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News the John Arcand Fiddle Fest
August 10th - 13th, 2006
PSA
For Immediate Release
FOUR MEANS MORE! John Arcand Fiddle Fest Expands by One Day to Offer More Workshops, More Concerts, More Dances, and More Family Fun
SASKATOON, July 5, 2006 – It’s a big year for the John Arcand Fiddle Fest, as the nine year old event created to promote and preserve the Métis traditions of fiddle music and dance responds to public demand with the addition of one more day of programming. The festival is now four days, Thursday to Sunday, August 10-13 at Windy Acres, just eight miles southwest of Saskatoon on the Pike Lake Highway.
What began as a relatively tiny gathering on the acreage of “Master of the Métis Fiddle” John Arcand in 1998 is now a treasured fixture on Saskatoon’s festival scene. Adored by fans of fiddle music and dance, arts funding agencies, sponsors, and an ever growing number of protégés who love to learn, compete and perform, the festival seems to be in a perpetual cycle of growth.
“We’ve grown in many ways this year,” says Festival Director Vicki Arcand, “but what the public and our loyal audience will notice the most is additional fiddle workshops, another evening concert, an additional old time dance, a children’s activity area and the addition of fiddle music by the Saskatchewan Fiddlers Association to our Sunday morning pancake breakfast, now dubbed “Fiddles and Flapjacks”.
The extra day of fiddle workshops allows the festival to offer three intermediate classes, a beginners class, an advanced class and for the first time an absolute beginner’s class for those folks of all ages who just want to try – fiddles will even be provided! Fiddle workshops run all day Thursday and Friday with Friday’s workshop schedule also including Red River Jigging, guitar and piano. Workshops are free with general admission.
The festival draws competitors from across Canada and the United States to their sanctioned fiddle contest and Canadian Red River Jigging Championships. These take place Saturday and Sunday, intermixed with music showcases, concerts and dances. Registration for both competitions and workshops takes place on site.
Accessibility is a top priority for festival organizers. Admission is extremely affordable at just $20 per person for a day pass and $40 per person for a weekend pass. Children 12 and under free As well this year, in honor of the City’s Centennial, the “Saskatoon Centennial Shuttle” will transport youth, families, and seniors who need a ride. Details on shuttle stops and times are still being developed, but will soon be available online or by calling verve2 events at 306.651.1414.
The festival also offers free un-serviced camping on site and a full concession.
A complete guide to the festival offerings and participation particulars is available online at www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com or by calling the festival office 306.382.0111.
For more information please contact:
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