In a bold move, the Fremont Arts Council (FAC) Board has announced this week its plan to not pursue production of a Feast of the Winter Solstice celebration in 2019.
The Feast of the Winter Solstice annually takes place on December 21st. More of a membership building and bonding experience than a public event, the Feast has less general awareness than other FAC events such as Trolloween, Luminata Lantern Walk, and the Fremont Solstice Parade. Yet, for many in the Fremont community, the Feast is a staple of the Holiday season – and for many FAC-ers, this is the gathering that glues their friendships together and grows their bond with the mission of this iconoclastic organization.
Yet, it is a concern for breaking those bonds, and burning out their volunteers, that has convinced the FAC Board to not pursue a Feast for the 2019 Winter Solstice. A Feast may still happen. The Feast of the Winter Solstice started as a dinner party at the private homes of FAC-ers, and it has grown into a meal, music and art installation for 100s. It is possible that a dinner, or even a party, may be produced by others.
However, the FAC Board has announced that rather than put their limited time and energy, and that of its volunteers, into planning, organizing and leading the Feast build this year, they will work on outreach, fundraising, and development of the organizations, including its volunteers. On October 24th, the FAC hosted a public meeting to discuss and start planning the Feast – and only one person, beyond the Board, attended.
“After much reflection, the Board has decided to rest the Feast of the Winter Solstice this year,” was written in a statement from the FAC Board, “In the future, we hope to have a Winter Solstice event that embraces the membership in a way that reflects our community.”
For those who want to join in on the magic made by the FAC, and to help build a year ‘round organization, attend the next public Committee Of the Whole (COW) meeting on Tuesday, November 12th at 7:10p at the Powerhouse (3940 Fremont Ave N.) Also, learn more by visiting the FremontArtsCouncil.org website (click here.)
Finally, the next FAC event will be a Petit Troll fundraiser at Lagunitas Brewery on February 25th, 2020. It is not too early to get that on the calendar, and find out how you can get involved. Attend the next COW meeting and learn all about it!!