Music and festivities ended for approximately 3,000 local performers as the Southeastern Manitoba Festival drew to a close earlier this week.

President Sharon Guenther commends those who participated for their stunning efforts calling them “quality,” “energetic,” and “high caliber” performances.

“Every musician that came this year seemed to be very well prepared,” she adds.

Not only were the performances a great demonstration of local talent, but Guenther says this year’s performers themselves were a fairly diverse group.

“This year I noticed we had people coming in from more and more of the communities surrounding Steinbach,” explains Guenther, “and maybe that brings in a different flavor and makes everybody step up.”

As if to illustrate this point, Guenther notes that on multiple occasions, adjudicators approached her to ask if there could be a tie for first place rather than determining a winner out of so many skilled entrants.

Guenther firmly believes that the southeast has strong roots in music and performance and is glad that came through during this year’s event.

According to Guenther, the festival was a success. She says there were roughly 5,000 spectators over the month-long programming and hopes that number will continue growing in the future. Guenther says she will host an Annual General Meeting in April to discuss what can be improved upon and developed for next year.

The Southeastern Manitoba Festival was fully wrapped up with an awards ceremony and gala on Tuesday evening.

Read more: The Best Of The Best Perform At The SEMF Stars Gala