Australian guests at the Ayer’s Cliff Music Fest
For its 23rd edition, the Ayer’s Cliff Music Fest is welcoming a new attraction in honour of this year’s wish child.
The Music Fest is run on a completely volunteer basis. The event is a fundraiser for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. Every year, the proceeds grant one or more wishes to local children suffering from terminal illnesses. So far, they have managed to grant about 27 wishes in total.
17-year-old Eve’s wish is to visit Australia with her family. In order to get her accustomed to all the critters she will encounter on her trip, a petting zoo of animals native to Australia will be at the event.
Though there are no details revealed, the Music Fest’s Facebook page hints that there will be be all kinds of creatures to be met, whether they be two, four or eight legged.
“I’m hoping for a koala bear” confides Chrissie Mackey, the main organizer of the event along with her husband, Peter.
Old favorites will also be making appearances at the Fest as well. Mackey said that attendees can enjoy a variety of activities such as inflatable games, The D & P Runaway Petting Zoo, bingo, a dunk tank, silent auction, as well as many local bands including Slightly Haggard.
In its 23 years of running, the Music Fest has managed to collect over $290 000 for the Children’s wish Foundation. This year alone, according to Mackey, they have raised around $15 000, though Eve’s wish will cost only about $10 000 to fulfil. The rest of the proceeds, she said, will go towards granting another
child’s request. This considerable amount was collected thanks to local donations and fundraisers. In particular, the Hatley 4-H Club raised $4 440 this year with their annual turkey auction.
“It’s really nice because kids are helping kids” said Mackey, expressing gratitude towards all those who help them achieve their goals. “Sometimes, our wish children return to help gain funds for the next child.”
After this coming weekend, Mackey has no doubt that the event will bring their total funds raised to over $300 000. “There will definitely be a celebration” she added.
For her and her husband’s achievements, Mackey has received the Donaldpatrick Award which is a distinction made to volunteers in the community. Recently she learned that she will also be granted the Sovereign’s Medal by the Governor General for her volunteer work. Though honored, Mackey stresses that her feats have been a group effort.
“We couldn’t do it without the other volunteers” she said. “These awards are for all of us and we are very grateful.”
There will be a volunteer mechoui dinner Friday evening to acknowledge and give thanks to all those who have helped with the Music Fest, some, said Mackey, since the very beginning.
The Music Fest will be held from Friday, June 2 to Sunday, June 4 on the Ayer’s Cliff Fairgrounds. Tickets cost $10 per person per day, or $15 for a weekend pass. Children under 12 years of age get in for free. Donations and ticket purchases can be made at the following number: 819-823-2009 or email address: acmusicfest@gmail.com.