'Save our Festival': Folk Arts Society works toward $140k fundraising goal

The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society is feeling more optimistic about its future after receiving an outpouring of support from the community. 

On April 19, the festival held a benefit concert to "Save Our Festival," at Quidi Vidi brewery. The brewery was packed full of guests and featured musical acts all day long. 

Board President Julie Vogt, who stepped out of retirement to volunteer for the society, was thrilled to see the community come together to support the festival. 

"It's not just about the money today," said Vogt. "It's also about community. Bringing the community together to support something that can't be lost in this province."

Vogt is a former executive director of the Society. When she saw the financial problems the society was experiencing, Vogt said she felt it was important that she return and try to help it continue as much as she could.

Knowing how important the N.L. Folk Festival is to the province, Vogt said before shutting the doors they should let the community decide if the festival should live on. 

"Look at this. It's packed. There's not a seat available," said Vogt. "People are here to support us, listen to this great music and have a party and say, 'yeah, you're gonna be around.'"

Justin Fong, co-owner of Quidi Vidi Brewery, said he jumped at the chance to host the fundraising event. When he heard about its financial issues, he wanted to support the folk festival.

"I couldn't really picture a Newfoundland summer without having a folk festival weekend," said Fong. 

$140k needed

In January, the society announced they were having financial difficulties and as a result laid off 5 staffers. 

Since then, Vogt said they were able to rehire their logistics coordinator, however the board members are still all volunteers. 

"We all felt that the rest needed to be volunteers until we can be assured that we are financially sound and delivering the products that we need to be delivering," said Vogt. 

She said she was also "gobsmacked" to see donations roll in from all over the world, including Switzerland and the United States. 

In a follow up email, Vogt said their goal was to raise $7,000 at the benefit concert. While they don't know the numbers yet, she expects they succeeded that goal due to the massive attendance. 

Their ultimate fundraising goal is $140,000, which they'll reach in two phases. Phase one involves fundraising $40,000 themselves, and phase two involves raising $100,000 from corporate and foundation sponsors. 

Vogt said the benefit concert puts them at around $30,000, and now, they have 10 days to raise the final $10,000 from private donors before moving on to phase two. 

Festival plans underway

As for the festival, a date has been set for July 11-13, with passes going on sale April 30. 

Despite the financial setbacks, Vogt said the event will be happening as performer deposits have already been sent. 

While the full festival lineup will be out April 23, Vogt said up and coming folk group Salt Beef Junkies will be opening up the festival. 

They will also be keeping the alcohol consumption rules the same as last year, with a license to drink alcohol in the entire main stage area. 

Fong also said he is excited for Quidi Vidi Brewery to have a beer tent at the festival for the fifth year in a row. 

"If ever you were going to buy a ticket to the folk festival, please let it be this year," said Vogt.

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