Gimli Icelandic Festival (CHRISD.CA FILE)
One of the oldest festivals in North America is marking its 125th anniversary this weekend in Gimli.
Islendingadagurinn, more commonly known as the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba, will celebrate Icelandic history, culture, and its contribution to life in Manitoba.
Festivities run August 1-4 and begin with the opening of Viking Village at Harbour Park Hill at 3 p.m. The vikings will reside on Harbour Park Hill for the weekend, and live like authentic 800 A.D. period Vikings. “Battles” will be held every day at 3 p.m., and the entire village will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for visitors who want to see Viking jewelers, wood carvers and other authentic demonstrations. Wonder Shows Midway and Rides opens at 5 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. the Diageo Gimli Sigur Rock gets underway at the Lakeview Harbour Stage featuring Pop Crimes and other acts.
“We are pleased to create the new park as a legacy to our host community of Gimli and to provide enjoyment for park goers for generations to come,” said Cam Arnason, IFM president. “The IFM will be engaging with community members, festival goers and supporters to receive feedback as plans for the park develop.”
Saturday’s highlights include the sandcastle contest and an Icelandic fashion show.
For a list of festival events and to see a site map, visit IcelandicFestival.com.
