by Kirby Lindsay, posted 17 December 2012
The December meeting of the Committee of the Whole (COW) of the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) had only one item listed on the jam-packed agenda. The COW discussed planning for the Feast of the Winter Solstice, coming up on December 21st.
One-Minute Announcements
Meeting facilitator, Peter Toms, still followed COW procedure, though, and allowed for introductions and announcements before getting on with the main topic.
For the first announcement, Jerry Smith promoted ‘Santa’s First Magical Ride: The Bluegrass Musical’ now on-stage at the Youngstown Cultural Center. Directed and co-written by FAC Board Member Ricky Gene Powell, the FAC is acting as fiscal sponsor of the show. This brand-new Christmas tale gives the story behind the Santa tradition, and shows how love and tolerance win out over hatred and bigotry. Tickets can still be purchased for the final weekend of performances at Brown Paper Tickets, and more information can also be found on Facebook.
Norma Baum distributed handouts on the latest Fremont Players show of British Panto at Hale’s Palladium every weekend from December 15th – January 13th. This show, ‘Sleeping Beauty & The Pea’, features many familiar Fremont faces, including members of the Fremont Philharmonic, performing original music live. It also is ideal for young audiences, and with plenty of jokes and hijinks to entertain full-witted adults as well! Tickets can be purchased through Brown Paper Tickets.
The Moisture Festival New Year’s Eve Extravaganza also got a mention. This party will also be held at Hale’s Palladium, with tickets on-sale through Brown Paper Tickets at only $65 for adults ($40 for youths 12 & under,) if purchased before December 25th.
Peter Toms mentioned that the FAC Board of Directors has scheduled elections for the2013 Board for February 12th (at the COW meeting.) He further clarified that in order to vote, a member must have their dues paid in full by January 12th. Also, the FAC could use a few new Board Members and anyone who wants to volunteer can contact FAC Operations Manager Tessa Hulls at fac@fremontartscouncil.org.
Finally, Toms reported that a new donation box installed at the Fremont Troll sculpture has been collecting funds…well, not exactly hand-over-fist but definitely finger-over-thumb. COW attendees gave huzzahs of gratitude to Sonia Telesco who led the project, and the Fremont Chamber of Commerce community grant program which funded much of it. The money coming in from donors will, Toms explained, be spent entirely on maintenance and improvements to the Troll sculpture.
Feast of The Winter Solstice
Feast co-producer Toms explained that on Friday, December 21st, the FAC will celebrate the Winter Solstice with this 24th Annual potluck gathering. “This one is going to be medium-sized,” he went on. The location they found to hold it – in Ballard – is just under 10,000 square feet with capacity for about 400 people. The doors will open at 6p, and tickets can be purchased for this year’s event (through Brown Paper Tickets.)
The medium-size limits the number of tickets to be given free to volunteers to 100. Last year, Gyan Davies reported, the Feast had 162 volunteers. Volunteers will be required to give four hours or more to ‘earn’ a free ticket. The COW meeting reviewed the volunteer opportunities, and signed up most remaining leadership positions.
Interested volunteers can show up at the space, listed on the FAC website and the event Facebook page, ready to work:
- Monday, December 17th from 6p – 10p
- Tuesday, December 18th from 4p – 10p
- Wednesday, December 19th from 2p – 10p
- or Thursday, December 20th from 10a – 10p
Those who come to volunteer are encouraged to bring snacks to share with fellow volunteers – Feast building can be hunger-inducing!
Volunteers will also be setting up and finishing decorating the morning of Friday, December 21st, until 3p. Feast veterans clarified that art making will stop at 2p. “Put your glue guns down!” ordered Paul Trebek. Everyone will be sent home then, to dress and make food to share – ready to return at 6p to party like the world might end!
Toms stated very clearly that the Feast, “is a product of all our goodwill, and good food.” Those who purchase tickets are still expected to bring along a dish, or two, to share. “Bring something nice,” he urged, “this is the sum of everybody’s input.”
Among volunteer positions, greeters were mentioned. They meet Feasters at the doors and help figure out where to place food they contribute – identifying vegetarian, vegan, entrees, and desserts. Security staff, and ticket takers for the doors, will also be needed.
As for the event build-up, the FAC will transform a warehouse – this year a straight-forward, rectangular space – into a medieval feasting room, with a tea house space (for quieter celebrating,) a large mandala, a stage for live performances, a first aid station, and art, art, art! Attendees who don’t wear their own headdress will be allowed to choose one made by volunteers (under the dedicated leadership of Norma Baum.)
Kudra Migliaccio has stepped up as Site Coordinator, and would love to have art to display – or built particularly for this occasion – from anyone willing to donate. Interested artists can contact her at artsyjuju108@gmail.com Kudra also needs a good backdrop for the stage.
The Feast of the Winter Solstice – to be held December 21st, 2012 – will not be the only party in town. Toms mentioned that the glut of other parties that night may decrease attendance at the FAC Feast. Of course, those who love to gather with friends, to feast and celebrate the Solstice, will still show!
The Feast will be held on the final day of the Mayan calendar, and will be reported on at the next FAC COW meeting on January 8th at 7:10p-ish at the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N.) All COW meetings are open-to-the-whole-public, and can discuss all FAC activities…including the 2013 25th Anniversary Solstice Parade and upcoming Board elections. See you there?
Related Articles
- Fremont Feast Marks Winter Solstice
- by Kirby Lindsay, December 30, 1998 in The Seattle Press
- FAC Highlight Reel: An Active Board, And Organization
- by Kirby Lindsay, November 19, 2012
- FAC Highlight Reel: Lookin’ Forward
- by Kirby Lindsay, January 16, 2012
©2012 Kirby Lindsay. This column is protected by intellectual property laws, including U.S. copyright laws. Reproduction, adaptation or distribution without permission is prohibited.