PEMBROKE — Fiddlefest was the brainchild of former Miramichi Lodge Foundation member Brian Wilson. The idea was to provide an evening of entertainment for the campers staying at Riverside Park the week before the Annual Fiddling and Step Dancing competition – it was the neighbourly thing to do. Over the years things have changed a bit – we discovered that the week of the event – fewer entertainers were available, since there are so many activities already taking place; many of the campers settle in and just enjoy the entertainment in the park as well as look forward to visiting with folks they have established long term relationships.
This prompted us to push the date back one week and encourage more locals to come and be entertained by some of the best the Valley has to offer. Art Jamieson has graciously hosted our event since we started in 2013 and does a fabulous job, since he knows so much about all of the entertainers who join us
This year’s event is taking place Wednesday August 23 from 1 to 3:30 pm in the community centre at Miramichi Lodge. Foundation member Barb Mcgonegal has since taken over the task from Brian of lining up the talent. We have a very giving community and when Barb calls they answer, so we have a great line-up again this year
We also provide some light refreshments and many prize winning opportunities with a raffle. Many generous businesses have supported this event over the years and are once again back on board with us this year: Hyska’s Independent Grocers (Pet); Tony & Jill’s No Frills; MYFM; M & M Meats; National Grocers; M & R Feed; RC Orthotics; BeachWest Pharmacy; Bee Gee Farms; The Old-time Fiddling and Step Dancing Committee and Olmstead Home Hardware (Cobden).
All funds raised go directly towards programs and service for our residents. This year we are looking into providing a classical music program – Concerts in Care.
It’s a program specifically targeted at the elder population, living in such places as long term care facilities.
