Festival goers packed the Morden Park Bowl Sunday to witness some of Manitoba's finest musicians at the annual Back 40 Folk Festival.

From Juno Award winning band, the Joey Landreth Trio, to artisans from all across the province offering a variety of crafts and hand made items, the day was filled with plenty of activities for all ages and interests.

What started as a few people wanting to involve the community with local music, has grown exponentially over the past 28 years, and Organizer Scott Bell shares what makes the Back 40 successful year after year.

“People make it successful. People who make the music, those who come to appreciate the music, and people that just enjoy the day and enjoy the music that we try and create year round.”

Bell notes that while the music, food and crafts are all a big draw, it's ultimately about creating a community.

“[The Back 40 Folk Festival] is important because it brings those people together.” It gives a venue for local artists to show their artwork and to play music. It also brings some pretty amazing musicians from outside our community in so local residents can enjoy their music,” said Bell. “It's these things that make being apart of Morden and the Pembina Valley so great.”

With the 30 year milestone just over the horizon, Bell says he's always looking for new opportunities and initiatives to expand the festival, and is excited for what's next to come.  "We're always working on expanding in different ways with the festival."
 
One of the initiatives this year was bringing in the largest number of food trucks ever to the event. "We wanted lots of variety and amazing stuff for people to eat."

The Back 40 is run by a small group of volunteers that are committed to make this event happen, and other events throughout the year, like coffee houses and a number of other concerts.  "Year round we're trying to make musical and cultural events happen in the Pembina Valley.  And on the day of the festival, we have a large amount of volunteers that help make the event happen."