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Second youth expo set for Jan. 26 |
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Thursday, 17 January 2008 |
In addition to being busy with things like studying and extracurricular activities, Taber Youth4Youth members have been putting their energy towards preparing for EXPO-alidocious.
By Jennifer Elves
Taber Times
On Saturday Jan. 26, community members can soak up the benefits by taking in the second annual arts and music festival.
The free event, which goes from 11 a.m-8 p.m. at the Taber Community Centre, will include booths, music by several bands, face painting, a Dance, Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero tent, art displays and sales, a photo silent auction, performances by a group of local cloggers and other dancers and a kids corner.
"This is going to be a family event, with something for the whole family to enjoy throughout the day. We encourage you to come down, bring your family and participate in some activities put on by community booths and listen and watch local performances," said Terri Wilson, a teen specialist with Family and Community Support Services, who helps with the group.
During earlier parts of the day, the musical entertainment will feature softer types of music, like light acoustic, and after the booths close at 6 p.m., two rock bands will take to the stage with time slots of 6-7 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. Some confirmed bands are Dusty Dee of Lethbridge, Amy Bronson (Acoustic/Folk), Darby and Joan Club, Waking Jude, Tree Line and Sophmore Jakes-Atrophy Manuscript.
Organizations setting up booths include the Taber Police Service, Taber/Vauxhall RCMP, Youth4Youth, Taber Community Against Drugs, Taber Air Cadets and Stay and Play, through Family and Community Support Services. Several other arts and craft booths have expressed interest but are not confirmed. Bar Al Beef will be at the event as the only food vendor.
Along with providing a fun day for locals and giving exposure to local organizations, the EXPO gives youth who are involved in planning the event, something to be passionate about.
"I like the bands. I am very music orientated. Music is my life. I can't go a day without it," said Megan Donahue, a Grade 9 student at W.R. Myers who is involved with the group.
Involvement with EXPO has also helped some youth discover new interests. Helping to plan the festival and volunteering on the day of, helps youth improve leadership skills, allows them to be role models and teaches them more about working as a team.
"It proves that different, unique personalities can work together and accomplish a common goal," said Amanda Laturnus who is the facilitator for Youth4Youth.
Kelly Gals, a Grade 10 student at St. Mary's and Aaron Ulrick, a Grade 12 student at Myers, said some other skills members can develop or enhance through involvement with EXPO include management, social and organizational skills.
Since with planning the event, everything is one step at a time, Ulrick added helping out has also taught him the importance of having tolerance.
"It's good skills for life that you learn and it looks good on a resume."
They learn what it takes to make a community event come together and get a great sense of accomplishment from playing a role in something of such great magnitude.
"It feels very good to accomplish something and be like, 'yeah, we are almost ready for this, it is actually going to happen,' " said Donahue. "It's nice to have a part in big events. Everything (about it) is enjoyable."
Those wanting more information on how to enter photography or other forms of art can contact 330-3365. The contact for the art display and sale is Terri Wilson at 223-4403. Community members wanting to enter photos in the silent auction, or enter art or photos in the art display section can also contact Amanda at 223-4403. |
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