By Dan Singleton
MVG Staff
Despite the flooding in Calgary and surrounding areas keeping some performers and audience members away, about 1,000 people still managed to attend the 15th annual Water Valley Celtic Festival on June 22.
“Surprisingly, we did OK,” said organizing committee member Carrie Jamieson. “Attendance was down but we were impressed with the numbers that did come.
“We definitely had some cancellations from people who just physically could not get to the festival. A lot of people made the effort to come, but others just physically couldn't get here.”
The music and arts festival featured musicians and artisans from across Mountain View County and beyond.
As in past years, this year's festival relied heavily on volunteers from Water Valley and surrounding area, she said.
“We're getting texts and emails from local people saying how much they liked the festival,” she said.
The 2013 festival saw performers who have played at all 15 festivals honoured. They are Barry Luft, Derek Lofthouse, Jim Dauncey, Mary Lou Dauncey, Michael Pollock, Sean Buckley, John Leeder, Anne Cowman, Joe Massey, Steven Methot and David Settles.
Settles, who founded the Water Valley festival 15 years ago, says he is pleased with the way things went this year, despite the challenges.
“Wow, we were able to pull it off,” said Settles. “Thanks to those who were able to make it to the festival, and for those of you who could not make it, we all hope that it still found you safe and sound.”
Settles commended members of the Water Valley Community Association for their efforts in putting the festival on under trying conditions.
Planning for the 2014 festival will get underway in the near future, said Jamieson.
“We've already got some ideas for next year,” she said.
The Water Valley Celtic Festival is based on a similar festival at Feakle, Co. Clare, Ireland.
