2020
REVIEW BY RICHARD DOIRON
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Richard Doiron reviewed Sojourner Literary Festival — 5 star
July 25 at 4:50pm ·
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The First Annual Sojourner Literary Festival: something to celebrate and to write about!
July 16, 2016 was hot and humid. Richibucto, New Brunswick was abuzz with people, who were out celebrating the town's 46th Annual Scallop Festival. There was live music on the blocked-off street. Kiosks were set up in various places. And the crowd belied the fact that the town is only about 1300 in size, as there were far more people than that milling about taking in the celebrations.
Richibucto is a special place, frequented by friendly faces. The Kent County locale finds three main cultures thriving in its midst: the Mi'kmaq, whose language has given the town its name; a rich anglophone community, as well as a strong Acadian presence. Fishing has long been an important way of life for the community, hence the ongoing Scallop Festival. But Richibucto also has a rich history in the arts and music, along with architecture. Proof of the latter is found in the historical O'Leary Inn, a Victorian-era structure built around 1874, by one Henry O'Leary, a man who hailed from Ireland and who became a merchant, shipbuilder and entrepreneur in lumber.
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Initially built as a house, the building in time became an Inn and today is a residence for special-needs individuals. Spacious and distinctly historical in nature, one could hardly ask for a better place to hold cultural events. I once spent a 12-hour day there during an Acadian cultural celebration.
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This year, the First Annual Sojourner Literary Festival was born in Richibucto, and its place of birth was the famed O'Leary Inn. I was one of the participants at the event, spear-headed by local resident Donna Allard, former President of the Canadian Poetry Association. I have known Donna for twelve years and had participated in two literary events she had initiated, one being at the national level and the other at the international level, each deemed a veritable coup d'état.
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Being away from the literary scene for a few years, I was reluctant to accept Donna's invitation to participate. Donna persisted, and I am glad she did. Being part of history - and July 16 was that - is always special. And when magic is in the air, it's that much more special still.
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From the opening of the event to its close, there was a vibrant energy present that could not be missed. Each reader was sincere to a fault. Each segment was a labour of love. That could not be missed, either. Every breath taken at the Inn that night had positive written in it.
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The future looks bright for the Sojourner Literary Festival. Richibucto is good for it and it is surely good for Richibucto. The first one is in, and all have reason to be optimistic for future ones. Success breeds success. And the event was definitely a success. The Festival will need a larger setting than the O'Leary Inn in the future, but nothing can ever take away the magic of the place, the magic that was palpable and moved us all on July 16, 2016, the day literature came to town in a most memorable fashion!
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REVIEW BY GEORGE GRIFFIN
George Griffin reviewed Sojourner Literary Festival — 5 star
July 22 at 12:05pm ·
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The Sojourner Literary Festival bloomed into a moment of magical cultural exchange. A spirit of kinship and openness between several cultures formed very quickly. Long before the people and writers assembled for the event we had formed a bond of mutual sharing of ideas and observations. Chatter became a catalyst for the socially responsible minded yet within the overlapping circles there was no shortage of warmth and laughter.
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From the moment we were cleansed by the sweetgrass offered by Neslon Augustine the spirits of the Mi'Kmag were felt warm, comforting and appreciated.
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The language of the Mi'Kmaq swirled from song by Nelson in an ancient form of the language. English and French swirled in and out of the clouds of readings all evening. Friendships were formed. The variety and quality of the readings still keep me thinking days after the event. We have something very very special here. In times when many are hurting we came together in a most humble manner and really communicated. This event is one of many potluck dinners for the soul to come, I am sure. Everyone brought something of special flavour to the feast. Sojourn we must. With this festival we will be doing it in a style allowing us to be the best we can ever be.
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REVIEW BY LINDA DOUCETTE
Linda Doucette reviewed Sojourner Literary Festival — 5 star
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Being a lot shy, I was a little intimidated to make the one hour drive from Moncton to attend the festival, knowing that I knew only one person on the guest list. Literally seconds after arriving I found out that I had no reason to fret because I was among friends. The environment was warm, friendly and welcoming. There was an excitement in the air, the kind that comes when kindred spirits come together to share what they've lovingly created with others.
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The first Sojourner Literary Festival took place on a beautiful summer evening, at a quaint venue. The festival turned out to be a charismatic event, full of literary talent and diverse writing styles. I came home from the event thoroughly entertained by the authors' readings and personally inspired to continue projects of my own. I can't wait to attend next year's event. If you are reading this take my word for it, the Sojourner Literary Festival is something you don't want to miss.
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