Festival of Friends this weekend
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Updated: September 23, 2009 4:47 PM
Silver Creek will shine this weekend with the Festival of Friends offering up a great time – all for a great cause.
The festival organizers are once again raising funds in support of the Arthritis Society and young Abigail, who suffers from Juvenile diabetes.
Last year the festival raised over $4,000 for the family and the Arthritis Society.
The Festival of Friends kicks off on Friday night with a chili contest and auction at the Owl Street Café. Call Sonia – at 604-869-3181 for reservations.
Saturday events start at noon at Skinny’s Grille, offering up a balance between some great fun for the kids and some great music for the adults.
First up on the stage is Skinny’s own house band the Blues Crew, followed by the Jazz Banditz with Bob Tarr and Wes Lang, David Guertsen and Joe Warren of Hope.
Check out the Firemen’s challenge, says organizer, Adriaan Abeling. “Slesse Park volunteer fire department challenged Hope… and it didn’t take too long for the Hope fire department to figure out they were ringers.”
Slesse Park firefighters “are really into Firefit events,” adds Abeling, “relay races, dragging hoses, hitting targets, it is grueling.”
Rose Ribbontree and her Uncle Max are also heading to Hope for the kids, the “exuberant” children’s performer is quite a talent. Kids can also dump a teacher in the dunk tank or take a turn in the bounce castle.
NuSoul is next on stage - the five-piece band plays “Motown covers…. Ones people recognize from the soul era… hence their name,” says Abeling.
The Madison Blues band is also heading out from Vancouver and they’re a great band, adds Abeling. “Their singer sounds like Janice Joplin – she belts out a song – she doesn’t even need a microphone… Man can she sing.” The Madison Blues band is set for the 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. slot.
Back to our locals, the Hope Hoodlums then take over playing into the evening inside Skinny’s Grille.
But beyond the music, the festival is about community and Abigail. Funds are raised through cash donations, hamburger and popcorn sales, and the dunk tank.
“As her mother was saying, if she didn’t take the medication – as strong as it is – she would be in a wheelchair..
“Can you image being four years old and being in a wheelchair stricken with arthritis?”
For more information on Saturday’s events call 604 869-5713.
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