When the bid was tendered two years ago, few believed that Winnipeg, Manitoba actually stood a chance of attracting the world's largest celebration of pens. But to great surprise, the city won the coveted contest and has been preparing ever since.

Yan Floedner is one of the organizers of this year's International Pen Festival. He joins Peter Oldring in studio to discuss how the city has been preparing for the big event.

"This is ten days where people who truly do love pens can be with each other and party, baby!" Yan says.

The opening ceremonies are being choreographed by a technical director from Cirque du Soleil. It is a dramatic recreation of the invention of the dip pen, set to live music, featuring dancing, and an array of high-flying acrobatic feats.

"For those who know," Yan says. "That was the moment that the pen made its coming out party, baby!"

Listen to the full story to find out about the swap-and-talk, Yan's favourite event, baby!

This Is That is an award-winning satirical radio program that doesn't just talk about the issues, it fabricates them. Each week, hosts Pat Kelly and Peter Oldring introduce you to the voices and stories that give this country character in this 100% improvised send-up of public radio.