Sunday in Morden, the Back40 Folk Festival celebrated 30 years of homegrown music in the Pembina Valley.

"It was the brainchild of Wes Hamm, and James Friesen, and myself, and we just kind of threw it together. We put in our own money the first time around 'cause there was no funding," says Linda Hiebert.

She says the festival has continued on every year no matter the weather or size of the crowds, thanks to people who are dedicated to supporting the musicians.

"We've kept true to the whole 'keep homemade music alive.' So many local acts get a stage at the Back40. Some of them go on to do great things musically, and some stay home and continue to do music here, so it's clearly doing what it's supposed to do."

As a singer-songwriter herself, Hiebert takes part in the songwriter's circle which has been a highlight of the festival since its genesis. She says the butterflies and adrenaline rush when performing never stop.

"The heart and soul of your music have to come through, and if you don't have that little adrenaline edge sometimes it feels wooden," she adds.

Many local artists find themselves on stage for the first time at Back40 or one of their coffeehouses that take place throughout the year.

"It's a part of the festival's philosophy to support songwriters [whether] new, upcoming, seasoned . . . All of that is a part of the mission statement of the Back40 Folk Festival," says Hiebert.

Although she is no longer a part of the board, she's excited to see the next generation slowly taking ownership and continuing the festival's mission.