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Festival fatigue or time for something new?
By Robin Knight
Will Johnson recently penned a piece talking about the “festival fatigue” hitting the Kootenay region, and the festivals that will no longer be happening. Although many festivals may be taking a hiatus or stopping altogether, it does not mean that all festivals are tired or that others are not replacing them.
Last year two new medieval festivals popped up in the Kootenays, both completely independent of each other, and both very well received.
The Kimberley Medieval Festival featured a group of Vikings, known as the Sons of Fenrir, and was presented by the Kimberley City Bakery, while the Nakusp Medieval Days invited groups through the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism), creating a festival featuring the times of Knights and Ladies, Kings and Queens.
Each of these festivals takes a somewhat unique approach at creating festivals. While the Nakusp Festival drew on the extensive network of the SCA, Kimberley Medieval Festival was hosted by a bakery. That’s right – a bakery.
When we caught up with Michelle Forbes, co-owner of the Kimberley City Bakery and event coordinator for the Festival, she explained this somewhat unorthodox way of advertising. “We decided that what the region needed was not more ads in antiquated magazines or radio advertising, but something to bring the community together – not just Kimberley, but Wasa and Cranbrook, and the surrounding communities as well. Something that would bring together locals and tourists and showcase Kimberley and everything we have to offer here. We offered it as a free festival – no tickets needed – so that everyone could come and enjoy the show.”
And the people came in droves. An estimated 10,000 people came to see the live fights, storytelling, Viking village, archery, demonstrations, vendors, and more. Forbes says that they hope to grow the festival slowly, while continuing to attract the people and benefit the businesses and the city. “Last year was just a test. We were lucky to have The Sons of Fenrir, who will be returning again this year, as they were amazing entertainers, and wonderful with the crowds.”
But with the expansion, come more costs. Non-for-profit organizations and societies can apply for grants, but the bakery does not fall under these categories.
Most festivals charge a cover to attend. This one is completely free. For those who want to help fund it, a GoFundMe page has been established to help offset the costs.
Through this site, Forbes hopes to be able to continue offering the free event, while those who would like to help support it, are able to do so.
“Whether people donate $5 or $500, we appreciate any donations. It is what makes free events feasible on a grander scale than we would be able to do alone.”
This year’s event will feature the Sons of Fenrir, The ĂšlfhĂ©Ă°nar – Okanagan Vikings, and they are working to bring out one more Viking group and some renaissance era fighters and performers as well.
Medieval Festivals and events of all types happen around the world. Ones that are free to attend are very rare. Forbes hopes that by raising money, they can help put on more events as well. “We have lots of ideas, and a wonderful venue in the Platzl,” she laughs. “It’s just being able to make them all a reality that takes some careful planning.”
This year’s Kimberley City Bakery Medieval Festival is slated for July 9 and 10, and response has been overwhelming. Forbes says that she never expected to be contacted by so many groups and vendors interested in being a part of the festival so soon. They are still looking for a few volunteers and food vendors to round out the festival. Nakusp Medieval Days are finalizing dates, and also looking for other groups, performers, and volunteers that may be interested in participating. Either group can be contacted through their Facebook page.
Although the coordinators of both of the medieval festivals agree that finding and coordinating volunteers and finding funding are two of the most important, and sometimes time consuming aspects of putting on a festival, they are optimistic that festival fatigue will not hit their festivals for some years yet. And they hope to see everyone out to enjoy the festivals that the Kootenays still have to offer.
Interested in more information?
Check out the Kimberley Medieval Festival or check out YouTube.
Check out the Nakusp Festival.
Facebook: Nakusp Medieval Days
