WINNIPEG, MB
Area couple Jeff and Karen Hildebrandt had been training for weeks to make the trek to the upper reaches of the Burton Cummings Theatre.
“Ever since we bought those Lauryn Hill tickets, we knew we better get in shape,” said Karen. “We started exercising and stretching and even spent a week in the Andes. Better to be safe than sorry.”
Eventually the evening of the concert arrived and the Hildebrandts were prepared.
“We had our tickets, Lauryn Hill merch, and oxygen masks,” said Jeff. “I told my folks if we don’t make it back by midnight, call in the rescue team.”
The Hildebrandts became the first couple to successfully make it to the top row of the Burton Cummings Theatre and were blessed with thin air and a view of the top of Lauryn Hill’s head.
The couple has been awarded a prize by the Manitoba Geographical Society and their journey is considered by many to be the greatest achievement in Winnipeg mountaineering since the Hieberts survived an entire game sitting in the nosebleeds at the old Winnipeg Arena.