It was, by all accounts, a pretty amazing Fest! The music, dancing, games & vendors were fantastic and we had pretty decent weather. A little breezy. Okay, the wind kicked up at times but no rain and that is a blessing for any festival. On behalf of the CHS Board we would like to offer our sincere appreciation to everyone who made this year happen. The attempt to name everyone would make this a very, very long post. Know that we are indebted to you all!
We will shout out to our Sponsors as well as partners Fenian’s Pub, Great Southern Events & Capital Cities Beverages. Much thanks! The staff of the MS Ag Museum who mentioned many times that they really love CelticFest and proved it by their hard work as well as the crack Security Team who made sure the shenanigans were kept to the family friendly level.
Our much appreciated friends & sponsors, Perry Launius & Nick Lord from Wine & Spirits in the Quarter and all their staff and Reps for another fantastic Kindred Spirits Whisky Tasting.
The ladies most people didn’t see but without whom there would have been some hangry performers- the catering duo of Julie Tipton & Beverly Johnston and their tireless helpers (who also happen to be their respective kids).
To the stellar crew from Griffin Media lead by James Griffin who provided not only the wonderful & professional sound management but also a live feed on their facebook page of performances on the main stage as well as recorded video and the beautiful stage set up.
To ALL the incredible Musicians, Dancers & Athletes who came from near and far to share their talent with we mere mortals. We all know it’s not a festival without you and we’re grateful!
To the volunteers beginning with the Board of the Celtic Heritage Society: Terry Baldridge, James Griffin, Keegan Burt, Tammy Vaughan, Tammy Arthur, Mac Buntin, David Keary, Clark Lowery, Harvey Kimble and CHS members, Maggie Cupples, Catherine Sherer Bishop & Bob Mamrak and of course Dianne Stefanick & Don Butts who all worked diligently to pull it off. To all those who missed the music when they were pouring beer, selling t-shirts (they sold out by the way!) and working the armband table, can’t happen without any of you. I really want to say a special thank you to the few brave & amazing people who, even without the heat of September, were still sweaty blobs setting everything up, working the fest (some even performing in between) and then tearing it all down. YOU ROCK!
Lastly, I would like to personally express my gratitude to Don Penzien, Jil Chambless, Máirtín de Cógáin, Steve Payne, Rob Millette, Steve Whitlow, Chuck Bishop, Catherine Koehler, Greg Johnson, Shaundi Wall, Debbie Kreiser, Bill Rogers, Clark Lowery, Tom McCandlish and Elizabeth Doss who know what organizing a festival entails, and in addition to every member of the Board, were all very encouraging to me throughout.
We think we like the Spring so look for us again next year and tell a friend please!
We also think there are some things we can do better and we’re going to chat about that at our AfterFest meeting. You’re invited to come and offer your two cents which is most likely worth a pound of gold! It’s Sunday April 8th- 6pm at Fenian’s Pub after the Jackson Irish Dancers’ Mostly Monthly Céilí with live music from awesome fest performers, Emerald Accent. The céilí starts at 4pm, it’s free and all ages are welcome!
Thank you!
Suezen Brown Celtic Heritage Society, President