Wow, a huge thank you to all who came out for our 2019 fundraiser for the fun, food, foolishness and music. And even bigger thank you to Rhonda Long and all the great volunteers that worked their buns off to make this event a huge success.
Rhonda had some help, but she planned it out, brought it all together and made it work. What a great job. When not planning RiverFest, Rhonda works as a mermaid.
It was evident that all had a great time, the music was great, and the rain even held off until the very end. We hardly even missed Storm, uh.. Storm who?.. since we had such a great M C in President Mike. (Just kidding Storm, we did miss you, but Mike was great.)
First, the top picks, although all were super:
Bear and Robert, first place, singing “Our Santa Fe River.” What else?
Second place goes to Ricky Kendall with “Prairie Wind:”
And Third place was shared by our very own member Karen Mullins, singing “Our Sweet Old Santa Fe,” with Billy “Sweet William” Ennis, doing “Pirates of the Rain.”
The rest of the contestants, in alphabetical order:
None of this would have happened without our tireless and faithful volunteers:
This is our president Mike Roth, he loves to sing and it shows here. And he works just as hard as he sings, when directing OSFR. We have had incredible luck with our presidents.
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This is Merrillee, past president and board member. She puts in unbelievably long hours, knows everything (no satire here) and goes everywhere. She is always ready with a smile, but is dead serious when taking about water, fracking, CAFOs and such. She founded the Song Contest nine years ago.
This is Susan, our official webmaster (on the right.) The world would not know much about OSFR if it were not for Susan Giles, who makes our fabulous website go ’round.
Doug Jipson records the songs and helps provide the great venue
Keeping us all safe was Walter Bickmeyer working security, along with his ferocious helper Gracie “the Beast,” who keeps the bad guys in line. Sorry, Gracie did not make the picture, perhaps she was napping in a flower patch or playing with the butterflies.
Board member Cindy Noel turns board member Terry Phelan’s face into artwork
Andy Phelan made the fantastic stage backdrop from John Moran’s photo, and talks here with board member Kristen Merritt, who managed the silent auction.
Board member Kristin Rubin worked the ticket sales. Kristin also knows how to put big signs up, and speaks to legislators.
Jane Blais works hard to stop phosphate mines in Bradford County.
Jane with Walter, but still no Gracie
Board member Erik Wise was busy directing parking most of the day. Gracie is finally here working, making sure all obey the rules.
Added bonus: a professional barbershop quartet with our very own President Mike entertained between contestants. This is the “PHABULOUS PHLEGMTONES” out of Gainesville, and indeed, we thank them for coming out and sharing their great talent. We hope to see them next year. Not in order, these talented guys are Mike Roth, Dave Jacobs, Tyler Adams, and Rob Samuels. Thanks for entertaining us.
Lance Scott and ex President Pam Smith work the ticket table. Pam has devoted hours and hours of hard work to OSFR, and is one our past great presidents.
Sanna Saare works at the food counter.
Comments by OSFR historian Jim Tatum.
-A river is like a life: once taken, it cannot be brought back-
What a great summary of a great day, you are so appreciated Jim Tatum. Where are YOU in these photos ? With Gracie I guess !! LOL