Winnipeg's Biggest Year Ever

I think I can say without exaggeration, that 2010 is going to be Winnipeg's biggest and most spectacular year ever--and the best part is most of the excitement is going to be happening downtown.

There's Manitoba Homecoming 2010, which no doubt you've already heard of. Television, radio and newspaper ads have been running non-stop here at home and across North America for months, touting this year-long party meant to draw Winnipeggers back home. Have you thought about who you're inviting back to Manitoba yet?

In the next few months, Homecoming events will celebrate the winter months and come summer, there will be a major concert at The Forks--the details of which still are still being kept under wraps. I can't wait to see what they come up with.

This year, we also have the distinction of being named the Cultural Capital of Canada. We already knew Winnipeg was home to some of the best theatre and art institutions in the word (the majority of which are located downtown), but it is certainly nice to get the recognition from others as well!

Plans from the Cultural Capital team include an amazing River Barge Music Festival, set to take place at The Forks this summer. Huge barges floating on the river will support musical acts and bands as they serenade people strolling along the river walk.

The Downtown BIZ has big plans for 2010 as well, building on the success of an event we held last year, called Ciclovia. For an entire day we shut down the north side of Broadway to traffic and opened it up to cyclists, joggers and walkers. We included food, entertainment, a market and kids activities along the route and celebrated the benefits of healthy living and active transportation.

In 2010, we're going even bigger with Lights on Broadway--an event supported by Manitoba Homecoming. During four weekends in August and September, we plan to close Broadway and light up the trees with a spectacular light display the likes of which have never been seen in this city. We'll also be providing tons of fun to go with it. The Cultural Capital of Canada team is helping up throw a huge dance party complete with hundreds of disco balls, and we've got plans for a scrumptious food and wine event and, of course, there will be lots to do with the family.

I hope you're as excited about these events as I am, and might even forgo that trip out of the province this summer. Take your vacation right here at home during one of the most exciting times our city has ever experienced!