The Rainy River District Music and Drama Festival Association recently started a fundraising campaign in an effort to meet the $8,500 it will cost to hold the festival next year.
“The adjudicator fees keep going up,” noted association spokesman John Jankiewicz. “The bank account just isn’t as strong as it used to be.”
With the 59th-annual festival coming up in April, organizers are hoping individuals and businesses will show their support for the cause by helping out with donations and sponsorship for some trophies
The festival association has been brainstorming over what fundraising activities to hold but nothing has been decided yet, member Mary Hickling said.
It also has decided to take others measures to deal with the tight budget.
“At our last meeting, we decided to raise our entry fee a bit,” noted Hickling, adding single, duet, and group fees will cost $1 more than last year.
“It’s always very tight each year so it would be nice to have a little leeway with our budget,” she said.
Any donations made to the association would help keep alive an important and long-standing tradition of the district.
“[The festival] has provided a basis for many young people to start successful careers,” noted Jankiewicz. “In addition, when a young person receives a prize or positive comment, it can be really beneficial for their self-esteem.”
Jankiewicz also said the festival association is looking for new members.
“We should be having an election [of officers] at our next meeting,” he remarked, adding it is slated Tuesday, Nov. 3 at the Fort Frances Public Library.
Anyone is welcome to attend these meetings, which are held the first Tuesday of every month.
Individuals or businesses interested in helping out the Rainy River Music and Drama Festival, or becoming a member of the association, can contact Jankiewicz at 274-5494 (evenings).
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
