Dear Editor,
Being a wife and mother, I attempt to instill in my family core values of love, kindness and an appreciation of the simpler things in life. My belief is that these acts, among other positive attributes, can and will make this world a better place for ourselves and the people we encounter along our journey. I think it’s important to give credit where credit is due and from our experience at the Fourth Annual NL Traditional Songwriters Festival at Little Bay Islands, credit is definitely due.
Awesome is not even fitting enough to what this event meant to us. We had so much fun, since there was something for everyone - young and old alike. Prices were more than reasonable and everything was so well organized. The ‘orange shirt’ (staff/volunteer) people, and other locals, were all so helpful and friendly.
This was our first time to the Island and I left Little Bay Islands with heartfelt admiration for this tiny place. Everything was so well done, from the traditional food to the simple things like prizes for kids who didn’t win during the Kid’s Bingo. Not even larger communities think of that when they host their annual events. Most communities (not all but most) concentrate more on the financial aspect of the events - the more money saved/made the more successful the event.
By the simple act of giving prizes to all the kids who participated, it not only put a smile on the face of the kids but made my heart ‘smile’ as well.
There is no value to a child’s happiness and Little Bay Islands has not lost that truth in the moderation of life. That in itself speaks volumes of the values that this tiny outport community strives on. The experience at the event rejuvenated in my family and I, the appreciation for the traditional Newfoundland and Labrador culture, a way of life and values often lost elsewhere in the province, but so evident in this little isolated outport community.
That being said, the only disappointment in the weekend was the mess left at the campground by some of the campers who left before us. Little Bay Islands provided a beautiful spot to camp and be entertained, and someone’s attempt to trash it with their lack of responsibly to clean up after themselves did not go unnoticed. Especially since the organizers even provided garbage bags upon registration and dumpsters throughout the field for the weekend.
My family’s wish to those who did not take responsibility for their camping area is that they will quickly learn to take responsibility and respect what has been freely given to them. Would not responsibility be another positive attribute that would make this world a better place for everyone?
In any case, as I said, the Volunteers and Staff at Little Bay Islands are to be commended for the work they all put into this event. It was a true blessing to attend this event, and be sure it will not be our last visit. It is truly amazing how such a small community can come together and make such an event such a huge success. Bravo!
Justine Vincent-Thomas
South Brook, NL.
