Folk Festival a success

The first-ever Sisters Folk Festival dodged chilly, windy weather to provide a day full of music, dance and stories for Sisters residents and visiting out-of-towners alike.

The entire event was held in the Sisters/Middle High school auditorium after weather forced organizers to move afternoon performances from their original Pine Meadow Ranch venue.

The day-long festival featured performances ranging from the music of the internationally renowned Irish balladeer Peter Yeates to the storytelling of Susan Strauss and the Scottish dances of the local High Desert Celtic Country Dancers.

Festival organizers reported that they were pleased with the turnout and the enthusiasm of the audiences. Many people were on hand for the entire nine-plus hours of entertainment.

Dick Sandvik said that all the festival performers were impressed with the event.

"They just thought the audiences were really warm and welcoming and the high school auditorium was a classy place to play," he said.

The festival featured performances by nine finalists in a songwriting contest. David Carter of Portland took home the contest's $500 cash prize for his original "Gun-metal Eyes."

Festival organizers are already making plans for a second festival.

Ed Fitzjarrell, who organized the songwriting contest, said he would like next year to stage a songwriting clinic with professional songwriters in conjunction with the festival. He believes that the chance for non-professional writers to perform their material is an important function of a folk festival.

"You can't have a loser in a folk festival," he said.

The performers at the festival seemed to be as committed to seeing the festival grow as the organizers are.

"This is a great festival," said the Irish balladeer Peter Yeates. "It's gonna grow. A Newport (Folk Festival) in Sisters, Oregon? Yeah, why not."