Approximately 60,000 people attended the 31st annual Harvest Festival in Winkler this past weekend.

"It has been absolutely amazing again," says City Events Coordinator Deb Penner.

She notes along with attendance, the food options have increased with five new foodtrucks offering everything from gourmet grilled cheese to BBQ brisket poutine. Yet she says a number of foodtrucks were still on the waiting list.

"Is it a general foodtruck revolution, or is it because the festival is on these people's radar? I suspect it's a bit of both," Penner says.

Other new features included unique entertainment at the showcase stage like the dog fashion show and lip sync battle.

"I'm really feeling that's the direction of the festival in the future," Penner says. "To go more to the entertainment county fair feel... to have multiple stages would be a dream of mine."

Yet the true heroes of the festival, she explains, are the 150 volunteers that dedicate their weekend to making the event magical.

"You stop and think about all that's happening here, and really it's thanks to all the people behind the scenes," she says.

The lip sync battle was a new addition to the Harvest Festival events

The annual parade took place on Saturday

The Harvest Festival attracted approximatly 60,000 over the three days