With the last strains of music Sunday evening under a blue sunset sky, Celtfest 2008’s organizers were able to breathe a huge sigh of relief. This year’s event held over 4 days and nights was brought to conclusion  amidst unpredictable, and worrisome weather.

The Celtfest 2008 Committee wishes to acknowledge and thank all volunteers, performers and audiences, who contributed their time, energy, and participation. Festival events offered much variety including  Movie Night on Thursday July 10^th  when we “waked” Ned Devine, to Friday July 11^th and the excellent Stone Fence Theatre troupe’s tribute to Mac Beattie MC’d by Charlie Kitt.  Saturday the 12^th’s Magick Day  included faeries, wands, a river goddess, stories and a musical procession, and later, well attended music workshops, the Kick-Off Concert and After Hours Show. Sunday, July 13^th  the morning rain faded just in time for the Main Festival from Noon onward, with 10 acts of outstanding performances, plus Highland Games, Gaelic football, and Rugby demonstrations, artisans and food booths which added atmosphere to the site.

It was all a great celebration of music, song, and dance unfolding in the outstanding venues of Gemmill Park, the Old Town Hall, and the community of Almonte. A survey of the audience showed visitors from Germany, Denmark, the U.K., Atlantic provinces, Florida, New York and as far as Washington State, and a large percentage of visitors from Ottawa attending also. There were positive reviews from all.

 Special thanks to the Town of Mississippi Mills Council and Staff, the Mississippi Mills Chamber of Commerce, the MAAP Committee, area businesses and media, the Royal Canadian Legion, Almonte Branch, Puppets Up,and all those volunteers who made this event possible. And finally, to those who collectively willed the rain to go away, an extra special note of appreciation.

Jim Mountain
Almonte Celtfest Committee