On the evening of September 26, the wonderful hostesses of the Grand Rapids Latvian Association welcomed guests into their home and served nearly one hundred visitors with warm soup, pīrāgi, homemade rye bread, and dessert.
Those who came had the chance to learn more about the upcoming Festival, and to take photos by the Song Festival flag, which has been kept in Grand Rapids since last summer’s festival in Toronto.
Volunteers from the organizing committee briefly shared about the events they have taken responsibility for:
Parade, Opening Ceremony, and Zaļumballe (outdoor dance) – Marita Aron
Children’s Event – Ginta McNally and Marita Aron
Writers’ Showcase – Maira Bundža
Marketplace – Laura Smidchena
Festival Ball – Silvija Ezera
The Music Program Leader, Pauls Berkolds, gave a broader overview of the upcoming music program, which will be diverse and beautiful.
Representatives of the Festival board – Daina Līzenberga, Diāna Pone, Andra Zommere, Kristīne Waide, and Aleksis Vizulis – answered the many questions from those present. There were a lot of questions, and the organizers did their best to respond to all of them.
As promised, people went home from the event both informed and well fed.
(Photo: Victoria Krievs and Kristine Waide)
