More than a dozen acts are lined up for the Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30, Magnificent River Rats Festival at Athabascaís riverfront, and more volunteers are needed to ensure it all runs smoothly.
ìWeíre getting to the portion where we have to start looking at loose ends and what needs to be tied up,î said River Rats vice-president Duane Fitzsimmons. ìFortunately, weíve had a few more volunteers come onto our board.î
The VP said the committee had been looking for a treasurer, a volunteer coordinator and a sponsorship coordinator, and all those spots have been filled within the past two weeks.
He is happy to report volunteers have come forward, but still hopes more will come forward, which they can do by contacting organizers through the website, www. riverratsfestival.com.
ìItís a little late in the game, but these are some of the struggles we have been facing,î said Fitzsimmons. He added, on a happier note, the sponsorship subcommittee has done a great job garnering sponsors for the event.
ìWeíre getting the schedule all sorted out, with all of the amenities and the venue sites and lining up the volunteers. Itís going well,î said Ida Edwards, who sits on the Magnificent River Rats Festival entertainment subcommittee.
Edwards said, ìWeíre in the details of working with (Edmonton-based) FM Systems to make sure all of the tech requirements are in line, and we talked about the stage with the town to make sure the stage is all set up.î
Admission is set at $15 for people seven and up, and free for those six and under.
All times are subject to change, according to the itinerary, but Saturday, June 29, will kick off with a pancake breakfast at the Athabasca Seniors Centre from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
The Athabasca District Chamber of Commerce is putting on a parade at 11 a.m., and while live music kicks off at the stage at noon, children will have free access to a Kids Zone from noon to 6 p.m.
The Kids Zone, according to Fitzsimmons, will include nine or 10 features suitable for children from ìtots to big kidsî organized by the Multiplex and the town.
The childrenís festivities includes a shootout, bungie jump and mechanical bull ride, as well as face painting.
Performers have their allotted times.
Downbeat Daddy will perform Saturday at 2:45 p.m.; the Wajjo African Drummers at 4 p.m.; Danita at 5:30 p.m.; Kenny Polanski at 7 p.m.; Whiteboy Slim at 8 p.m.; Cowpuncher at 9:15 p.m. and Julian Austin at 10:15 p.m.
Around midnight, a brilliant fireworks display will follow Julian Austinís performance, shot over the Athabasca river towards town.The fireworks have been a staple of the festival for many years.
Sunday will begin with an 11 a.m. worship service, and live music will kick off at 2:45 p.m. with the Swing Cat Orchestra; Calvin Vollrath at 4 p.m.; Ty Hart at 5:30 p.m.; Rene Boisvert and The Blazers at 6:45 p.m.; Third Branch at 8 p.m.; Victoria Duffield at 9:15 p.m. and The Odds at 10:15 p.m.
New Western Inn, Days Inn and Super 8 have made in-kind donations of a total of 30 rooms over three days to help accommodate the entertainers.
Fifty-fifty draws will be held each morning at 9 a.m. On Saturday, the draw will support Athabascaís FLIPS Gymnastics Club, and Sundayís draw will support the River Rats Festival Society.
The festival marketplace will be open from noon to 8 p.m. each day.
