They’ve done it again.
The Magnificent River Rats Festival took over Athabasca once again on the long weekend, and organizers chalked the event up as a success.
“Four months ago, they were going to shut this thing down,” explained festival president Rod Foster, noting initial trouble in attracting a new crop of volunteers to organize the event. But he was ultimately joined by a small but dedicated team that pulled out all the stops for the 2012 event.
“It’s been a very heartwarming and eye-opening experience for me. We’ve just had a real positive, fun time.”
The weather was good for most of the weekend, with the exception of a rainy patch on Sunday morning. And there was lots to do, from the Show and Shine car show to Saturday’s free kids zone to the long list of musical talents that hit the stage.
And attendees only paid $10 each day to enjoy everything.
“Last year was a little more money and they had less people. We tried it at $10,” said Foster. “We’re not going to make any money this year, but we’re having fun and we know we can have fun in Athabasca on a $10 ticket.”
The enjoyment was shared by Bif Naked, a Juno Award winner who headlined the Festival.
“It was awesome. We had so much fun,” she said. “(The audience) was wonderful. There’s something really special about smaller towns.”
Foster had words of thanks for the Town, County, service clubs and all attendees and volunteers that made the event possible.
