Skip lines, snag your Folklorama ticket online for the first time

Winnipeg's summer celebration of world culturesis getting with the times and selling tickets online.

Guests atthis year's Folkloramawill be able to buy tickets on the festival website in advance of the opening day on Sunday. It's the first time in the 49-year run of the festival that patrons won't be stuck in ticket lines at pavilions.

TeresaCotroneo, acting executive director ofFolklorama, said tickets to individual pavilions will beavailable online until one hour before show time. After that, tickets will also be sold at the door if there are any left.

"We are encouraging guests to buy online tickets in advance to make their festival experience customized and convenient," she said.

"Waiting in line to get into a particular show is a thing of the past as guests are guaranteed entrance to the show time they purchase tickets for."

In celebration of the festival's long track record of highlighting Manitoba's rich cultural diversity, Manitoba Culture Minister Cathy Cox said the province has officially declared Aug. 5-18 "FolkloramaWeeks" in Manitoba.

"I challenge each and every one of you to come out and try and visit every one of those pavilions this year," she said Tuesday surrounded by a crowd of dancers and volunteers representing some of the 44 pavilions.

"Challenge accepted," said Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman. "Winnipeg is a diverse city that takes a great pride in its growing diversity."

Bowman said there are common themes every year of the festival a focus on food, family and pride in one's culture meant to unite allManitobans.

"As we know with forces around the world, trying to divide people based on racial and ethnic differences, I think we need more Folkloramas in the world today more than ever before," he said.

Folkloramareported more than 400,000 visits last year.The event relies on support from its base of more than 20,000 volunteers. The festival runs from Aug. 5-18.

What's in store at 49th annual Folklorama festival

6 years ago

Duration 3:13

Folklorama acting executive director Teresa Cotroneo tells CBC reporter Bryce Hoye all about what's in store at this year's Folklorama festival.