The International Children’s Festival of the Arts is a one-of-a-kind event that attracts 55,000 visitors from every corner of the province.
This year, it proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary in St. Albert, and organizers are going gangbusters to create another successful extravaganza.
The outdoor festival runs May 28 to June 2 bringing together all St. Albert for a week of camaraderie and fun.
The strong appeal is diverse main stage entertainment, roving artists, creative activities, food and the opportunity to see the world through children’s eyes.
A major reason the six-day event has thrived is due to a strong and experienced volunteer base at the centre of the action. Organizers have put out a call for 600 volunteers to make the 2019 well-oiled machine another sellout.
Some volunteers sign up for a couple of shifts. Others are present for the whole week. Maureen Beattie, a customer service representative for Elite Lithographers, is one of many “super volunteers” who take a week’s vacation from work to make herself available.
“I love it. I found a place I fit in and can contribute,” said Beattie. “I like working with kids and I like being outside. It gives me a sense of community by helping teach children about other cultures. By volunteering I help keep costs down. If we didn’t volunteer, there’d be no festival.”
The St. Albert resident began volunteering a decade ago when her children attended elementary school. She was often spotted in the activity tents along the Global Trail assisting children to complete crafts or lending Grandma Willow and other storytellers a hand.
“It’s very upbeat and happy and colourful. There’s lots of noise and everyone is excited about the day and what’s going on,” she said describing the atmosphere.
This year, the team leader will be at the Fort Edmonton tent site near the Children’s Bridge. She is pitching in with four different activities that allow children to step back in time: weaving, jigging, trapping and bison hunting.
“The festival offers something that kids want to see. They learn about people while having fun. There are a lot of cultural tents and it brings kids closer to other cultures they wouldn’t necessarily know about unless they’re immersed in it. It opens kids and parents to different experiences. Mostly it brings people together and that’s what excited me about taking my girls.”
Carolyn Dunlop is another dynamic individual committed to making the arts festival a success. She was one of the original members of St. Albert Children’s Theatre Society present during the festival’s transfer from its original home at Edmonton’s Citadel Theatre.
“During the intervening years I worked with adults that had physical and cognitive issues. I brought participants to day programs,” said Dunlop, who retired three years ago.
A lifelong volunteer, Dunlop donated her time to Girl Guides, Boy Scouts, her church and specific events at the botanic park. As a festival team leader, she works the full six days at a visual arts tent.
“I’m a big proponent of inclusion from everywhere. Seeing children from the north who don’t have something like this in their community is important,” she said.
With an extensive background in social work, Dunlop is delighted organizers are also filling a void by including more individuals with cognitive and physical issues.
She recalls local potter and visual artist Diane Gwilliam created a simple, but clever craft that a group of Bellerose participants with cognitive issues finished.
“They were happy to do the work and they showed off their capabilities. You utilize their strengths and it brings out success and enjoyment.”
Information on available positions, shifts and perks such as free food, passes and a T-shirt are available by calling volunteer headquarters at 780-459-1522 or at www.childfest.com.
