Editor,

The 23rd Penn Cove Water Festival is now history and the board is already looking to next year’s event on May 16, 2015.

After months of diligent planning and endless hours donated by staff and volunteers, there’s a feeling of overwhelming pride to see the festival in all its dimensions bring a special day of life and liveliness to our historic Front Street.

This year’s event was a tremendous success and as president of the Penn Cove Water Festival Association, I want to express bountiful appreciation to all who contributed to this ongoing tradition.

From the opening ceremonies to the closing dances by the Tshimshain Haayuuk Dancers, from the strains of a Native American flute to canoes gliding through Penn Cove, from prairie tours to face painting, there was something for everyone. One participant even admitted to eating three salmon tacos.

While this festival has deep roots in our community’s history and is a celebration of our heritage, it continues to bring locals and tourists together in a contemporary setting where we can reflect on beautiful Penn Cove as it was in the 1930s when Native Americans came together for canoe races and camaraderie. Today, we are the fortunate ones who can still enjoy, remember and experience this history.

The creative collaboration involved in putting on such an event is typical of the community where we live and thrive. It enables us to once again feel a special pride in our local town, civic organizations, service clubs, local media and the many dedicated individuals who made this a grand success.  We also acknowledge and thank the Native American entertainers and vendors, as well as the environmental groups that participated.

It is impossible to mention all who contributed to the success of this festival in this letter. As plans are underway for next year, we need new volunteers for committees. Please reflect on this year’s festival and get involved so that 2015 will be the best ever and it can continue into the future. Please check our website at penncovewaterfestival.com for a complete list of our fantastic volunteers, our mission, our history and contact information.

Vicky Reyes, president

Penn Cove Water Festival