The 20th annual Water Valley Celtic Festival saw 750 guests of all ages enjoy performances from more than 300 musicians and artists divided into 71 groups/individuals on June 23.
Held at various locations in the community, the festival enjoyed another good year despite some inclement weather, said first-year organizer Elly VandenEnden.
She commended 80 volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the festival possible.
“It went very well,” said VandenEnden. “There were no complaints. There were no problems and the people who were here were happy.
“We have many great volunteers. Water Valley exists and grows with its volunteers. That’s what we do. We can organize a lot of things, except the weather.”
The festival was started in 1998 by musician David Settles. He said he never expected it to last so long.
“I was hoping for five years,” said Settles, noting there have been many fine performances over the years.
He also commended and thanked the many volunteers involved again this year, and said he plans to remain involved with the festival in years to come.
“I did not expect to be stepping down after 20 years,” he said. “It is my fondest wish for the festival to continue to provide venues for entry-level to professional and semi-professional performances for many years to come.
Performers at this year’s festival included the 2A Connection Band, which has members from across Mountain View County, including from Didsbury, Carstairs, Sundre and Olds.
“They are a community band that really tried to live up to the spirit of the festival,” said Settles. “All you have to do is look at their set list and see that right away. Out of nine tunes at least eight were Irish and maybe the ninth was also. If you can imagine it they had nearly 30 members. Impressive.”
Other artists at this year’s festival included Calgary Burns Club Choir, Confederation Park Ukulele Group, Irish Culture Society Choir, Backbeat Irish Dancers, and the Haymakers.
Next year’s festival should feature performances in the new Water Valley Community Hall.
“I was sort of glad to have the old hall for one last time,” he said. “It won’t be there next year and there is something sort of sad about that. She has been our friend for the last 20 years. I sort of hate to see her go. “
The Water Valley festival is patterned after a similar festival in Feakle, County Clare, Ireland.
