If you can whistle or say your name you can join a choir.
Those were some of the words spoken by Cariboo Men’s Choir member Bill McDonald in encouraging people to join a choir or participate in supporting the annual Cariboo Festival, as master of ceremonies for the festival’s Spotlight Performance April 21.
Honours Concert master of ceremonies Harry Jennings issued equally encouraging words for people to support the festival during the Honours Concert Saturday evening at Cariboo Bethel Church which wrapped up the month-long, 57th annual festival.
Jennings extended thanks to executive president Jane Perry, past president Sherry Johnson, treasurer John Sykes, secretary Dodi Hama and member at large Carrie Barker. He also extended words of appreciation to the 17 members of the organizing committee and many more volunteers who man doors at the festival venues, perform secretarial duties for the adjudicators and other jobs, such as moving the heavy grand piano back and forth across the stage.
Jennings said the festival committee is always looking for more volunteers and encouraged people interested in volunteering with the festival to attend the annual general meeting on Tuesday, June 14 starting at 7 p.m. in the Central Cariboo Arts Centre next to City Hall.
Jennings and Perry also extended words of appreciation to the City of Williams Lake and Cariboo Regional Dis- trict for the grant-in-aid that helps to make the festival possible as well as support received from local businesses and community clubs.
Special thanks was extended to the major festival supporters Williams Lake Lions and Lioness clubs, Daybreak Rotary Club, Overlander Hotel that provides accommodation for the adjudicators, and Pacific Coastal Airlines that provides flights for the adjudicators..
“Please support the arts and encourage our governments to do likewise,” Jennings said in closing out the festival Saturday evening. “Due to cuts in arts funding over the past several years, many worthwhile kids’ programs are shutting down. The Cariboo Festival is fortunate to not be in this position yet thanks to the vision of our local city government and thanks to you.”