Pipestone Flyer
If you or your ancestors came from the lovely emerald isle and all things Celtic stir your blood then you will be thrilled to hear about the upcoming event that the Leduc-Nisku Rotary Club is sponsoring the week before St. Patrick's Day.
On Saturday night, March 22nd, beginning with cocktails at 6pm at the Leduc Legion, as a fundraiser for the Leduc Rotary Music Festival there will be a St. Patrick's Irish Stew Night complete with singers entertaining the crowds with songs in the Celtic tradition.
"We are all excited about it!" said Music Festival board member Myrtle Smith. "This is the first time in a long time that an Irish Stew Night has been held in Leduc and we are hoping it will prove as popular now as it was several years ago. The wonderful chef at the Legion will be preparing the meal but since we have discovered that a lot of people don't care for lamb we will be offering two Irish stew options with either beef or chicken."
James Montney and Robin Stuart have also stepped forward to volunteer in organizing the musical talent for the evening. Seven different singers, most of which are past Rotary Music Festival competitors, will tickle diners' ears with Celtic melodies both haunting and spritely.
All proceeds from this evening of Irish entertainment will be put towards the continuation and growth of the Leduc Rotary Music Festival. A 37 year old tradition in Leduc, this festival was begun by music lovers Dr. Lloyd Thompson and his wife Eva, whose own daughter Maria became a concert pianist. Eva is still involved with the festival to this day.
The Leduc Rotary Music Festival has become a yearly event that nurtures young vocalists and musicians as well as encouraging the growth of local musical talent by offering numerous scholarships to the winners. The festival, which began in 1968 with just 50 entries, has grown into a huge attraction for young musicians from around the region, showcasing the talents of over 1,100 artists at numerous venues around the city over the course of seven days. The final concert featuring the cream of the crop from the each years' performers is always an audience favourite and players perform to a packed house at the Maclab Theatre. This year the festival will run from April 8-12 & 14-16.
As for this upcoming fundraiser, "The idea for the Irish Stew Night actually came from our Rotary president Don Shay," shared Myrtle. "We are thinking that we will have about 150 people come out to enjoy the food and entertainment but if it proves as popular as we are hoping then I think we can fit 180 into the room. The reality is that the more money we raise the more scholarships we can give out so we are definitely hoping for a full house! We have also kept the cost for the evening very reasonable at just $35.00 a ticket."
Tickets can be purchased at the Leduc Smitty's Family Restaurant or at the Leduc Legion. For more information about this event inquiries can be directed to Ms. Myrtle Smith at 780-986-3428.