Time for another catchup of events this end. In mid- October ’09 we were lucky to have the Arts Touring Alliance of Alberta ‘Showcase’ close to home, (in Fort Saskatchewan) so took great delight in commuting to the event and catching up with so many friends in the industry; presenters and artists alike. Then it was time for the annual ‘Spooktacular’ in Fort Edmonton Park, which is a scary ‘fun’ time for all, getting more spooky as you head back through each period street in time.
The Christmas season started in earnest on Nov. 14th, when we took a big parade through a large shopping centre, immediately following our Children’s Christmas Show. For this event we augmented with trumpet, clarinet and tuba, and had a great time with all the kids. Many events, both public and private, including the Santa Claus Parade in Edmonton, the Morinville Christmas Festival, the St. Albert ‘lights up’, and innumerable Santa arrivals. That guy is so busy; we don’t know how he does it! In addition to the children’s shows, we are also fortunate to play for many of the seniors’ lodges in the area, which keeps a good balance to the season.
After our N.Y.E. show, we started to prepare for the road, waiting a couple of extra days for a snowstorm to roar through northern Montana, before heading to Arizona/California (year 6!), with a truck full of sound equipment and a holiday trailer in tow. A terrific tour to start 2010, with excellant response to every show, be it concert, “pub” night, St. Patrick’s show, or a special Medieval day at our “home” park, Mesa Dunes. The tour ended March 20th in Desert Hot Springs, California, after which we headed to the coast and had a Day in Disney, before heading north via San Francisco and the Redwoods en route to stop-offs with friends south of Seattle and in Ladner B.C., then up the Coquihalla to Jasper and home for Easter, in good time for our Easter Monday show at the Zoo.
May and June are looking very busy, starting with an environmental day at the Nature Centre; 4 days with Thomas the Tank Engine (full size) in Calgary; the season opening of Fort Edmonton Park; Northern Alberta International Children’s Festival; Battleford Children’s Festival; senior’s week concerts in Willingdon, Two Hills and Myrnam; 2 special “schools” days at the Ukrainian Heritage Village, and 3 other seniors’ events, leading us to Canada day July 1st, when we are pleased to be performing for the City of Edmonton, having had Canada Day “on the road” for so many years.
Thanks again to our many friends who come out to see us regularly; in Canada, the U.S., and overseas. We are grateful to share what we love with all of you!