THANK YOU to all who helped make the Fiddle n Folk Fest such a success!

The Fiddle n Folk Fest on Saturday in Haines Park was a huge success, thanks to so many sponsors, volunteers, musicians, and especially to all who came out to watch and enjoy enjoy the show!  We estimate that over 400 people attended, over the course of the day.  The combination of shade, breeze, music, and food made for a truly special and fun day.

See a video on our facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/BaySpringFolk

We are very thankful for the support of our sponsors.  RISCA, represented by Cristina DiChiera, deserves great recognition for all of her help and enthusiasm.  Wildflour Bakery, under the leadership of Rob Yaffe, has been a huge supporter of the Local Brew shows - his eats and drinks were a huge hit!  The Barrington Public Library, represented by Amy Greer and Bri Johnson, added a great deal of fun and whimsy to the show with their creativity and wit.  The BAY Team, via the generosity of Kathy Sullivan, provided the kids with fun and games managed by the Bayside YMCA's enthusiastic staff.

We also received generous and vital in-kind support from the Town of Barrington.  John Taylor, Director of the Parks and Rec Department contributed the stage (can't have a show without a stage).  The Public Works Department dropped off the stage and picked it up.  Chief LaCross contributed the use of a generator. 

And, we received sooo much support from the local community.  The Bay Spring Community Center, one of our primary and favorite collaborators, contributed a vital resource: volunteers.  This support made every aspect of the day so much easier.  When the show was over and night was falling, BSCC volunteers were still there, taking down tents and wrapping up electrical cables.

We had appearances by national and local political figures.  Congressman David Cicilline spent a good deal of time at the festival, talking with folks, listening to music, browsing the vendors, and generally taking in the vibe of the day.  He addressed the crowd for a few moments, reiterating his support for arts and culture.  Also, Barrington Councilwoman June Speakman was there, supporting the local arts scene and visiting with her many friends in the audience.  It was great to have our political leaders participate in the event!

We also need to thank the DEM for letting us use this awesome space.  The space was clean and beautiful long before our show, and the DEM staff we worked with were just as professional and attentive as could be.  As said above, the shade and breeze make this an ideal spot for our festival.

We had awesome vendors of crafts and food. We had skilled professionals at the soundboard throughout the day.  We had awesome volunteers.  But none of this show would have happened without the support of the musicians.  What great talent there is in our little Rhode Island!  Thank you to the Old Fiddlers Club of RI, Andy Grover, A Bluegrass Invitation Band, French Roast (Michelle Kaminsky, Allan Bradbury, and Mark Wahle), Sundial, Bob Drouin and Rich Horowitz,  Katherine Quinn, the Sunday Night Jammers, the two Bud Savoies, and Andy & Dustine Reich. 

And of course, thanks go out to the Bay Spring Folk and Local Brew Events team of Sydney Montstream Quas, John Wood, Gary Deslaurier, Dr. Greg Sadovnikoff, and yours truly.  This group has amazing energy ans spirit.  When any one of us is unavailable (working our day jobs, or out of town, or raising kids, or whatever else...) the others are always there to fill in and move the ball forward.  You guys are the folkin' rockinest band ever.

If I left anyone out, I am truly sorry.  Track me down and yell at me.  I know there are many many volunteers, vendors, and other contributors that deserve recognition.