Walnut Valley Festival Honors Key Contributors in 2024
Winfield, KS – As the 2024 Walnut
Valley Festival (WVF) came to a close, several key figures were privately
honored for their exceptional contributions to the Festival and the Winfield
community. Originally scheduled for Saturday night on Stage I, the "Walnut
Valley Reflects" recognition ceremony had to be moved backstage after
inclement weather caused delays across most stages. The decision minimized the
delay in performers’ sets that evening. Seth Bate, author of Winfield’s
Walnut Valley Festival, acted as emcee for the ceremony.
WVF Executive Director Bart
Redford: “This festival is a labor of love for so many people, and it is
important that we still take a moment to recognize the individuals who work
tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything happen. While the weather
forced us to honor these incredible people offstage, their contributions
certainly deserve to be celebrated publicly. On behalf of the Walnut Valley
Festival and the Redford family, we are grateful to everyone who contributes to
the magic that happens here each September.”
The ceremony began with a
heartfelt tribute to the late Rick Meyer, who passed away shortly after
the 2023 Festival. Meyer, known for his critical role in overseeing grounds
setup, teardown, and logistical operations, played a significant part in WVF’s
success for decades. This year’s Festival marked the first without Meyer, and
his contributions were deeply felt. Beyond the Festival, Meyer’s involvement in
the community included his work with Winfield’s "Isle of Lights," the
Cowley County Fair Board, and the Winfield Arts & Humanities Council. To
honor his legacy, the Festival has partnered with the City of Winfield and the
Fair Board to build a permanent stage dedicated to Meyer at the current Stage
III location, with donations now being accepted for the project.
Erin Mae and Aaron Fowler, co-founders of Feisty Kids'
Camp, were honored for their dedication to music education and nurturing the
next generation of musicians. Their camp offers children the opportunity to
explore traditional instruments, engage in creative activities, and meet
Festival headliners. Mae, a National Mountain Dulcimer Champion, and Fowler, a
seasoned music educator, have worked tirelessly to inspire children through
their leadership and passion.
Karen Deal, long-time Contest and Workshop Coordinator, was also
recognized for over 20 years of service. Deal’s meticulous work in managing
WVF’s contests and publications, including transitioning The Occasional
from print to online, has made a lasting impact on the Festival. Her creativity
and responsiveness to attendee feedback also led to the creation of this year’s
pocket-sized Festival program, a popular change for attendees.
Jerry O'Neil, a key member of the setup and teardown crew, was honored
for his unwavering dedication and reliability. Known for tackling any task,
whether pulling vehicles out of the mud or assisting with critical
infrastructure, O'Neil’s commitment has made him an indispensable part of the
Festival crew.
The recognition continued with Becky
and John Conway, a duo who have been vital to the Festival’s success for
decades. Becky, known for her warm hospitality and organizational support with
entertainers, and John, a long-serving member of the work crew, were celebrated
for their contributions to the heart and soul of WVF, particularly for their
award-winning chuckwagon meals that have become a cherished tradition for crew
and performers.
The evening concluded with a
special recognition for Beppe Gambetta, the internationally renowned
Italian guitarist who has been a WVF favorite since the 1990s. Gambetta’s
unique blend of Italian and American folk traditions has captivated Festival
audiences for decades, and his wife, Frederica, was also acknowledged for her
integral support throughout his journey with the Festival.
Although weather kept the ceremony
offstage, Festival organizers hope you will join us in recognizing the
dedication of these honorees who continues to shape the event, ensuring it
remains a cherished tradition for attendees from around the world.
For more information about the
Walnut Valley Festival and this year’s honorees, please visit www.wvfest.com.
