The Rabbit River Folk Festival, a fixtur
e as a downtown summer entertainment attraction in Wayland for the past four years, will not take place in 2015, and perhaps not in the near future.
“It is with a heavy heart that I am making this announcement,” said organizer J.D. Gonzales Monday. “There will not be a Rabbit River Folk Festival this year and perhaps any after that as well. “I have enjoyed the four years that the festival ran, as it was truly a labor of love to bring a free music event showcasing quality local talent in a fun format and venue. But like even good songs, there always is an ending. This was sooner than I had envisioned but sometimes life has different plans.”
Gonzales promised that the monthly folk music gatherings at Vibrant Grains Restaurant on the first Saturday of each month will continue.
“So to all who have attended in the past, I thank you for your support,” Gonzales said. “And special thanks to Brenda Baker, Roger & Jane Simpson, Phil Long, my kids QuinC and Moriah, the City of Wayland and most of all to my wife for her support and much work on making the dream come alive.”
Gonzales suggested that those looking for an alternative should check out a brand new free local music festival called “Tall Corn Tractor (and anything old) Show and Pickin’ Party” Saturday, Aug. 29, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at at Jeff Lenhart’s farm in New Salem/Dorr area. (The one that does the Wurst festival and Witches of New Salem events.)
The fourth annual Rabbit River Folk acoustic music festival was held Saturday, Aug. 2, in the Wayland City Park. The Wayland City Council a year ago agreed to recognize the event to enable to raise funding support. Its recognition was alongside other existing community happenings such as the Memorial Day Parade and the late summer Friday evening “Music in the Park” series.
Gonzales said the festival’s main goal was “to promote and grow the grassroots folk music movement in the Wayland area… an opportunity for acoustical musicians and their supporters to celebrate their talent and appreciation for folk music.”
The festival included live main stage performers, open microphone playing, music workshops, a Jamming tent, folk art demonstrations and food vendors.
