8th Annual Fiddlers On The Trent Festival

As we sat in the Frankfort Park pavilion on Sunday morning (June 20) amid the chatter that surrounded us, we found ourselves wondering, “What is it that we like best about the Fiddlers On the Trent Festival?” One could be forgiven for immediately thinking - why the music of course! Yes, the music is great, not because it is all done by professionals, because it isn’t, but rather because each performer obviously loves to play, sing or dance. When people love what they are doing, it shows in their performance. The FOTT organizers have done a great job of presenting a great mix of professional and amateur, old and young, yes even very gifted and perhaps some who might be a tiny bit less gifted. If you like fiddle music, guitar, accordion or keyboard, this weekend is a wonderful tray of desserts.

And  speaking of desserts, in addition to Thursday night's fish fry, Friday night's beef dinner and Saturday night's chicken kabobs,  many area churches supplied a truck load of pies.  Mmmm, good pies!

But beyond the music and the meals, we appreciate the forward thinking of the FOTT organizers. They always invite younger performers, some only 10 to 12 years old, to give them a chance to practice their skills and to build their confidence as they perform before a live audience. This opportunity for the younger performers is a gift given, and for the audience, a gift received.

But again, what is it about the festival that we like best? It might be the location, nestled between the Trent River and the Canal on the well equipped (thanks to the municipality of Quinte West) Frankfort Tourist Park with its mature trees, serviced campsites, tenting area, playground equipment, beach, and beach volleyball area – and the pavilion. What a great place to  sit and listen to the performers!

Perhaps the most wonderful part of this annual weekend festival is the sharing. Not just the sharing of music through performances and inpromptu camp site jam sessions,  or the sharing of financial resources (this festival raises tens of thousands of dollars each year), but it is the sharing of the gifts and talents of a whole community with those around the world whom they may never meet.  An extraordinary group of volunteers organizes every thing from entertainers to arranging the camp sites, from preparing excellent meals to providing a shuttle service for visitors - this weekend is an incredible labour of love - and it shows.

All the proceeds from this event will be donated to the CFGB thanks to a dedicated board of directors,numerous volunteers and a loyal following of music fans. Thanks once again for your commitment and generousity!