The Manipogo Festival, named after the legendary monster in Lake Manitoba, in the RM of St. Laurent's getting off the ground once again after a wrench was thrown into it a few years ago.

"It's quite an event this year. It's come back very strong," says reeve Cheryl Smith. "All of our festivals and events really had been diminished quite a bit since the flood of 2011. People have been sort of working on a lot of other things and focusing on their properties and so on."

She explains the festival's focus is the end of commercial ice fishing, as well as Métis culture and language. This year they're celebrating the Métis fisherwomen who worked alongside their partners and helped support their family income.

Smith notes it's great to see volunteers rising up to the occasion showing a renewed interest in the festival. Events include an alumni hockey tournament for women and men, along with traditional dancing and music in the evening with dinner, and a traditional Charlemagne card game.

The festival takes place next week beginning on Thursday, March 9 and runs until 12.