Everyone involved with “A Wacky River Cruise,” this year’s version of the VALA Variety Show, deserves a standing ovation—not just for staging three enjoyable performances on the weekend, but for showing the rest of us how important it is to just have fun.
Judging from all the pictures in today’s paper, it’s clear the cast certainly had a good time—and no doubt their infectious “joie de vivre” was passed on to the audiences.
After all, who couldn’t laugh watching the antics of dance groups bearing such spry names as the VALA Follies, the Can Can Gals of Koochiching, and the Sassy Sexy Seniors from Thunder Bay?
This year’s show was the most ambitious yet, with well over 100 performers and crew working hard over several months of planning and rehearsals to bring it to the stage. They did it not just for the love of entertaining, but to also help raise money to improve the local Valley Adult Learning Association’s literacy program and services.
Thanks to their effort, and the amazing talent so many residents of Rainy River District are gifted with, those who attended could push aside their daily cares and worries—even if it was for just three hours.
But hey, isn’t that what entertainment is all about?
Sadly but understandably, given all the work and energy involved with staging such an event, the VALA Variety Show is going to take a break for a year (to “re-energize,” in the words of director Barb Duguay) while looking to come up with other fundraising ideas.
The VALA Variety Show may be too time-consuming to produce annually, but let’s hope there’s enough interest and enthusiasm to keep it going at least every second year.
It’s a great way to showcase local talent—and drive home the message that you’re never too old to put fun in life.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
