VideoDauphin's Countryfest welcomes thousands of country music fans

There's a twang in the air as Dauphin, Manitoba prepares for an influx of 14,000 people this weekend.

The 23rd annual Countryfest, June 28 to July 1, is the longest running country music festival in Canada.

Countryfest is also one of the largest camping festivals in the country with 4300 camping spots.

Bachman and Turner, Jimmy Rankin and the Melanie Morgan Band top the mainstage lineup on opening night, June 28.

Ronnie Dunn and Aaron Pritchett take the stage on Friday night. The Zack Brown Band headlines on Saturday night. Another highlight will be the CBC Music Songwriters' Circle.

Sunday, Canada Day, features Reba and Manitoba's own Keith and Renée.

The Corral Stage highlights the likes of locals Romi Mayes and Big Dave McLean and Kayla Luky.

The Rocky Mountain Hilltop Stage highlights acts as diverse as J.J. Voss, Charlie Major and the D'Aoust Brothers.

This year also marks the 10th anniversary of Battle of the Bands. Five bands will duke it out on June 28 at 5:30: 10Stone from Dauphin, Cotton Mouth from Winnipeg, The Treble from Winnipeg, Victory Kid from Winnipeg and Weatherly from Sudbury.

Given Dauphin's rich Ukrainian heritage, it's no surprise there is also a perogy-eating contest. And as the festival falls on Canada Day, you won't want to miss the Craziest Canadian contest.