(Winnipeg, Manitoba; July 19, 2011) – Folklorama has gone mobile, putting updated information about the festival in the palm of your hand. Folklorama’s new smartphone application (app) is now available to the public for iPhone and iPad – for free. The BlackBerry version is coming soon.
The smartphone app delivers the same detailed information printed in the Folklorama Travel Guide, including pavilion hours of operation and show times, but with added features that allow users to interact with the app. Users are able to rate the food and entertainment at the pavilions, as well as their overall pavilion experience, and post their ratings directly to Facebook. In the MyFolklorama section, users can track the pavilions they’ve visited and the pavilions on their wishlist. Pavilions can be sorted alphabetically, by week or by ratings.
“This app enables festival goers to access the most up-to-date pavilion information and ratings, including directions, show times and amenities. Using the MyFolklorama section, you can easily save and share the pavilions you’ve visited or wish to see,” says Callum Beattie, Principal at Honest Agency, the Winnipeg based, full service agency that developed the Folklorama app.
The GPS-enabled app can also provide directions to all of the pavilions and show users the pavilions nearest to their location. Information about the VIP World Tour program, Folklorama Kick-off and pavilion late night parties is also available.
“We are very excited about the launch of our new app,” says Mohamed Ismath, Folklorama President. “It is such a fantastic way to keep informed about the festival and plan your trip around the world with Folklorama.”
Visit folklorama.ca for links to download the new Folklorama app for free. It is also available from Apple iTunes and will soon be available from BlackBerry App World. Folklorama 2011 runs July 31 to August 13.
Folklorama would like to thank our official sponsors and funders: Boeing; Canad Inns Destination Centres; Cambrian Credit Union; CTV; HOT 103/QX 104; Manitoba Liquor Marts; Manitoba Lotteries; MTS; Pepsi; The Forks; Vickar Automotive Group; Winnipeg Free Press; Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Tourism; and Winnipeg Arts Council.
Folklorama began in 1970 as a one-time celebration of Manitoba’s centennial but has since grown to be the largest and longest-running multicultural festival of its kind in the world. Developing out of the success of the festival, the organization also offers year-round programs: Talent, Teachings and Travel. All of the programs bring to life the organization’s mission of celebrating diversity and promoting cultural understanding. To find out more, visit www.folklorama.ca.
