Saskatoon Folkfest spreading out again, adding new countries

Saskatoon Folkfest is going back to its old ways, spreading their pavilions across the city for the 39th annual cultural showcase.

The move comes a year after they experimented with grouping 17 of their 21 pavilions at Prairieland Park, with many of the stations situated outdoors.

“There are some (members) who are a little nervous about the weather,” Executive Director Terri Rau told reporters Tuesday afternoon.

“They’re used to having their indoor pavilions, so we’re going to return to that and see how it goes.”

She noted while the public enjoyed the central location, the expected benefits for volunteers wasn’t realized.

“The members never really got a chance to visit each other, and that was the opportunity,” she said.

“The members chose for themselves their venues for this year … every year it’s something new.”

Eight pavilions will remain at Prairieland Park — five indoors and three sheltered at the Kickin’ Horse Saloon.

Three special Saskatoon Transit routes will service Folkfest passport-holders, shuttling them between the pavilions.

Rau said a full route is expected to take 15-20 minutes, encouraging people to park at malls or at Prairieland Park instead of driving to each location on their own.

This year the festival also features three new additions with Japan, Cameroon and Sri Lanka joining in.

Saskatoon Folkfest president Jay Kalra said it will be a fun time for the whole family.

“You’ll see a lot of entertainment,” he said. “All the culture displayed, the exotic food … It will be a memorable year.”

The 2018 Saskatoon Folkfest runs on Aug. 16, 17 and 18. A list of pavilions and their locations can be found at Saskatoon Folkfest’s website.

A Saskatoon Folkfest gala will also be held on Aug. 2 at TCU Place to preview the performances for the festival.