Our eighth year of CentreFest is behind us and we believe it was one of the best. Ross Street and Gaetz Avenue were, at times, so crowded it was almost impossible to move. That makes a good festival great! The spontaneity of the street performers and the crowds gave our downtown an energy that was both exciting as well as entertaining.
We could not have had such a success without our hard working and eager volunteers; you were all first class and we want you to return next year!
A standing ovation to CentreFest’s sponsors:
• Magicians: The City of Red Deer.
• Acrobats: Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Rotary Club — Red Deer East, Downtown Business Association, Red Deer Advocate, Big 105, Zed 99, and Sunny 94 and their affiliates.
• ATCO Gas for sponsoring the Friday kickoff barbecue, ‘play it again!’
To our Silver Players and Bronze Troupe, three cheers.
To Key Towing, who at the last minute moved, to and fro, very large items, a big bouquet!
What could be the highlights? Certainly the hilarity of the circle shows with the performers who cleverly coerced the public to be part of their acts. It was also the young girl who was determined to ride a unicycle in the Kids’ World area; she was clinging onto the street sign as the unicycle, on its own accord, circled the sign. Her arms were just not long enough to manoeuvre about the post but she was not giving up. Or the woman who donated $20 to the Feed the Festival barrel with the comment that these festivals are important for our downtown and city and must continue and grow. The many kids with their face painted in glorious colours and characters. The large number of families who came to be entertained. The young adults who could not hide their amusement at the goings on. The group of people who came some hundred of kilometers to attend what they feel is a stellar event.
It was an incredible two very full days.
CentreFest is proud to be one of Central Alberta’s premier arts and culture events. The CentreFest board is now looking towards 2011 downtown festival; we’ll be there, we look forward to seeing you again. It’s just too much fun to pass up!
Lorna Watkinson-Zimmer
Chair CentreFest Board 2010
Red Deer