commerce. Super Thrifty Drug Mart is a shopping destination for greeting cards, gifts, handbags and other merchandise. >> Riding Mountain UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve organized the seventh annual Caching Riding Mountain Adventure Quest this summer, inviting teams to search for 50 geocaches throughout Riding Mountain National Park. The reserve also continued its At the Farm Gate project, encouraging visitors and residents to support local food producers and artisans. The RMBR's mission is to foster and encourage a sustainable, community-based regional economy with high biodiversity, landscape and social values. www.rmbr.ca MBiz November 2013 25

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