Winnipeg’s Festival du Voyageur wrapped up on Sunday.
The 49th annual showcase of French-Canadian culture came to a close Feb. 25, but not before 137 groups of family and friends stopped by the Global News Green Screen in the Souvenir Tent.
As sponsors of Louis Riel Day at the festival, Global News staff helped visitors step back in time as they suited up for a photo opportunity.
READ MORE: Photos: Winnipeggers enjoy Global News green screen at Festival du Voyageur 2018
Festival-goers were given a second chance to dress up in voyageur fashion Saturday, Feb. 24 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and pose in front of their choice of scenic backdrops, from a tipi village to a log cabin, iconic snow sculpture or front and centre at Fort Gibraltar.
Images were emailed to each participant, but for fun, you can also see them here:
PHOTO GALLERY – images taken on the closing weekend at the Global News screen screen Feb. 24.
Organizers said attendance this year was 93,400 people over the 10 days, which was down slightly from last year. However, this was the first time admission passes were sold in limited numbers to better manage venue capacity — tickets sold-out on both Saturdays.
Actual attendance at official sites was up this year, thanks to the addition of new official sites and the Rendez-Vous on Ice remaining open for all 4 days. Ice events closed early last year.
RELATED: Unseasonably warm temperatures in Winnipeg creating a melt at Festival du Voyageur (2017)
Festival du Voyageur 2018 featured double the children’s programming over previous years, plus a new play structure. Children 12-years-old and under received free admission.
The Bothwell Cheese Carving Competition Feb. 18 was a fan favourite. Six world-renowned sculptors carved masterpieces out of 40-pound blocks of Bothwell cheese. HGTV’s Carver Kings’ Paul Frenette won with his cheesy rendition of the Green Man.
Want to share your thoughts? Festival organizers have invited participants to fill out a survey on their website. Those who complete the survey will be eligible to win a $500 Via Rail travel certificate.
The 50th edition of Festival du Voyageur will run February 15-24, 2019.