The 14th Annual Neepawa and Area Lily Festival is almost here and Audrey Heffell, Lily festival coordinator said everything is falling into place perfectly.
"It's coming quickly, as of right now it looks good, not to say there might not be a few glitches at the end, but we are very excited about it," Heffell said.

Although Heffell said that some of the lilies around town might be past their best performance, there are still many for the visitors to see.

With many of the same activities, shows and displays taking part again this year, the Lily Festival board wanted to bring in some new things too.

"Wizard trivia is going to be fun. it's like who wants to be a millionaire and we have about 30 pads for contestants to use. As long as you have a wristband you get to participate. It's something to bring more of a carnival theme about it and it's just plain fun," Heffell said.

There will be crowning of the second Miss Lily Festival Saturday night in the Lily Lounge. This year’s contestants are: Samantha Cluett representing Legion Ladies Auxiliar; Caitlin Bartz for UCT; and Lexi Anderson representing Elks. Lacey Tremaine, last year’s Miss Lily Festival will be crowning the new winner at 8 p.m.
The Lily Wheel of Fortune is also new this year with everyone having a chance to win a prize when paying admission, and even bigger prize amounts of $500, $300 and $200 being drawn Saturday night for weekend pass holders.

"We have a lot of interesting demos taking part this year, German food even a massage table. It's going to be really interesting and something for everyone," Heffell said.

Phil Nevile, the entertainment coordinator will be bringing a new vibe to all the music. With more rock and roll and the Saturday night Cabaret will be geared toward 30 and 40-year-olds.

"We want to see them come out and enjoy the Lily Festival too. Phil has a great background in entertainment and we are so excited to see how the turnout with his expertise is," Heffell said.

If you've got your running shoes on you can participate in this years 5 and 10K Lily Duster Run.
"We haven't done the run in a few years and we decided to bring it back we are very excited for it," Heffell said.

"We are just praying for some great weather and hoping people will come and have a good time. We can't say how many people we expect, numbers change and you never know who will come, but we are just wanting to put on another successful year."