Heather Latter
The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts is a go for 2015 after several new people came out to Monday’s night public meeting with an eagerness to join the organizing committee.
“I was pleasantly surprised by the support shown by the community,” admitted Cynthia Donald, who was named committee chair.
She noted a total of eight new faces were at the table.
A call was put out last week that the Festival would not continue unless more people came forward to help out given the current committee recently had dwindled in size with the previous chair and several long-time members stepping down.
“It’s clear the community does not want to lose the Festival,” Donald remarked.
“It’s really great to see parents, teachers, and community members stepping up.”
Several parents who have children who participate in the Festival were on hand Monday night because they want to ensure the event remains available to the young performers.
“I’m excited to help out so it can continue for my own children,” said Casey Marchant, whose daughter has competed in the piano division.
“We want our kids in more than just hockey,” echoed Keira Chown, who also is a teacher at J.W. Walker School, adding the Festival is such a great opportunity for students.
“As soon as I heard it might not go ahead, I knew I had to come,” she noted.
“I wouldn’t want to lose something that is such an important community tradition,” agreed Marchant.
The Festival, which has been running for 74 years here, provides a fun and rewarding opportunity for people from across the district to showcase, develop, and nurture their dramatic and/or musical abilities.
Adjudicators provide positive feedback in the areas of piano, instrumental, vocal, and both English and French drama.
“I’m looking forward to the input from our new members,” said Donald, adding she’s hoping it’s an extra-special year since it will be the 75th anniversary for the Festival.
Donald noted the committee is now going to get straight to work securing adjudicators and venues for the event, which will take place in April.
“While I’m thrilled with the infusion of new committee members, more are always welcome,” she added.
For more information, call Donald at 274-3384.
