Seasons Greetings from Heart of the City (HOTC)! We have been hard at work this year with our chosen theme: Reboot. We took advantage of courses and webinars available online and through the Alberta non-profit learning centre. We connected with community leagues and collectives who share common core values to discuss the future growth of the Heart of the City Festival and how we can improve. We continue to discuss the upcoming 20th anniversary in 2024.

HOTC will announce the exact date for our AGM in February, so make sure you are following us on all of our socials or visit our website in the coming weeks. Our website is www.heartcityfest.com, and we’re @heartcityfest on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

For National Volunteer Week coming up in April, we have plans in the works for a volunteer-focused event so we can celebrate and show appreciation for all of our volunteers: past, present, and future! For almost 20 years Heart of the City has been run completely by volunteers - community members with full-time jobs, commitments, families, and challenges. The festival’s many years of growth and success are thanks to each volunteer who has donated their time and skill, even just for a couple of hours.

In 2017, when I had far too many jobs, a friend reached out in search of volunteers for the Heart of the City Music and Arts Festival. I didn’t really have the availability, but this friend was impossible to say no to. Before I knew it, I was side stage, working as an assistant stage manager, something I thought I’d never get the chance to do. I did not hesitate to accept an offer to join the board, and I will be forever grateful that I did. I have learned so much over the years, made new friends, and gained experience in an industry I am passionate about.

I am so happy that James Jarvis was that person who was impossible to refuse. James passed away suddenly in October. James, thank you for your many years as a volunteer and board member, and your never-ending support to the festival. We will miss you greatly. 

We here at Heart of the City hope the readers of Boyle McCauley News and all community members find time for joy this holiday season and we wish you all the best in the new year.

Jacqueline is the Producer and Director of Marketing and Communications with HOTC.