MANITOBA GOVERNMENT GRANTS $500,000 TO DAUPHIN'S COUNTRYFEST

The Manitoba government is providing $500,000 in one-time grant funding to ensure the continued success of Dauphin's Countryfest, Premier Wab Kinew and Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism Minister Nellie Kennedy announced today.

"As Manitobans are increasingly impacted by tariffs down south, it's important to preserve the organizations here at home that create economic activity, drive tourism and support culture - making us proud," said Kinew. "Supporting this event will make sure country music lovers can continue to kick off their summer with first-class entertainment."

With the help of more than 2,000 volunteers, Dauphin's Countryfest is the longest-running Canadian country music festival. In addition to internationally well-known and well-established headliners, the festival frequently showcases local Manitoba-based artists, noted the premier.

"Dauphin's Countryfest has played an important role in launching the careers of Manitoba artists and is a driving force in supporting the vitality of the Dauphin area and community," said Kennedy.

"Our government is proud to provide this grant funding to ensure the festival's continued success."

Dauphin's Countryfest is an important event for the City of Dauphin, which relies on the festival's success to provide important investments that drive economic activity in the region, noted the minister, adding the festival also supports a variety of community initiatives and organizations.

"Our board is beyond thrilled with the provincial government's acknowledgement of just how vital a role we play in Manitoba," said Duane McMaster, president, Dauphin's Countryfest. "We are truly thankful to be able to invite all Manitobans to once again join us at Canada's longest-running country music festival, not just this year but for many years to come."

The 2025 festival runs from June 26 to 29 at the Selo Ukraina site, 10 kilometres south of Dauphin.