Festival du Voyageur branded a roaring success for Winnipeg

They jigged, feasted and sported longbeardsat Winnipeg'sFestival du Voyageur over the last 10 days, and now organizers aresinging its praises and preparing for Manitoba'syear-longhomecoming event in 2010.

The festival's 40th anniversary year was one of the most successful ever, according to officials.

The final numbers are not yet in, but executive director Josee Vaillancourt is certain the 2009 version of the festival attracted more than100,000 people.

"We project that we will hit 105,000 people this year," she said. "It's quite impressive for us to be able to pass the 100,000 mark."

In 2008, there were 95,0000who passed through the festival's gates.

Vaillancourt said the eventhas grown in part because organizers are targeting new arrivals to Manitoba, particularly people who already appreciate the French culture.

"[We have been] able to tailor to the new generation of francophones in Manitoba, which includes a lot of Africans," she said.

Many recent immigrants to Manitoba come from African countries where French is a first language.

Plansin placefor next year

Even though the snow sculptures have not yet begun to melt away, and the scent of maple syrup treats still lingers in the St. Boniface air, festival organizers are already preparing for next year.

They are partnering with 2010 Homecoming Manitoba for some big events and hope to have a tie-in with the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well.

Saison Voyageur, a celebration of winter events throughout January and February in 2010, will be partof Manitoba Homecoming.

The partnership between Manitoba Homecoming, the Festival du Voyageur and The Forks, is planned to bring together established winter events and create new attractions.

'Saison Voyageur will brand Winnipeg's winter season ...and at the same time celebrate our true community spirit.' Kevin Walters, Manitoba Homecoming 2010

Kicking off with the winter solstice in December, Saison Voyageur will promoteoutdoor events that celebrate winter in Winnipeg, including the Assiniboine Credit Union River Trail and the Arctic Glacier Winter Park.

Itwill finish with 10 days of celebrations during the Festival du Voyageur.

Along with those events, Saison Voyageur willintegrate many other cultural eventsindoors and outdoors during the first two months of the new year.

"With these and all the other winter activities, carnivals and festivals that are synonymous with winter in our province, Saison Voyageur will brand Winnipeg's winter season as an exciting place to come and play and at the same time celebrate our true community spirit," said Kevin Walters, executive director of Manitoba Homecoming 2010.