Lots has happened since our March Newsletter, as dedicated volunteers work behind the scenes to organize for the 19th Almonte Celtfest, July 10-12, 2015. Read on to learn about the developments, and our needs for support as we move forward!

Liam's Shennanigans
Seems Liam is getting around these days! He was last seen at the Renfrew Pancake Breakfast on April 12th, up to his usual, and some, unusual tricks. He made a good impression we think, and once again we are grateful to have Valley Heritage Radio, CJHR, helping us to promote the festival.  Check out our pictures on facebook!

Raffle Fundraiser
Once again, WestJet has agreed to sponsor the main raffle prize of a trip anywhere the airline flies for two people! The raffle license has been procured, and the tickets printed with draw time scheduled for July 12, 2015 at 4 pm in Gemmill Park, Almonte. A second prize of Almonte food, drink and shopping is worth $600, and third prize is an Almonte Celtfest merchandise and music basket worth $400!. Tickets are $10.00 each, and go on sale in the next few days. This is a major fundraiser for Celtfest, and we are counting on our volunteers to get out there and sell lots of tickets!! Tickets will be available for purchase from Baker Bob's, and other locations around town!

We need volunteers to help sell tickets at various venues scheduled in the local area, and to family, friends, and contacts. If you can help in this way, please call Cecil DuBois at 613 256 7030, or contact almonteceltfest@hotmail.com, Attn. Trish Sawers (Volunteer Coordinator).

Last Year's WestJet Prize Winners  
We talked to David and Inez McCreery recently about their experience of winning the big WestJet prize at Celtfest 2014. David and Inez own a local garlic farm, and regularly attend Celtfest. Last year, they bought the winning ticket about 30 minutes prior to the draw in Gemmill Park while attending Celtfest, and were amazed when they heard their name called to the main stage. Given a year to decide where they would like to fly, the McCreery's said they did some 'research', considered options to visit family members in Ireland or Vancouver, or to go somewhere new to them. They made the final decision to fly to Hawaii, the furthest destination WestJet flies, and left in -25C January temperatures to arrive in Hawaii at +25C! . They had never been to Hawaii before, and enthusiastically described the many sights and activities they experienced on their two week holiday, including snorkeling, a helicopter tour of the islands, and watching a surfing exposition. They said they will continue to support Celtfest, buying a raffle ticket again this year, and attending the upcoming events.

This Year's Line-Up Is Coming Together 
David Baril and the Artistic Committee members are working hard on finalizing entertainment for this year, including bands for the 6 local pubs participating in the Friday Night Pub Night on July 10th. The Headliners for the Celtfest Main Stage include The Dardenelles, a celtic band from Newfoundland, The Peelers, Hadrian's Wall, Steel City Rovers, and Pascal & Nicholas. Other regional and local performers round out the two day extravaganza of celtic music and dance. We will be highlighting the performers on facebook if you want more information!

The Artistic Committee is also working on finalizing the Workshop Programs, and entertainment for Little Celtz. They are considering a contradance workshop/dance for either Saturday or Sunday afternoon of the the festival weekend. Fun activities will entertain the little ones, making this a truly family event.

Call for Sponsorship  
A lot of work is going on to procure sponsorship from past sponsors and new contacts. So far, we are grateful to many past sponsors for their continued support this year, and the committee is working hard to contact new businesses using a newly revised sponsorship package. Sponsors can support us by purchasing ad space in the Humm Insert, signage at the Celtfest site, or by in-kind donations of gifts for the raffle basket (2nd prize), and other pre-festival events.
If you know of someone who would like to sponsor Celtfest and has not yet been approached, please notify Natalie at almonteceltfest@hotmail.com to request a volunteer to make a contact. 

Call for Volunteers
The Volunteer Coordinators will soon be emailing all past volunteers to find out if they wish to volunteer again this year, and in what capacity. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer for the Celtfest weekend, there are many needs and you are sure to find one that fits your interests, talents, and timeline. We need help with all aspects of gate admission, stage set-up and dismantling, raffle ticket sales, merchandise tent sales, survey of Celtfest attenders, and other tasks. It is the volunteers and sponsors who help to make this such an amazing event for Almonte. It is lots of fun!

Don't forget that May 16th is National Fiddle Day! 



For more information contact
Jane Torrance (Promotions) 613-256-3576
or
almonteceltfest@hotmail.com