World's largest social planned for Manitoba Homecoming

The organizers of Manitoba Homecoming 2010, the year-long celebration markingthe province's140th birthday, say they will aim to holdworld's largest social as part of the festivities.

The plan is to electronically link a series of socials across Manitoba, said Kevin Walters from Destination Winnipeg, one of thecreators ofHomecoming, along with Travel Manitoba and the provincial government.

"We have applied to the Guinness Book of World Records," Walters told politicians at Winnipeg City Hall on Monday as he spoke about the big party. "We've had some fun trying to explain to them exactly what a social is, but we think we've got over that hump and are moving forward in that way."

Socials are known throughout Manitoba as popular community gatherings, often used to raisefunds.

The Homecoming celebration will include special events and festivals across the province throughout the year and will aim to draw Manitobans from otherparts of Canada back to their home province for the festivities.

"From partnerships with existing events and festivals to new stand-alone events created specifically to celebrate Homecoming, there truly will be something for everyone," the Homecoming website states.

The province is expecting 50,000 visitors to attend the events andput $30 million into the economy.

One of Winnipeg's biggest winter events, Festival du Voyageur, has already announced its plans to create Saison Voyageur, a special version of the annual festival that will include established winter events and new attractions for the Homecoming.