Heather Latter
The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts is hoping to breathe new life into some of the awards presented to local performers.
“We’re looking for businesses or organizations who might be interested in sponsoring an award,” said committee vice-chair David Schwartz.
He noted the Festival is celebrating its 75th year this year, which means some of the awards are a bit dated.
“Some of the plaques are full and need to be archived,” he explained.
“Some haven’t been used in a while [and] some are getting worn.”
During the annual event, which will take place in April, adjudicators in each division—drama, vocal, piano, and instrumental—keep an eye out for performers who meet the criteria for certain awards.
For instance, there are awards for the most promising vocalist in different age categories, as well as for outstanding achievement in specific piano grades.
In fact, there are more than 50 awards that can be doled out, though not all are presented each year (usually because there were no entries in the category).
The performers who are chosen by the adjudicators are asked to perform during the “Highlights” concert at the conclusion of the Festival, at which they are presented with a plaque or trophy engraved with their name.
However, the performers only keep these awards for a year—at which time they return them so they can be presented to the following year’s winner.
Performers do receive a medallion, also engraved with their name and honour, which they can keep.
“So some of these awards have been around for a long time,” Schwartz noted.
“In fact, we have trophies and plaques that are sponsored by groups and organizations that no longer exist.”
Some of these groups include the Overseas Wives, Order of the Eastern Star (Evergreen Chapter #80 Award), and the Fort Frances Jaycees.
Committee member Garry Wilde, who has been in charge of the awards for more than 30 years, said the cost to purchase an award starts at about $80, depending on the size.
“And then the Festival pays for the engraving [of the winners’ names] each year,” he noted.
But Wilde added if any new sponsors wanted to buy the plaque, as well as contribute a small monetary fee annually to help with the engraving cost, that would be appreciated.
“Our bill for engraving costs anywhere from $1,400-$1,600, depending on how many winners there are,” he remarked.
Wilde said the committee also would prefer to stick to plaques, as opposed to trophies or cups, because the former are easier to handle.
Schwartz noted many awards also are presented in memory of a loved one, so if people are wanting to do that, they can.
Or if they want to sponsor a category that doesn’t already have an award, that would be welcomed, too.
“It’s just a really great way for the community to get involved,” he stressed, adding the committee always is thankful for all the support it receives.
“It’s just another way for people to help out.”
Schwartz said the awards, since they are passed down each year, create a kind of legacy for the local arts community.
“It’s really neat to see the names on these awards from years past,” he noted.
Meanwhile, winners from 2014 are reminded to return their trophies to Wilde (276-1012).
Performers also are reminded that entries for this year’s Festival are due this Friday (Feb. 20).
They can be dropped off at Gillons’ Insurance (326 Church St.), marked “Attn: Festival Committee,” up until closing on Friday.
Entry forms, the syllabus, and resource manual for 2015 can be found on the Festival’s website (www.ff-festival.com).
For more information, contact Festival chair Cynthia Donald at 274-3384 or via e-mail at mrsontario58@gmail.com
