Erickson's Little Valley Jamboree kicks off today, and it's more than just a music festival. It's a way to bring people together to help make a difference for 2 Manitoba kids. It kicks off this evening at 6:00 PM and runs to midnight, then fires back up tomorrow at noon through midnight.
Toni Ferguson, Event Chairperson, said though it's a music festival on paper, there's a lot more than music this weekend.
"Our kids zone outside, bouncy castles, face painting, temporary tattoos, money mountain, all the favourites. Plus we have a silent auction that runs throughout both days, and a live auction on Saturday evening. Saturday afternoon is our meet the recipients, and our presentation to the families," said Ferguson.
Each year, the festival features 2 recipients of donations to help with medical care. This year's recipients are nothing short of extrordinary. Reese Sheane of Miniota, was recently diagnosed with Lennox Gastaut Syndrome, a very rare form of childhood epilepsy. Nathan Huhtala of Forrest lives with a CMV (Cytomegalovirus) diagnosis, and has been through several surgeries.
"They're both amazing little humans. They are from Forrest and Miniota, so both from different parts of the province, and small towns, so not a lot of resources for them to get to where they need to be for things...our families are amazing. And they put in the work too, they sell tickets, they get prizes, they get donations, they're there working alongside us," said Ferguson.
Ferguson has been invovled with the Little Valley Jamboree for around 5 years now, and she said it's been an honour.
"Everybody is there for a common reason, and you can feel it. And to me, that's what keeps it going, that's what makes it special," said Ferguson.
Tickets are $30 for the weekend, and $20 for individual days. Kids 17 and under are free. For more details about Erickson's Little Valley Jamboree, click here to visit their website.
