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Festival comes of age

Volunteers and supporters key to success of Okanagan International Children’s Festival

The 10th annual Okanagan International Children’s Festival once again proved its value and relevance to the children, youth, educators, sponsors and families of the greater Southern Interior.

Despite the political environment and subsequent impact of the teachers’ job action resulting in a significant decline in school day attendance jeopardizing the future of the festival, our Saturday Family Day drew record crowds. Thank you to all that joined us and supported the festival. We wish to thank the many teachers, administrators and parents that appreciate the festival’s unique range of educationally valuable experiences and attended this event within the instructional day. Many thanks.

On behalf of the board of directors and our thousands of festival supporters, we wish to thank our key partners including the City of Penticton for its continued commitment to make Penticton the home of this world-class festival, one of only seven international children’s festivals in North America.

Key support of Canadian Heritage, Canada Council, Province of British Columbia, Rotary District 5060, Prospera, Penticton Lakeside Resort, Super Save Group and Regional District of the Okanagan Similkameen and their respective members and staff are integral to the strength and vibrancy of the festival. We are also appreciative of the critical support of over 70 other local businesses, community agencies and media sponsors enabling us to present world-standard performing arts that are affordable and accessible to all.

I would also like to thank the festival staff: Karen, Julie, Rachel, Jamesie, Bryce, Bobby, Matt, Crystal, Cindy, Laura, Chuck and our site techs who worked tirelessly, focused only on creating a world-class festival that engages, challenges and broadens the cultural and artistic experiences available to the residents of Southern Interior.

And finally, this international festival could not happen in the absence of our over 400 dedicated and passionate volunteers co-ordinated by Chuck Eggert. Our volunteers generously lend their time, energy, talents, leadership skills and enthusiasm contributing to the festival’s unique and joyful spirit.

We are already working on next year’s festival and look forward to continuing to present world-class performing arts in the Southern Interior May 23 to 25, 2013.

Conrad Burek, executive director

 

Rotary Okanagan International Children’s Festival