Howdy!
What a tremendous Festival we have had. To say that we were busy is an understatement! The exceptional hot sunny weather was certainly a major contributing factor. Dare I say it, some folks were even complaining that it was too hot to dress in their costumes!!!
Many people turned up because of the glorious weather and were surprised to find the site full of Country & Westerners. What a strange mix to see people wandering about in shorts and t-shirts (and sometimes less!) next to Native Americans and Cowboys! But the newcomers to the Festival soon got into the spirit of the event and next time could be seen wearing a Stetson (but still the shorts and t-shirts)!
The costumes just get better and better each year. The ladies dresses were breathtaking with the attention to detail and the added accessories from gloves, bonnets, parasols (much in use this year to provide shade from the searing sun) and authentic jewellery. Perhaps there weren’t quite as many saloon girls this time but there were certainly a lot of classy townsfolk with just a touch of “Little House on the Prairie”! The men looked just as good whether they were Native Americans, Cowboys or even “The Town Undertaker”! It’s amazing how surly and menacing you can look under a Stetson!
It’s lovely to see the children dressing up as well and joining in. Going by their enthusiasm, there is no doubt that the Country and Western tradition will stay with us well into the future.
A very big thank you to the Stallholders outside The Seagull Inn at the Traders Village, in Scotty’s and on Northam Farm. Trading was brisk and there were great bargains to be had from jewellery, music, flags, clothing and other assorted memorabilia. It also provided a great meeting place to renew old friendships as well as making new, all watched over by the colossal Indian statue at the entrance of the Market.
What great entertainment again this year in both The Seagull Inn and Scotty’s. The line dancing was as popular as ever with many joining in for the first time. You might start off with two left feet but with perseverance and a lot of laughter (and larking about) you can soon pick it up! Thanks to Mal and Jan for their patience (and for having a sense of humour)!
Thank you to all the Bands and Acts who kept us so well entertained, tapping our feet, singing along and dancing the night away.
We held a Barbeque Evening “Western Style” at Scotty’s and a Pig Roast at The Seagull Inn. These are now established annual events and are always well attended.
The Festival Charity this year was the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Many thanks to Nick Pearce from the Air Ambulance for his help and advice. As usual, we had collections, a Charity Auction and Raffle and a Car Boot Sale. We are very pleased to announce that a brilliant £945 was collected. This will be made up to £1000. A massive thank you to all those who donated.
So, why not come along and join us for the Country and Western Festival next year and experience the event yourself. We start taking bookings from the beginning of January.
And remember, always drink upstream from the herd!!!
Dates for the 2013 Country and Western Festival -
Thursday 26th September - Sunday 6th October.
