Hometown St.Thomas July:Aug 2024

Railway City Music and Arts Festival by Peri Hayes Rick Nemett is the proud President of the Railway City Music and Arts Festival (RCMAF). He details, “RCMAF is a purely volunteer-driven event. The Board of Directors is composed of individuals who serve solely out of their own love of the arts and their pride in our community. I first became involved with the Festival in 2021 when my own band was asked to perform. I saw the value in such a community-focused event and enjoyed it so much that I offered to ‘help out’ with the next year’s event.” During this “life-changing experience,” as Rick describes, he booked the bands for the four-day event. He continues, “The artist community is so incredibly supportive of one another, and the joy of working so closely with so many talented people while also spreading that joy to my community was just incredible!” Rick then joined the Board of Directors, wherein he continues to work alongside a committee of dedicated members. This connective, free and family-friendly Festival will operate from August 15th to August 18th at the enchanting venue of Pinafore Park, which has been determined to be their permanent home. The centrepiece of this Festival involves the “Port Stanley Lions & Lioness Main Stage” located at the Bandshell, and the Community Stage at the Dance Pavilion. While the Main Stage will feature established local music, the Community Stage is a space for anyone to reserve time, whether to play a couple of songs, a full set, or share a dance composition. Each stage will be an all-ages licensed event from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Rick announces, “We are inviting all artists to come and display and/or sell their creations in the

artist village. We will also have a marketplace located along the paved pathways with dozens of artisans and vendors in attendance showing off their products.” Returning is the Magic Express Train, providing rides throughout the park for a small donation. Moreover, KidZone will feature arts and crafts programming and story time each day until 6:00 pm in the Street Railway Pavilion. On Sunday, Nostalgia Day, a Classic Car Show will be presented. This is the Festival’s fourth year in its current format and location. Seize the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing day filled with fantastic food and refreshments, breathtaking local businesses and magnificent music. All registration forms for participation in this Festival as an artist, performer, vendor, or volunteer are available through the ‘Get Invol- ved’ tab on their website at ‘railwaycitymusicandartsfestival. ca.’Furthermore, visit the ‘About’ section to review RCMAF’s empowering mission statement. Rick passionately urges that the community’s support will ensure the continuation of this beloved celebration. Direct any Inquiries to their email address at info. RCMAF@gmail.com.,0

Fresh Local Beef, Pork and Chicken perfect for the BBQ

519-633-9691 1030 Talbot Street St. Thomas Monday to Saturday 8am - 8pm Sunday 8am - 6pm

Fresh Local Strawberries, Blueberries and Raspberries

Fresh Local Cukes and Beets, Plus all your pickling needs

Fresh Local Corn

Open Canada Day and the Civic Holiday!

We have Fireworks for long weekends!

Seeds, Vegetable Plants, Mulch Soil, Fertilizer, Bedding Plants, Hanging Baskets and Much More!

Freshness, Quality, Satisfaction and the Ultimate Customer Service... Always!

Page 10 Hometown St. Thomas • July-August 2024

TTo advertise here, please contact Geoff@VillagerPublications.com

Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs