Latest news with #FolkFestival
CTV News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CTV News
Cathedral Village Arts Festival considering expansion
Regina Watch WATCH: The Cathedral Village Arts Festival is considering expansion following the cancellation of the Folk and Fringe Festivals. Wayne Mantyka reports.
Calgary Herald
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Calgary Herald
Opinion: The G7 is coming to the Bow Valley — and I'm leaving
Article content With the G7 summit scheduled in Kananaskis in June, international attention is turning toward the Bow Valley. Leaders from around the world will gather to discuss climate, security and global co-operation. Article content Article content It's a big moment for Canada, and a bigger disruption for the communities next door. Article content I live in Canmore. Normally, this time of year is for early-season rides on the Minnewanka Loop, peaceful trips to Castle Junction while the road is closed to cars, and hours on my mountain bike weaving through trails such as Highline and Cloudline. This June, all of that becomes far more difficult to access. Article content Article content Those trails? Officially open in some cases, but practically out of reach. Article content Article content The Minnewanka Loop? Technically there, but functionally locked down behind security perimeters. Castle Junction? Only accessible if you're willing to cycle through Banff during a summit-level lockdown. Even the Canmore Nordic Centre, while 'open,' is expected to be wrapped in just enough operational ambiguity to make a peaceful ride feel like trespassing — complete with the faint possibility someone in camo might ask if your hydration pack is a security risk. And the Legacy Trail? That cheerful bike path beside the highway might now double as a surveillance corridor. Article content So, I've made a decision. I'm stepping away. Just briefly. Not because I don't belong here — I do — but because for those few days in June, it won't feel like the Canmore I know. And while I support the principles of the G7, I also support my sanity. Article content Article content This isn't about protest or politics. It's about maintaining a sense of normalcy in a place that, for a few days in June, won't feel like home. I support the goals behind the G7, but I also value routine, familiarity and a sense of place. And this disruption isn't happening in a vacuum. Article content Canmore has changed. Over-tourism is our new normal. Trailheads are packed, garbage bins overflow and last August, during the Folk Festival, the sewage treatment plant did, too. The stench lingered as a reminder that this town is being pushed beyond its capacity. Article content Tourism bureaus have spent years marketing this valley as a dream destination and now residents are left managing the consequences. We're not just competing for parking spots — we're competing for the town's basic functionality. Article content The G7 simply supersizes it, with black SUVs, airspace restrictions, helicopters overhead and security fit for a Cold War thriller. It's no longer just about hosting a summit, it's about showcasing a sanitized version of the Rockies while real life is cordoned off behind perimeters.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Save our Festival': Folk Arts Society works toward $140k fundraising goal
Board president of the N.L. Folk Arts Society, Julie Vogt, was thrilled to see Quidi Vidi Brewery packed full for the benefit concert. (Julia Israel/CBC) The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society is feeling more optimistic about its future after receiving an outpouring of support from the community. On April 19, the festival held a benefit concert to "Save Our Festival," at Quidi Vidi brewery. The brewery was packed full of guests and featured musical acts all day long. Board President Julie Vogt, who stepped out of retirement to volunteer for the society, was thrilled to see the community come together to support the festival. "It's not just about the money today," said Vogt. "It's also about community. Bringing the community together to support something that can't be lost in this province." Vogt is a former executive director of the Society. When she saw the financial problems the society was experiencing, Vogt said she felt it was important that she return and try to help it continue as much as she could. Knowing how important the N.L. Folk Festival is to the province, Vogt said before shutting the doors they should let the community decide if the festival should live on. "Look at this. It's packed. There's not a seat available," said Vogt. "People are here to support us, listen to this great music and have a party and say, 'yeah, you're gonna be around.'" Justin Fong, co-owner of Quidi Vidi Brewery, said he jumped at the chance to host the fundraising event. When he heard about its financial issues, he wanted to support the folk festival. "I couldn't really picture a Newfoundland summer without having a folk festival weekend," said Fong. $140k needed In January, the society announced they were having financial difficulties and as a result laid off 5 staffers. Folk band, The Old Contemporaries, played for three hours during the benefit concert to save the Folk Festival. (Julia Israel/CBC) Since then, Vogt said they were able to rehire their logistics coordinator, however the board members are still all volunteers. "We all felt that the rest needed to be volunteers until we can be assured that we are financially sound and delivering the products that we need to be delivering," said Vogt. She said she was also "gobsmacked" to see donations roll in from all over the world, including Switzerland and the United States. In a follow up email, Vogt said their goal was to raise $7,000 at the benefit concert. While they don't know the numbers yet, she expects they succeeded that goal due to the massive attendance. Their ultimate fundraising goal is $140,000, which they'll reach in two phases. Phase one involves fundraising $40,000 themselves, and phase two involves raising $100,000 from corporate and foundation sponsors. Vogt said the benefit concert puts them at around $30,000, and now, they have 10 days to raise the final $10,000 from private donors before moving on to phase two. Festival plans underway As for the festival, a date has been set for July 11-13, with passes going on sale April 30. Quidi Vidi Brewery co-owner, Justin Fong, says he can't imagine a summer without the Folk Festival. (Julia Israel/CBC) Despite the financial setbacks, Vogt said the event will be happening as performer deposits have already been sent. While the full festival lineup will be out April 23, Vogt said up and coming folk group Salt Beef Junkies will be opening up the festival. They will also be keeping the alcohol consumption rules the same as last year, with a license to drink alcohol in the entire main stage area. Fong also said he is excited for Quidi Vidi Brewery to have a beer tent at the festival for the fifth year in a row. "If ever you were going to buy a ticket to the folk festival, please let it be this year," said Vogt. Download our free CBC News app to sign up for push alerts for CBC Newfoundland and Labrador. Sign up for our daily headlines newsletter here. Click here to visit our landing page.
