Manitoba’s 44th Annual Cripple Creek music festival filled the base of the Pembina Hills with the tunes of bluegrass performers both local and national on Sunday, July 27th. The festival is held on Road 27 West, just north of Tinker Creek, and brings in attendees from all throughout North America for its unique sound and location.
Board secretary treasurer Art Wiebe spent the day organizing performers and meal tickets but stopped to chat about what makes the festival special to him.
“All of the music” Wiebe put it simply. “I love the sound you get from the guitar, the banjo, the dobro, all the stringed instruments.” He also shared that the festival is built on community support and partnerships, such as the one with the Bunker food truck, who sold food on the festival grounds.
Another core element to the festival is the grounds— “Mrs. Annie Wiebe has been giving us permission to use this site for the past 44 years” Wiebe added: “It’s a beautiful, treed area and it’s very relaxing and peaceful... you meet a lot of great people”.
While the festival might be off the beaten track, both performers and attendees flock to it from far and wide. Ken Schendel hails from Winnipeg and has played dobro for both Ed Wayne and Joe Wilson onstage.
As for why he makes the trek? “I really love playing at this place. The involvement of the people, the atmosphere, is always so good.” shared Schendel. “Everybody’s so friendly.”
The festival touts a lineup of mostly bluegrass, country, and gospel music— a musical style that is a draw in of itself. For Schendel, that’s what makes Cripple Creek special: “I think it’s just the appreciation... for all types of bluegrass and music, whether it’s, like, classic bluegrass, alternative bluegrass.”
While the festival has been running for 44 years, it still can be a hidden gem for some in the Pembina Valley. It was Brianna Lowen’s first year attending the music festival, with a special connection: her uncle was playing onstage. As for the festival as a whole? “So far, it’s been good. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it” shared Lowen.
The Cripple Creek music festival is celebrating their 45th year in 2026. To find out more, and to stay in the loop, check out their Facebook page.
