I am writing with regards to the fantastic display we witnessed here in our community this past weekend.
I rarely write comments, positive or negative, but am aware that it is so easy to take pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard when we are unhappy or have encountered a negative experience. Today I wanted to write to demonstrate my pride in our community and how we were able to support and host such an event. I stood on the fields, surrounded by my young children and friends visiting from afar, I was filled with gratitude for being able to call this place home, and in awe that on what normally is a soccer field stood some of the biggest musical acts and 30,000 other people. I am sure that some in the community have had negative experiences throughout the weekend as a result of the population trebling in size, but from my perspective I could not have been happier as to how it went.
I think we should salute the festival organizers for taking on board the feedback and criticisms of last year and finding clever solutions. I personally drove the highway on Thursday evening and had friends travel up both Friday and Saturday. None of us encountered issues. At the festival, I thought there was a family friendly atmosphere until the final acts, but then it was time for my children to be with their sitter by then anyway.
I hope that people spent money in our community; I hope our local shops managed to see some benefit, and I hope the clean up is as efficiently organized and carried out as the rest of the weekend has been.
Thank you Squamish for once again proving why we are an awesome community to live within. Thank you SVMF for listening and addressing many of the concerns and for putting on a show to remember. Eight tired but very happy visitors left my home today, all reserving their spots on the couch/floor/garden for next year. We are looking forward to it already.
Kate Reeves
