Today will be a big test as to whether cutbacks have affected the Lac Ste. Anne Pilgrimmage in northern Alberta.
Revenues have not been keeping pace with expenses — so some big changes were made.
The event was cut to four days, and food and camping were contracted out.
Father Garry Laboucane says many important activities take place today, so it will be a good gauge of whether those in attendance accept the changes.
Traditionally, about 40,000 Aboriginal Roman Catholics make the pilgrimmage each year.