Archive for October, 2013

Fall 2013 Update From Peter and Mary

Sunday, October 20th, 2013

Hello everyone;

Thanks for checking in with us to see how things are going at our end. We seem to be busy as always with many diversified events, and are so grateful to those who come out to see us, both in Canada, the U.S.A. and other places.

We were just heading into ‘Spooktacular’ at Fort Edmonton Park, when we last caught up. That event for us was held in the 1920’s fairground, where we did children’s performances in the tent. This year (next week) will be another children’s performance in the large hangar, sharing the stage with several other acts, and of course enjoying the interaction.

The early part of November last was spent preparing for the Christmas season. It started with a bang on Nov. 17th, when we did our big show at Southgate followed by the New Orleans jazz parade, with Santa and several of the Alberta Ballet’s ‘Nutcracker’ cast. A great event. Then came the children’s parties for various companies, shopping centres, Glendale country Club – and several seasonal events for those not as fortunate as ourselves. Not to be forgotten, of course, was the huge indoor Santa Claus parade through the city core, which we have done for so many years, and love seeing all the familiar faces as well as new ones.

January was of course time to hit the road for the 3000 km drive to our tour (year 9!) of southern Arizona and California. The great majority of performances in the 25 venue tour were for the RV and winter residents’ market (with a few full timers for good measure). We also included a couple of children’s events and this year also performed in Las Vegas on the way south.

Back by April 1st for our regular Easter weekend at Edmonton Valley Zoo. May and June were busy as usual with ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ in Heritage Park, Calgary; the opening weekend at Fort Edmonton Park, Central Alberta Children’s Festival, 2 days in the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, (for which we also supply other performers), concerts in three towns for seniors’ week, and a special weekend for the 100th anniversary of Olds college, amongst other events.

It was during June that our special dog Meggie passed on at 15 and a half. So many of you will remember her travelling with us to the shows, where she would sit on the side of the stage during performances or act as an ambassador in special needs situations. She was very loved and is greatly missed.

July 1st, Canada Day, saw us in Camrose – a great day with many events for young and old really brought the community together.

Martha Mc Haggis dusted off her Royal Stewart tartan and appeared (with Mary by her side) at Fort Edmonton Park’s Celtic Gathering. She loves this event and it gave them both the chance to prepare for the huge Vent Haven convention in Cincinnati/Fort Mitchell U.S.A. the following week. A few other events included Heritage Day in Heritage Park, Calgary and several large family gatherings for various oil companies, interspersed by a much needed break with special friends in Kelowna and Tsawassen.

Most of September we took off with a catch-up visit to the U.K. to see family and friends, also a little R. and R. The last included a tour of state rooms in Buckingham Palace, complete with cream tea on the lawn.

Back for “Free access” day in the city, which as usual, took us again to the zoo, although this year we only did one venue, as the following morning saw Mary tour directing and hosting a tour to the Hostfest in North Dakota (U.S.) with Peter riding shotgun! 57 of us including the driver, and a great bunch of folks went to see the many performers, some from Scandinavia, plus many ‘home grown’ acts, including Alabama, Frank Sinatra Junior, Marty Stuart, Frankie Valli, Bill Cosby, Charlie Pride, the Oakridge Boys, and several 60’s pop groups who did a combined show.

Now it’s October and we have a show out of town tomorrow, then back for ‘Spooktacular’ and a children’s show for West Edmonton mall (which many of you know) before the Christmas season starts once more.

Thanks for catching up with us – we hope life is being kind to you and we meet again along the way.