Enderby Arts Festival a Guild tradition

The Enderby Arts Festival, which marks its 10th anniversary this weekend,
has grown from a small artisans market to a major community event that
features local performers, family activities and vendors from as far away as
Alberta. The Enderby & District Arts Council created the festival to replace the
defunct Enderby Summer Fun Festival and Tube float and added food trucks,
live music, and then a family fun area to the mix. 

According to Neil Fidler, secretary and board member of the Arts Council, the
popularity of the event is helped by the fact that Enderby is a “nice, small town
that is close to everything.” 

The festival draws on an active, regional arts community and an older
demographic that actively supports local artists, both of which also contribute to
the festival's success.

Retirees, who make up almost a third of Enderby's population of around 3,000,
are historically critical to the viability of the festival.

“Like most small town organizations, we are run by volunteers, Most of our active
volunteers are older. We do get younger people, but they don't stick around
long,” said Fidler.

Festival organizers have found the right mix of entertainment and artisans to
appeal to a range of ages, from children to seniors..The reasonable table fees
appeal to local artisans, who fill around 40 tables each year.

Artisan demonstrations are always a hit with fairgoers, said Fidler.

“We've had the (Shuswap)spinners and weavers come every year since we
started. You always get people who come to watch.” 

Retired teacher Lis Borthwick is one of the guild members who demonstrates
fibre arts every year.

She says she always enjoys connecting with people at the festival, including f
ormer students, who find the spinning and weaving demonstrations fascinating.

“Enderby is lovely place to do it.  I taught in Enderby in for 20 happy years. I
owe that community.”

Written by: Anne Patterson