27 nominees and dozens of sponsors and guests gathered at the Backyard on Aberdeen on the night of Thursday, June 11 to celebrate the best of Westman’s tourism industry and recognize winners in nine categories.
Awards for categories ranging from large events to small businesses to volunteers took centre stage at the gala, which saw a celebration of the passion and dedication it takes to bring people in to the tourist attractions and events of the region and to keep them coming back.
“It’s been awesome,” said Michelle Frechette, regional tourism coordinator for Tourism Westman. “I feel like there’s been lots of excitement in the room and people are really happy to be together celebrating all the awesome people that we have working behind the scenes in our tourism industry in Southwest Manitoba.”
The award winners were:
Virden Indoor Rodeo and Wild West Daze for event of the year with a budget over $10,000
Artfest/Amazing Race Neepawa for event of the year with a budget under $10,000
Westman Multi-Cultural Festival for Brandon event of the year with a budget over $10,000
Section 6 Brewing for marketing excellence
Prairie Gateway tourism for partnership
Dean Hammond of Riverbank Discovery Centre for employee of the year
Stan Peck of the Irvin Goodon International Wildlife Museum for volunteer of the year
National Indigenous People’s Day for Indigenous tourism
Deer Meadow Farmacy for small business of the year
“Everyone is working really hard in the region,” said Frechette. “I think it’s really important to come out and show your support to them. Tourism wouldn’t be what it is within our region without these individuals, organizations, and businesses doing what they do.”
