Posted: 1/31/06
Arts festival in Caledonia Saturday
Musicians and artists will take part in the first annual Caledonia Area Family Arts Festival this Saturday, February 4 at Caledonia Middle/High School.
The artists will have displays up and items for sale in the commons from 3-7 p.m. Participating artists as of January 30 were Peggy Derrick, quilting; Alek Eglinton, drawing; Greta Ingvalson, ìIngphoto;î Julie Porter, acrylic paints and watercolor; and Linda Riddle, enamel work and leatherwork.
The music will be from 7-8 p.m. in the auditorium. It features a dixieland band, a jazz combo, vocal soloists Jacky Mechtel and Chelsea McManimon-Moe; the Spur of the Moment singers, consisting of Jacky Mechtel, Carolyn Tornstrom, Kim Kranz, Eliott Kranz, Tony Fink, and Bob Zimmerman; and a huge handbell performance. Handbell choirs from two local churches are part of it: Caledonia Methodist Church and Prince of Peach Church, La Crescent. St. Maryís Catholic School students from Caledonia will also take part.
The concert will include a mass bell ringing of two selections by all the participants, directed by Deedee Odell. The public can take an ìIntroduction to Bellsî class from 5-5:30 p.m. taught by Joleen Fink.
The program is sponsored by a new arts group called Caledonia Area Arts (CAA), with a grant the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers.
CAA formed about a year ago as an offshoot of the Caledonia Performing Arts Council, board member Judy St. Mary said. The new board includes Joleen Fink, Sybil Floyd, Eliott and Kim Kranz, Patty McManimon-Moe, Nancy Runningen, and St. Mary.
The group put on a event for children last October that included games and a movie. They are also organizing an Easter Cantata this year.
ìI hope the weather cooperates and I hope a lot of people come out,î Floyd said. She said it will be an exciting concert, and the first time that 30 bell ringers have played together in Caledonia.
Saturdayís event is free, although donations will be accepted. Food will be available too.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com