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Fifth Annual Bolin Creek Festival A Big Success
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Photographs are by Dave Otto & are © copyrighted
The festival yesterday was our biggest and best yet!! Despite many other competing events, a large and enthusiastic crowd came out to celebrate Bolin Creek. Cathy Kielor from the Music Explorium led two rhythm and drum circles, beloved by kids of all ages. Shelley Higgins assembled a lively musical venue including Amber Dutton, Club Boheme, Skeedaddle and Project Mostana. The infectious Indian rhythms of Project Mastana stimulated many to join in a circle dance to close their program in a memorable fashion. In addition to organizing the musical program, Shelley also contributed her talent as the spirited vocalist of Club Boheme.
For the past three years, power for the P.A. system has come from a solar generator provided by Ed Witkin, owner of Carrboro Solar Works. The solar generator is silent and does not emit any carbon, the perfect energy source for our festival and a splendid resource to reduce global warming. We are very grateful to Ed.
Leigh Aultman, a science teacher from McDougle Middle School, coordinated Stream Watch where kids walked down into the creek to hunt for macro-invertebrates, tiny critters that provide us with an important index of the health of the creek. This activity is very popular with children--a good excuse to splash about in the water while learning important lessons about ecology. Leigh did a wonderful job evidenced by the throngs of kids wading in the creek, often huddling with her to carefully review treasures found in the water.
New features included Jennifer Evans' Moon Walk--an inflatable trampoline house in which kids joyously bounced and tumbled in abandon. Popcorn was also available from Jennifer. In addition, Jennifer is an accomplished gospel singer who treated us to a moving sample of her musical talent.
Another new addition was "Critter Corner". Mary Sonis is a nature lover extraordinnaire who lives near Bolin Creek and has collected an intriguing variety of animal skulls, feathers, dried beetles and other wild wonders. She brought her collection and passion for nature to share with all who cared to listen--which seemed to be most adults and older children at the festival. Mary is also an excellent photographer who has captured many critters on film. Many of her pictures were on display at the festival and are available now for all to see on our website "Critter Corner."
The longest line was people waiting for some of Vimila Rajendran's delicious Indian and BBQ food. Vimila has become a staple at the festival. Randy Dood also again offered his inimitable smoothies made by pedaling his bicycle. His smoothies are a perennial favorite.
Our Artist-in-Residence this year was Dale Morgan. Dale paints charming watercolor pictures of critters and wildflowers found in the Bolin Creek watershed. She set up her table near the creek and graciously discussed her methods and works with all who wandered by. Dale contributed two beautiful prints--one of great horned owl and a second of a quail--to the raffle. We are grateful that Dale shared her skill and passion for painting with us for the day.
Many helped with the Bolin Creek table this year including Noreen Ordrinneau, Julie McClintock, the Sorensen family (Lee, Craig and Kristen), Terri Buckner, Peter Garrett, Jerry and Val Schreiber, Bruce Sinclair and Valarie Schwartz. Craig and Kristen did a superb job selling raffle tickets.
The raffle this year was simpler than previous years, but still offered a variety of delightful and valuable prizes donated by local merchants and friends. Prizes included a large print of Alaskan wolves and a small print of a carnation from the Print Shop, two watercolor prints from Dale Morgan, a matted and framed photo of Bolin Creek by me, two bicycle repair kits from Clean Machine, a birdfeeder and bag of birdfool from the Bird Center at Eastgate, a $20 gift certificate from the Great Outdoor Provisions Co, Emilie Weinstein's book "Finding Hidden Places", a set of Satin Sheets from Shelley Winters, an experienced broker witht Franklin St. Realty and a pound of coffe from Cup a Joe's. We are grateful to merchants and friends who contributed to raffle! We are grateful for the generous donations from Chapel Hill-Carrboro merchants.
Finally, a special tribute was given to P.H. Craig for his extraordinary efforts to preserve the beautiful parcels of land that he owns between Ironwoods and Carolina North. Mr. Craig has zealously prevented development of this property for more than 40 uears and has generously permitted us to enjoy this natural treasure over the years. He was presented with an 11x14 archival giclee print of the main tributary creek through his property in recognition of his efforts.
Plan now to join us at the 6th Annual Bolin Creek Festival next year!!
Dave Otto, Co-Chair
Friends of bolin Creek
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