Organizers of the Icelandic Festival in Gimli have decided to cancel some of its alcohol-focused events because of last year's beating death during the annual gathering.
Martyn Hendy, 29, died Aug.3, 2008. It is not known if his death is related to the festival.
Five teens are charged with manslaughter in Hendy's death.
Robert Arnason of the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba says the Sunday night social, which focused on a younger crowd, has been cancelled in hopes of cutting down on some of the alcohol-related incidents.
"(It) doesn't fit in with what we are trying to do," Arnason said.
Also missing from the festival lineup is a large outdoor lounge at the Viking Inn.
Since last year, festival organizers maintained the beating was an isolated incident in an otherwise safe event - one that is celebrating its 120 anniversary.
Gimli Mayor Tammy Axelsson says changes do not affect the festival in a significant way.
"It's a change that can make a difference in so far as we make sure we have it as safe as possible," she said.
Hendy's loved-ones are applauding the efforts of the organizers.
"I think they've done a good job of returning it to a family event instead of a drunken event," said Mark Roberton, who was to be Hendy's father-in-law.
Police are stepping up efforts to keep the festival safe. Additional RCMP officers will be on foot and bikes patrolling Gimli streets throughout the weekend.
