Folklorama

MAKE TONIGHT MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER NIGHT Enjoyadeliciouscocktailandmouthwateringsteak duringFolkloramathisyear. SOUTHSIDE ST.JAMES GARRYSTREET 2034McGillivrayBlvd 2553PortageAve 115GarrySt 204.477.5300 204.885.5275 204.942.7619 after 46 years, Folklorama continues to captivate visitors as the world's largest and longest-running multicultural festival. E very year during the first two weeks of August, Folklorama showcases a global array of cultures by hosting volunteer-run pavilions in venues across the city. Pavilions feature delectable cultural cuisine alongside live entertainment such as singing and dancing, as well as cultural displays featuring art, historical items and cultural attire. For many, the festival has become a highly anticipated summer tradition not to be missed. "The second I say 'Folklorama' to someone, the first thing they do is smile and the second thing they do is tell me their story about their own experience," says Debra Zoerb, executive director of Folklorama. "We all go to Folklorama and experience it in our own ways." Folklorama launched in 1970 with 21 pavilions. Intended as a one-time event celebrating Manitoba's 100th birthday, it proved so popular it has been held every year since. Today, approximately 20,000 volunteers from community groups participate, bringing in roughly 3,000 performers who always amaze audiences. Folklorama receives approximately 400,000 visits to pavilions each year — from Manitobans and tour groups from the U.S. and visitors from as far abroad as Japan, Paraguay and Iceland. This year's festival boasts 43 pavilions, with 21 welcoming visitors in the first week (Aug. 2-8) and 22 open during the second week (Aug. 9-15). While every year sees different or new pavilions — Zoerb explains that many smaller communities in Winnipeg can participate only every two years or so — returning pavilions always make the effort to bring in new experiences, performers or displays. With so much to see and so many ways to experience the festivities, it's not surprising that Folklorama has proven so consistently popular. "When you visit pavilions, you really do feel like you're being welcomed into these communities," says Zoerb. This year, visitors can look forward to the new Cuban Pavilion. As well, there are three returning pavilions: Hungaria Pavilion, Indo-Caribbean Paradise Pavilion, and Indochina Chinese Pavilion. Folklorama continues to be remarkably affordable, with admission free for children under 12 and only $6 for youths, adults and seniors, per pavilion. Guests who plan to visit multiple pavilions can also buy discounted package admissions. For those looking to experience Folklorama in a new way this year, Zoerb suggests organizing a customized VIP Tour. Ranging in price from only $54.95 (two pavilions) to $69.95 (three pavilions), VIP tours offer an extra special time at Folklorama: admission to pavilions with transportation between, bypassing lineups, guided tours of cultural displays, and a progressive meal served at a reserved table during the shows. Adding to the fun, guests can also select walking or cycling VIP tours for $34.95, allowing you to take in city sights, enjoy the summer weather and exercise between shows. Groups of 15 people or more can arrange for customized VIP tours, selecting the pavilions of their choice or going with a specific theme — for example, Eastern European pavilions or Latin American pavilions. "We can customize almost anything that people can come up with," says Zoerb, adding that people have hosted customized tours for bachelorette parties, corporate events, family reunions or simply to get together with friends and have a good time. Two of the most popular choices continue to be the late-night and party tours, which cater to those who want to stay out and enjoy a lively atmosphere. Packages include shows, meals and limited alcoholic beverages, and the party tour finishes off at a late-night dance party. Folklorama officially begins July 25 with the Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries Folklorama Kick-Off, a free event at the Festival Park Stage at The Forks from 4-11 p.m. The Kick-Off includes cultural demonstrations and children's activities, followed by local and international performers onstage at 7 p.m. and finishes with fireworks at 11 p.m. The pavilions will be open for visitors Aug. 2-15. Plan your visit by exploring Folklorama's website at www. folklorama.ca, where you can download a 2015 Travel Guide and pavilion map. You can also follow Folklorama on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Travel Guides are also available throughout Winnipeg at Manitoba Liquor Marts, Cambrian Credit Unions, Vickar Automotive Group dealerships, 7-Eleven stores, select hotels and tourism booths, and at the Folklorama office located on the second floor of 183 Kennedy St. ❚ PASSPORT TO CULTURE by kathrynE CardWEll for the Free press

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