‘Kudos to the whole team,’ says director as Folk Fest hits 50

A longtime summer tradition, the Regina Folk Festival, is celebrating 50 years this weekend.

Speaking on The Greg Morgan Morning Show on Thursday, artistic director Sandra Butel said the credit has to go to the people behind the scenes.

“The fact that we got to 50 is a testament to the dedication of the people of Regina and all the volunteers that have worked with us over the years,” Butel said. “(There have been) lots of great moments and this weekend is looking like we’re going to create a lot of new ones as well.

“What great work everyone does and how they just pour it all out for our visitors over the weekend. Kudos to the whole team.”

The 2019 edition begins Friday and runs through Sunday.

Word gets around about the festival. Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy sang praises about the event’s structure and location in Victoria Park.

With a ticketed main stage, along with four other stages, an arts market and free children’s activities, Butel said the festival gets plenty of compliments.

“Artists come here and say, ‘Wow, that’s great. You have such a diverse audience in the day and then you have a really attentive, appreciative crowd at night,’ ” she said.

Some of the big acts this year include The Dead South, Ruth B and Blue Rodeo.

Butel said Friday should be a capacity crowd.