Organizers said Flin Flon’s annual fall festival of arts and culture was a success – despite Mother Nature deciding to hinder rather than help.
Flin Flon Culture Days boasted more than 130 events this year, said Crystal Kolt, cultural coordinator for the Flin Flon Arts Council, despite cold weather and occasional snow that led to changes for some events and lower than anticipated turnout at others.
“I thought it went really well. The weather was a big challenge this year, but we know we live in northern Canada, so that was going to happen at some point in time,” said Kolt.
Two of the marquee events for the festival – the Wild Things Outdoor Market at Creekside Park and the new Dancing Light Through Birch Bark exhibit – were altered to address weather concerns. The market, traditionally held as an open-air event, was instead held under temporary white tents in the park. Heaters were set up throughout the tent to help keep market goers toasty on a day that saw light to moderate intermittent snowfall.
“We were kind of proud that we made it work,” said Kolt.
The Dancing Light Through Birch Bark exhibit, which was originally planned to be held between the Rotary Wheel and Blueberry Jam festival stage, was instead moved inside the Rotary Wheel building.
Kolt said the adjustments provided a good foundation for future Culture Days events, in case the weather takes a cold turn.
“Now, we kind of know what that is all about. In future years, if the weather turns cooler, we have a good starting place for that,” she said.
Another event impacted by the cold was the Dancing Down Main Street event on Sept. 30. Kolt said brisk weather was a main reason for smaller attendance at the event, compared to previous years.
“In terms of some things like the Dancing Down Main Street, I think there was less attendance than there was in previous years, for obvious reasons, but that was okay – it was still a really good party and we had lots of fun doing it,” said Kolt.
Despite the cold, Kolt said the warmth of festival attendees and community members was a highlight, highlighting events like the Wild Rice cabaret and Superstar program for students, including high schoolers.
“It was a success. I’m very proud and grateful for everybody who participated, either as a sponsor or a volunteer or a participant,” she said.
“Two thumbs up. We’re really pleased.”
