Dear Editor,
I read the article in the Record about the Quayside Board Festival being postponed until next year. I must say that I am disappointed, but I fully understand why this decision had to be made and am in agreement with it.
I have worked as a volunteer at the festival for the last three years, having helped a lot with the organizing of the festival last year. There is a tremendous amount of work that goes into this event. They offer free tables for charitable organizations to meet with the community and some vendors sell handmade crafts which gives them contact within the community. The prizes are donated by many of the local businesses who have donated faithfully year after year.
There are a great number of specific details that we have to manage each and every year. It has been somewhat amazing to me that everything runs as smoothly as it does. That’s what keeps me involved.
With another event being held in basically the same area and at a similar time I do not know how it could possibly work well.
One of the biggest headaches we face is parking for both vendors and attendees.
Last year, I happened to passing by the mayor when he said he didn’t know how the organizers did this and remarked on how great the music was. I do agree that we have had great bands in the past that set a great tone for the event. I am sorry this decision had to be made but do believe that it is for the best for the Quayside Board Festival.
Carol Francis, New Westminster
