For the last few years, Altona's recreation department has taken on a lot of the planning for the annual Manitoba Sunflower Festival. That responsibility should be a bit lighter now that Sandra Klassen has come on as planning committee chairperson.

"I just thought, that's not fair. They have their own job to do," said Klassen. "So, knowing that I love to volunteer and be involved in my community, previously being involved with the queen pageant for nine years, I had taken a bit of a break so maybe it was time to get back into it."

"Just being at the festival every year and seeing the crowds and the community spirit, its infectious. You want to be involved. At least that's how I feel," she added. 

For the most part, Klassen's job will include running the monthly planning committee meetings and keeping a finger on the pulse. She will also support and help out where needed. 

Now that we're into April, Klassen says a lot of the planning that's been happening since February will begin to get solidified for July's event. 

As for what she's most looking forward to at this year's festival, Klassen says it's all the people that come to Altona during that weekend, including visitors from its sister city, Emerald, Australia. 

The 2024 Manitoba Sunflower Festival is happening July 26th-28th.

With files from Zack Driedger