Winkler's Harvest Festival started with a bang this weekend.

Starring alongside local artists Jayme Giesbrecht, Josh Reimer, Stephen Dueck, Bill Dowling, Frank McLean, the Hunter Brothers, and Aerosmith Rocks, was the new stage itself.

"We have two beautiful dressing rooms that are spacious and air conditioned," says Hospitality Director Eva Harder. "The artists that we had in today were absolutely amazed. We have an indoor real bathroom, which is such a step up from the Port-a-Potty we had before."

Harder has been Hospitality Director for the past 12 festivals.

The backstage also includes a storage area for artists' equipment and was sponsored by Triple E and dozens of other local businesses.

Robyn Wiebe from the Eagle 93.5 talked backstage with the Hunter Brothers before they performed. Ty, a member of the Canadian country music group from Shaunavon, Sask., shared his impressions of the Pembina Valley.

"It's fantastic. We had the privilege of going and checking out Lode King Trailers and Triple E. To be able to see what they've been doing in the community and just that connecting with the agricultural community has been really special for us, being that we are farmers back at home."

The Harvest Festival couldn't be possible without the help of the people who give their time volunteering to make the festival a reality.

Shannon Loewen, co-director of the Harvest Festival and Exhibition wanted to do something special for the volunteers who have been helping at the Festival for 11 years.  

"One thing that was floating in the office early in the year is that our festival volunteers really are superheroes. We designed shirts this year that say 'If I were a superhero my name would be _____, and my superpower would be ______.' We've given them to the volunteers and [gave] them the opportunity to fill in their own superhero and superpower," said Loewen.

Visitors of the festival can see free live shows all weekend at the new stage, featuring Gord Bamford, Hawk Nelson, and other well-known artists.