Thanks for being up there with us, Claire. It would have been odd to see you in the audience during the finale, after all the years with Dogwatch.

I thought it went very well, and have gotten some good feedback from visitors and performers. Though overcast, the weather was balmy, and the rain cooperated with what the forecasters were saying, and held off until laqte saturday night, after the festival. The youngest performer, Shosi Black, at 6 years old had a great debut as a featured performer (with the help of her dad Shay Black). The fiddle summit was a blast. Meeting Kevin Burke the day before the festival was great. As we walked around the Balclutha, he told me of some family history in the maritime trades. Very interesting stuff. Though I couldn't check in on all the acts, I heard that louis Killen's singing at the Naval Songs workshop brought someone to tears. No surprise.

My thanks to all the performers, staff and volunteers that made this festival such a special event. Next year we'll order up clearer weather, and may change the date to September.

Chanteyranger