It’s a new start for the Stan Rogers Folk Festival, and the community of Canso, Nova Scotia is ready for a weekend of rebirth and celebration.
“Yes, Canso is ready,” says Stanfest board member Mark Haynes. “It’s absolutely great. I’ve been to all the stores, the bar’s full, the stores are full, the liquor store’s full, the pizza guy is full, the restaurants are having a good time, so it’s just great.”
Stanfest weekend contributes more than $3 million to the local economy, with more than 12,000 visitors taking in the shows. The folk festival took an unfortunate break last year, as post tropical storm Arthur moved in. It was the first time in its 17 year history that it was cancelled.
“It was pretty hard,” says volunteer Lyann Yates.
With the cancellation, came support from the public, government, and other festivals from across the country.
“Well I think it’s a testament to the organizers,” says former Canso Mayor Ray White. “Canso’s been down in the past, but people get together and work hard. And we’re here, bigger and better.”
“We’re heading into this weekend with all of this support, stronger than ever” says festival director Troy Green. “We could not be more inspired.”
Stanfest regulars, like Newfoundland musician Alan Doyle, felt nothing was going to keep them away another year.
“I was supposed to be here last year, and I was devastated, like most… that I didn’t get to come,” says Doyle. “I vowed last year… talked about it with my manager and agent… and said if this goes next year, I want in.”
Given the weather forecast for the weekend, it’s safe to say that Stanfest will rise again
