The Saskatoon Folkfest is an annual tradition in the city and organizers say as the city continues to grow, so does the event.

Denise Estrella, program assistant with Folkfest said as the event enters its 33rd year, organizers are expecting more than 100,000 visitors at Prairieland Park, between August 16 and 18.

“We are expecting an increase,” said Estrella, noting organizers will likely see an increase in the number of passports sold. Passports act as tickets into the festival.

“This year, because we are selling them (passports) with RBC, we do expect a bit of an increase, because it’s making it more available.”

According to Adriane Winge, social media and publicity coordinator with Saskatoon FolkFest, the event is a time for the city to interact with the many heritages within the city.

“It’s a really great opportunity for numerous cultures to come together,” said Winge.
“It’s really great because I don’t think Saskatoon is aware of all the diverse cultures that are present in this city.”

Alongside the 16 pavilions, festival-goers will also get the chance to experience the  RBC Global Village, where visitors can enjoy the festival in a traditional market setting.

“We’re trying to make a sort of market-village atmosphere,” said Winge. “It’s going to bring about the different cultures that come together and create the atmosphere of being in that country, in the streets of their own market, in their own villages—experiencing it the way they do in their home land.”