People lined the streets of Gimli last Monday to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba’s parade. The parade always has a colourful collection of floats and a diverse array of participants to help mark the annual celebration. The festival, which ran from Aug. 2-5 this year, is always chock-full of events that bring thousands of visitors to Gimli. In addition to the parade, events included a sandcastle-building contest, beach volleyball, oversized board games, crafts vendors, a family scavenger hunt, an Icelandic fashion show, a strongman competition, running races, an art show, Viking battles, an historic Viking settlement, midway rides for the kids, musical entertainment and fireworks. The festival also features a traditional program that celebrates Icelandic culture and is presided over by the Fjallkona, who personifies Iceland.
Express photos by Raven
