Many communities within the Interlake celebrate their unique heritage and culture & proudly share the rich ethnic history thru these festivals that showcase some of the founding cultures of the Interlake. Find time to relax and enjoy some of these wonderful events this season as you visit our Inland Oceans, Infinite Possibilities in 2009!

Gimli Model Fest- Celebrating Canada's Centennial of Flight - 1909-2009
Take to the air with other remote control model airplane hobbiest or come just to watch in amazement as they zip and glide thru the air. This multi day event showcases radio controlled [R/C] jet, classic, sport and scale model R/C airplanes. While some of the planes are rare others are special to their owners. Friday & Saturday are fun days to practice and visit with the special Air Show on Sunday afternoon.
The air show features jets with miniature turbine jet engines, warbirds, aerobatics, R/C combat, kid's candy drop and much much more in the 3 hours of non stop R/C entertainment.

Icelandic Festival of Manitoba-Celebrating Icelandic Culture& Heritage for the past 119 years
“Islendingadagurinn” The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba brings together the people from Manitoba and around the world to celebrate with food, song, writings, a Viking encampment & displays of Icelandic artifacts. Visit Thingvellir Nyja Island to live the history of the area.

Sand castle contests, Fris-Nok Tournament, Islendingadunk, adult dance on Saturday evening or a parade on Monday,music on the Rooftop- all these offerings providing something for all ages and all tastes. Stroll the waterfront, shop with local merchants or visit one of the three (3) locations of the New Icelandic Heritage Museum. It is not a problem to stay busy and enjoy a fun filled long weekend with family or friends.

This celebration of Icelandic life takes place in Gimli for four (4) days during the August long weekend,start on Friday, relax and enjoy activities through to Monday. Come along and celebrate with your Icelandic friends, immerse yourself in the culture- explore this little piece of the former New Iceland this year.

Manitoba Highland Gathering
Many of the early Red River settlers in the Lower Fort Garry, St. Andrews & Selkirk area were of Scottish Ancestry, some coming as employees of the Hudson Bay Company & many as soldiers and settlers looking for a better life in a new country.

Experience the proud heritage ofthe Scottish clans as they meet at the Manitoba Highland Gathering in Selkirk at the end of June for their 43rd annual gathering.

With a wail of the bagpipes at the Pipe Band Competition, the twirling of a kilt at the Highland Dance competition the air is alive with the sights and sounds of the Scottish heritage for this one day event. Take in events such as the Caber toss in the Heavy Games, Wee Heavy games for the little ones, Manitoba Marathon Canoe & Kayak Championships, Sheep shearing, Sheep Dog Demo, exhibits of Highland Cattle or stroll thru the Scottish market and while you are there check out all the clans ancestral lineage information. You just never know whom you may be related to.

With the downing of a “wee dram”this annual event is sure to make you feel “just a wee bit Scottish”. Come and experience the Centuries-Old Tradition of Colour, Pageantry & Good Times!

Veselka Ukrainian Dance Festival ( Teulon Ukrainian Dance Club)
A rich and vibrant Ukrainian culture is thriving in the heart of the Interlake at Teulon as the Veselka Ukrainian Festival celebrates its 22nd Anniversary in May. Now a two day Festival, dance competitions start on Saturday with the finals on Sunday. "Slava" performs as guests Sunday afternoon.

Traditional foods are available at the concessions. Pancake breakfast on Saturday morning.

Lots of time to check out the dozen or so exhibitors at the Folk Arts Exhibitors display area. Free hands onwork shops in Ukrainian Writing or Dough Art Painting.
A Ukrainian auction, souvenir booths and Ukrainian Genealogical & Historical Society on site for researching your family ties. Come to Teulon, stay for the weekend and enjoy some food, dance and good times with your Ukrainian friends from the Interlake and afar.