We all know that Dauphin's Countryfest has a massive impact every year on Dauphin's tourism and economy.
But Countryfest board chair Duane McMaster says the festival also had many other positive impacts on the community during its history, including assisting many local organizations and groups.
"Whether it is the snowmobile club the band parents association, or high school sports, a lot of those groups use Countryfest as a fundraiser every year. On average, we pay out over $100,000 a year into the community for events like that."
And when the festival has made money, McMaster says they have given back to community projects.
"We have money in the Countryfest Community Cinema, we have put money into Phase 2 of the Parkland Rec Complex, into the Vermillion Park trails, and the skate park. Anywhere we can, we try to support local. And that was one of the reasons why Countryfest was formed."
It's contributions like that which lead people like McMaster and other members of the Countryfest board to work so hard every year to keep this festival going.
"Our board of directors are all volunteers. Our spouses are all volunteers. And not just the board of directors - everyone who works at Countryfest are volunteers. They come out there and give of their time because they believe in the festival and that it is good for the community."
"The economic impact has been huge over the years. We just got a recent economic impact report done through Tourism Dauphin and found out that our economic impact is still $5 million a year being put into the community."
Tickets for the 2025 edition of Countryfest go on sale to the general public Friday at 10 am.
