Heather Latter
The Rainy River District Festival of the Performing Arts won’t be going ahead in 2015 unless some new members join the organizing committee.
“Like many other events, the Festival relies on the volunteer work of people to move forward and like many other organizations, we are running short on members,” committee member Cynthia Donald noted.
She said several long-time members have decided to step down, including the chair, who has commitments that no longer will allow her the time to dedicate to the Festival committee.
“And of the small group we have left, many have full-time jobs on top of other commitments, as well,” Donald remarked.
“Most people don’t realize it but it takes a lot of work to make the Festival happen,” she added.
“And without some more bodies to help out, I’m afraid it’s just not going to come together.”
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.
“It is such a great experience, especially for our young performers,” Donald stressed.
“I’d really hate to see it fold.”
But she noted the committee, as it stands, is having difficulty filling the executive.
Donald said she is willing to let her name stand as chair for this coming year, but the position of vice-chair is open.
“And we just need some members at large to be able to take on some of the smaller jobs, as well as to offer ideas, suggestions, and support,” she explained.
Donald noted it would be great to have some people with musical experience join the committee, in addition to former participants, parents, and community members.
The Festival committee will hold a public meeting this Monday (Nov. 10) at 6:30 p.m. in the ’52 Canadians Arena meeting room.
An update will be provided on where the plans for the 2015 Festival stand so far—and a decision made on the next steps to take.
“We are hoping that anyone who is interested in keeping the Festival alive will come out,” Donald stressed.
For more information, call Donald at 274-3384.
