The annual Manitoba Sunflower Festival will converge on the town of Altona this weekend. Festival chair Mike Friesen states there are a few new things coming to the festival this year.

"It's always an exciting one. There are some thrills and spills. This is an extreme aerial motocross," says Friesen. "There's going to be some big ramps, big jumps, and some big air. There may also be some big crashes. Parents may not want to see that, but it's always part of the excitement."

Friesen says also new at the festival this year is Prairie Exotics with a display that will offer a glimpse into some of our natural habitats. He went on to say they will be focusing on owls because recently there has been quite a bit of owl activity in the Altona park.

There will be a mobile escape room also on site for everyone to escape from. Friesen says the scene will be the back of an ambulance.

The annual parade will commence Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m.

Friesen explains the main features each year will be, and have to remain, at the festival.

Just like every year, the entertainment will draw a big crowd.

A Creedance Clearwater Revival (CCR) tribute group from the Winnipeg area called The Travellin' Band will kick off the weekend during the Friday evening stage show.

Following the concert there will be a fireworks show for everyone, launching north of the Millennium Exhibition Centre.

Meanwhile, Saturday afternoon calls for children's entertainment by award-winning comedian and magician Greg Wood, who has appeared at the festival before. In the evening, a Keith Urban tribute singer and guitarist known as Golden Road will hit the park stage.

The night will wrap up with the crowning of the 2017 Manitoba Sunflower Queen.

After Sunday morning's inspirational program, comedian Matt Falk will take the stage.

Entertainment Chair Alex Loewen said he expects the Niverville native will begin the afternoon on a lighter note, preparing the audience for a day of exciting entertainment. Following acts include folk and country singer Richard Inman, New Orleans style Dirty Catfish Brass Band, Altona artist Kenzie Jane, and country musician Lindsay Rae from Winkler.