What’s in a word … or words? How about thank you? How far do these two little words go for you? I think we all like to get a pat on the head now and then – even when we’re trying to be unassuming. Do we actually stop and think about saying thank you to those who “just do”… just because that’s just what they do?
Rarearth happened because of a vision where people were invited to buy into our mandate which is “develop, maintain, manage and operate festivals to develop community spirit, raise funds for community projects … provide opportunities for the artistic development of local talent and provide mentor programs and workshops for youth.” Plus, a really important aspect of the festival is working toward sustainability and implementing our green theme. That vision mushroomed, and through the force of a hurricane, became a reality, drawing like-minded individuals, companies and governments. Without those who love the arts, and those who give 110 per cent, Rarearth would just be one of those inconsequential events.
We all know the type … they will work until exhaustion and still send you a smile across the room. I think it goes without saying that volunteers make any event successful; they are definitely the glue that keeps the groove for all of our crazy ideas. Or the ones who write a letter to the editor to demand why it is that there’s another hollowing out of the arts from our schools and universities. What would our world be without the colour, more importantly, what would our world be without these visionaries who face challenges and aren’t afraid of the fight that keeps the arts alive? It would be a grey existence for sure … but it’s the silence that would be deafening – we’d all have to whisper.
Then of course there’s the sponsors … who quickly get on the “friends list” and so generously hand over, without question, what they’ve worked so hard for. They believe in what we’re trying to do. Making history, walking together on an uphill journey to make this all happen is what they do best. Speaking of the “friends list” which easily merges nicely into the “family list,” it’s probably the hardest to describe because it’s all or nothing from them … it’s what family and friends do. They know you and still like you. I think Abraham Lincoln said it best. “Real friends tell you when your face is dirty.”
After what seems like millions of hours of pouring over every detail, putting the festival together, I thank you from the depths of my soul– we at Rarearth thank you. There is no festival without you. We have invited the world to our sweet town, hosted at the beautiful Silver Star Resort this Saturday and Sunday … and we want you to join us for two solid days of fantastic music with Brickhouse and Delhi 2 Dublin as our headliners (and every kind of genre in between), delicious food, amazing artists where it will be a feast for all of our senses. Those who sponsored and donated in-kind, those who slipped a cheque in my back pocket when I wasn’t looking, the anchors and corporations in the community who recognize the value of community gatherings and importance of economic development, you are truly the “jewels” who give without expectation and you are the people who will be found at Rarearth. I thank you.
Get tickets at www.rarearthmusic.com or go to the Bean Scene and the Performing Arts Centre or call Kath at 250-938-2231 for more details.
Kath Raeber is the founder and organizer of Rarearth Music Festival.
