The event depended on the collective work of many local volunteers so the organizers developed an organizational structure that embodied their philosophy that everyone contributing was a significant participant. Subsequent events built on the foundation of this initial idea creating a model that heavily influenced the operation of other similar festivals in Canada, particularly the Vancouver Folk Music Festival and the Edmonton Folk Festival. Performers at the first festival included: Honorary members Mitch Podolak (Founder/Director/Artistic Director), 1974–1975 Colin Gorrie (Founder), 1974–1975 Ava Kobrinsky (Founder), 1976–1989 Nate Nurgitz (Board Legal Advisor), 1975–85 Bill Merritt (Business/general manager), 1977–1994 Jon Singleton (Past Treasurer), 1978–1987 Past Executive Directors Trudy Schroeder, 1999–2008 Tamara Kater, 2008–2011 Past Artistic Directors Mitch Podolak, 1974–1986 Rosalie Goldstein, 1987–1991 Pierre Guérin, 1992–2000 Rick Fenton, 2001–2004 Past President and Chairs Peter Stringham, 1976–1979 Greg Brunskill, 1980 Derek Black, 1981–1987 Jane Graham, 1988–1990 David Asper, 1991–1992 Michael Handler, 1993–1995 Brenda Prosken, 1996–1998 Gloria Koop, 1999–2000 Gerry Couture, 2001–2002 Sandra Altner 2003–2004 Terry Sargeant 2005–2009 Allan Finkel 2010–2011 Gerry Couture, 2012 Mike Baudic, 2012–2015 Karen-Denise Cyr, 2015–2017 References Music festivals in Winnipeg Folk festivals in Canada Music festivals established in 1974 Annual events in Winnipeg 1974 establishments in Manitoba