WATER VALLEY - Despite some very inclement weather, the 24th annual Water Valley Celtic Festival saw many excellent and entertaining musical performances, says third-year coordinator Richard Otte.
Held on June 15 in various venues in Water Valley, the festival featured performances from musicians from the district and beyond.
As well, many artists and artisans had their wares on display at the festival.
Cold, rainy conditions kept crowds smaller this year, but that didn’t impact the performances in any negative way, he said.
“The performances were good as always,” he told the Albertan. “We always seem to get excellent talent and the crowds just love it. Even with the rain there were lots of smiling faces.
“The weather held some of the folk back, so we didn’t have quite as many people as we would have liked. The rain really came down, sometimes in buckets. We are all in tents and other venues so that was helpful.
“We haven’t got our final count yet, but we definitely saw lower numbers.”
Started in 1998, the festival depends strongly on community and volunteer support. This year, between 50 and 60 volunteers were involved.
“We always need a large number of volunteers,” he said. “Many volunteers helped out again this year.
“We get a lot of positive feedback from the community. Overall it is a positive experience for everyone.”
This year’s festival saw a new and improved sound system in the community hall, an artist gallery, and new off-site parking with a shuttle bus.
“The new sound system really improved the sound in our hall,” he said.
Planning for the 25th annual festival has not yet got underway, he said.
“It’s always a special event,” he said. “We haven’t really sat down to decide what we will do for the 25th."
