Hi, folks. Welcome to the 26th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival – also known as the St. John’s Festival and the Bannerman Park Festival. I’ve been a volunteer in some form or other for 20 of those 26 years. When your editor, Dawne, reminded me to get this message written, she suggested (gently) that since I’d been at it for so long, there must be something about it that I love, and would I kindly talk about that.

I love the way new kids keep showing up on the Neil Murray stage. Every time I get worried about the traditional music being subsumed, there’s a new crop of youngsters whose performances and talents reassure me that we’re safe on that front.

I love the way music gets passed on. I remember, through the years:
Mr. Rufus Guinchard singing “Farewell, darling, don’t you grieve for me…”
Jim Payne: “… For I’m bound across the tempest and the dangers of the sea ...”
The Punters: “…As soon as I returns again my bride then you will be…”
Ellen Power, age 7: “…I’m your loving little sailor boy.”
There’s a fine sense of continuity in that. Rufus performed during the first years of the festival; Ellen made her first festival appearance two years ago. The old songs are still going strong.

I love the memories of those who are no longer with us, but who left us great music, songs and stories: Rufus, Pat and Bridie Judge, John White, Lem Snow, Minnie White, George Shiwack. Sadly, the list gets longer every year. And those who gave the equally valuable commodity of volunteer time: among them Alastaire Riach, Pius Power (who shinnied up the flagpole to position the pink-white-and-green Newfoundland flag), and most notably our site boss of three years, Louise Kearney, who left us the legacy of patio lanterns.

Then there's a group of volunteers I've worked with for half of my volunteer years - the festival committee: Judy Stamp with her crew, Ford Elms and his stagehands, Michelle Spencer and her beer garden brigade, too many other folks to list here, and above all Bridget Noonan, our festival coordinator. They've gone beyond volunteerism. Like me, they're addicted.
All in all, it’s like a huge family reunion. Performers, volunteers and audience get together in Bannerman Park once a year. Some have passed on, some have moved; some have married, had babies, have a child who is performing. We’re like the folks in The Travelling People: we get the news and swap some family information. And some hugs and kisses.
There are more things I love – the site, the time of year, the adrenaline rush all weekend long. The waking up on Monday morning and wondering, “So what do I do now?”

That, I believe, is addiction.

Or sheer idiocy.

Cheers, y’all. Support local performers. Support the festival. Learn The Ode.