Kim Stephenson’s collection of wristbands from previous Winnipeg Folk Festivals. PHOTO: Cheryl Cohan
Each year at Winnipeg Folk Festival there are people who stand out in the crowd – those whom regular festival goers may refer to as “that guy with four-foot dreads, dinosaur people, bubble man,” etc.
And as years go by, there seems to be more and more people who take the weekend to make an (artistic) statement with their attire. Some of it generates controversy (i.e., the gal in traditional head dress), some challenge our notions of propriety (topless gals with nipple pasties), others simply inspire and delight.
Kim Stephenson is one of those gals.
Every summer, Stephenson makes the trek from Lake Tahoe, California to Birds Hill, Manitoba to enjoy what folk fest is all about – people, music and creative expression.
Long time Folk Festival patron Kim Stephenson in one of her signature outfits. PHOTO: Cheryl Cohan
Kim’s creative expression is imbued in the many outfits she wears during Festival. PHOTO: Cheryl Cohan
Stephenson is like many other Manitobans who have made homes elsewhere but routinely return to Manitoba for the reunion and social event of the year that is folk fest.
A special needs teacher by profession, Stephenson really kicks up the festival experience with wonderful expression through dress.
Finding someone in a crowd of 20,000 plus is a daunting task, but for Kim’s friends it isn’t too difficult to spot the gal in the glow in dark tutu, purple shag boots, funky earrings and multi colored pointy hat. They can also check for her at her regular spot at main stage.
While searching for Kim one day, I asked a few folks in the crowd if they had seen the tutu, hat lady – and sure enough, they knew who I meant!
Hats off (or on) to Kim Stephenson who literally embodies the festival spirit of folks, friends and creative expression!
Kim Stephenson stands out in the crowd. PHOTO: Cheryl Cohan
Have you seen glow in the dark tutu hat lady? PHOTO: Cheryl Cohan
