President's Report

Dave Penny, photo by Rick West After the “Ode to Labrador” and the “Ode to Newfoundland” were sung on Sunday night at the Festival, I said another quick thank you to everybody for coming and to the volunteers and sponsors. “Good night,” I said, “and see you next year.” One of our faithful Folk Festival participants told me that, when he heard the words “see you next year,” it finally hit him that the Festival was over. I felt exactly the same way. I think it’s because after first four sessions, the park clears out, but always fills back up again. Then, suddenly, the park is clearing out and the signs are coming down, the tables and chairs are being folded up. On one hand, it’s sad that all the festivities are over, but on the other, it’s great to know that we pulled off another fabulous event and that we’ll do it all over again in a year’s time.

Saturday afternoon could have been a complete wash, but some special moments were salvaged. For me, one saving grace was the dedicated patrons, mostly (but not only) tourists, who came to Newfoundland for this very event. One sat in the torrential rain with a poncho and chair, refusing to be scared away by the weather. Another saving grace was that the Neil Murray Stage moved into the Oral Traditions tent; so the young folk still got to play, and they had the majority of the audience! They were fabulous performers and helped save that session. Then the rain finally stopped and burned off, and the rest of the Festival went wonderfully.

This is my last Broadside President’s message. I’m truly honoured to have served as President of this fantastic organization. As the summer ends, so does this St. John’s Folk Arts Council Board year, but some plans for next year are already in the works. The 3rd Annual Storytelling Festival, which runs from November 1st to 5th, is fast approaching. Webmaster Rick West has a lovely page on our website telling all about the venues and times. (Remember our new address, http://www.nlfolk.com/.) Of course, the weekly Folk Club is in full swing as usual.

Please join us at the Annual General Meeting at the Crow’s Nest to find out what else is in store for the organization next year, including a new name! As we mentioned earlier in the year, the SJFAC is considering changing its organizational name to reflect its provincial mandate. Make sure you attend and cast your vote.

Dave Penny was recently promoted from President to Papa.
Congrats and all best wishes to him, Lee and newborn Kaleb.


	President's Report by Dave Penny The Broadside Vol 10. No. 2 October 2006

	After the “Ode to Labrador” and the “Ode to Newfoundland” were sung on Sunday night at the Festival, I said another quick thank you to everybody for coming and to the volunteers and sponsors. “Good night,” I said, “and see you next year.” One of our faithful Folk Festival participants told me that, when he heard the words “see you next year,” it finally hit him that the Festival was over. I felt exactly the same way. I think it’s because after first four sessions, the park clears out, but always fills back up again. Then, suddenly, the park is clearing out and the signs are coming down, the tables and chairs are being folded up. On one hand, it’s sad that all the festivities are over, but on the other, it’s great to know that we pulled off another fabulous event and that we’ll do it all over again in a year’s time. Saturday afternoon could have been a complete wash, but some special moments were salvaged. For me, one saving grace was the dedicated patrons, mostly (but not only) tourists, who came to Newfoundland for this very event. One sat in the torrential rain with a poncho and chair, refusing to be scared away by the weather. Another saving grace was that the Neil Murray Stage moved into the Oral Traditions tent; so the young folk still got to play, and they had the majority of the audience! They were fabulous performers and helped save that session. Then the rain finally stopped and burned off, and the rest of the Festival went wonderfully. This is my last Broadside President’s message. I’m truly honoured to have served as President of this fantastic organization. As the summer ends, so does this St. John’s Folk Arts Council Board year, but some plans for next year are already in the works. The 3rd Annual Storytelling Festival, which runs from November 1st to 5th, is fast approaching. Webmaster Rick West has a lovely page on our website telling all about the venues and times. (Remember our new address, http://www.nlfolk.com/.) Of course, the weekly Folk Club is in full swing as usual. Please join us at the Annual General Meeting at the Crow’s Nest to find out what else is in store for the organization next year, including a new name! As we mentioned earlier in the year, the SJFAC is considering changing its organizational name to reflect its provincial mandate. Make sure you attend and cast your vote. Dave Penny was recently promoted from President to Papa. Congrats and all best wishes to him, Lee and newborn Kaleb. (back to table of contents)