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Eric Bunnell's People: Returning St. Anne's festival focuses on family fun

Also, the closure of AVSS comes on the eve of celebrations planned for the school’s 100th anniversary.

It’s just a month until the 2026 edition of St. Anne’s Community Festival, but the good news is just that.

“We’ve already started planning – we’re just over a month into that process,” says organizing lead Dan Simpson, “so we’re on track!”

Eric Bunnell's People: Returning St. Anne's festival focuses on family fun Back to video

Dan is one of the new volunteers who stepped forward last year when it appeared the long-running festival, which dates to 1972, would end without an infusion of new blood.

He calls last year’s revived festival a success.

“It was great. It was my first year at the helm and, honestly, we had a fantastic team.”

And that included long-serving volunteers who returned, recommitted, to share their expertise with new organizers.

“It was fantastic. I’m very pleased with the result.”

Family fun was a focus of the renewed festival, and Dan says that will continue.

“We’ve come up with some exciting ways to further that.”

That includes the return of the festival’s Padre’s Patio – licensed but still family focused with activities for children who may be too young for rides and the midway.

“We’re going to have a partnership with the city to provide free games and entertainment for kids in that age group; give the parents an area to hang out and have a little bit of a rest, and be able to have a close eye on their kids.

“It’s kind of a win-win for everybody to be able to take a break and relax.”

New this year, a Friday-evening concert at St. Anne’s Centre, with bands TBA.

“The idea there is for the other age groups, maybe young adults or parents who want to hang out, to enjoy a concert inside as the festival is winding down.”

If successful, there could be more concerts next year.

Community suppers, an attraction from past years, ended with the festival’s reorganization and remain off the table.

“This year, it’s going to be similar to the setup last year: a simplified menu, cost-effective for parents.”

Still, Dan doesn’t rule out their possible........

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