One great thing about the Lt.-Governor’s Winter Festival: It doesn’t matter if the weather is warm or bitterly cold, the show goes on and everybody seems to enjoy themselves.

This year will be no different as the seventh annual festival runs from Thursday through Saturday at 12 Brandon locations and this year features three new pavilions — Ethiopian, Colombian and Mexico. They will join nine returning pavilions — English, First Nations, Scottish, Ukrainian, Métis, French Canadian, Chinese, Irish and Salvadoran.

The cultural extravaganza offers music, food, dance and education native to the pavilion’s home country. The city offers free bus transportation every half hour between the pavilions.

Esther Bryan of the City of Brandon, who heads the organizing committee, said she is most looking forward to the new pavilions joining the fun this year. “I just love seeing the new cultures,” said Bryan.

Two others from last year, the German and Icelandic pavilions, are taking this year off. The Germans couldn’t find a proper venue, while the Icelandic group took a break this year to recharge the batteries f its small group of volunteers.

The event kicks off Thursday at 6 p.m. at city hall, when the Chinese pavilion is host of the opening ceremonies. The Hon. Philip S. Lee, Lieutenant Governor of Manitoba, will be on hand.

While hours of operation may differ between the various pavilions, due to attendance and volunteer manpower, each pavilion is guaranteed to be open from 6-11 p.m. on both Thursday and Friday and from 1-6 on Saturday.

The best part of it all? Admission is free to every pavilion. However, once you get inside and see the tasty treats and refreshments available, you might want to make a few purchases.

Food bins are located at each pavilion and people are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item and drop it off as you enter. All food will go to the Samaritan House food bank.

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