South River Festival of the Arts with photo gallery

The South River Festival of the Arts continued Saturday with fair weather at the Beaver Point Park. Leia Halford, a Festival volunteer, said this was the first year of a new format for the Festival and the first year at the Park. Attendance was a little lower than expected but there was a steady stream of families visiting the art displays and music tent.

Youngsters were drawn to the portrait artist as he entertained them with questions and comments while sketching two young ladies. Author Martha Attema held the attention of listeners as she read from her book ‘Hero’ at the local author’s tent. Workshops included drum-making, watercolours, twig furniture making and dried flower greeting cards.

Local musicians included the singing OPP officers who gave some reasonably good renditions of country and pop music. In between bands, Paul Haslem worked his magic on the hammered dulcimer.

A special crafts workshop for children had youngsters gathering twigs and rocks after listening to a storyteller. The Park setting was ideal for three pipers who were tuning their bagpipes prior to their concert.