The Icelandic Canadian - 01.03.2003, Blaðsíða 7

Vol. 57 #4
THE ICELANDIC CANADIAN
143
• The passionate performances from
Petur Eggert and Stefan Orn who present-
ed Thorarinn Eldjarn’s Play, Voluspa - The
Prophecy - will long be remembered.
• The wonderful Saga Singers who
presented Njal and Gunnar - A Viking
Musical based on one of the best known
Icelandic sagas, The Burning of Njal. We
were spellbound as they guided us through
the journey celebrating the spirit of the
Viking Age
• The Harmonikufjelag Reykjavikur
Orchestra delighted us with their lively
performances during the Grand Parade as
well as the main stage prior to the
Traditional Program
We will continue to bring performers
from Iceland to participate in our Festival.
The charter flights direct to Winnipeg this
year provide a greater opportunity for
access and we look forward to a significant
presence from our homeland in 2003.
The success of Islendingadagurinn is
also largely attributable to the tireless work
of so many volunteers.
It is no small task to put this festival
together. It is a significant event, encom-
passing a number of days that is enjoyed by
thousands of visitors. As so many of our
events are free of charge, it is difficult to be
precise with attendance figures but it has
been mentioned at between 40,000 and
60,000 people.
The Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
Committee is keenly aware of our obliga-
tion to present a quality event that is con-
sistent with our mandate. It is important to
note that the work that goes into this is vol-
untary. We enjoy a tremendous volunteer
membership of close to 100 people with
countless other volunteers that help to
make the events happen. The organization
is led by an Executive, Board of Directors
and receives guidance and counsel from our
own Althing Committee being made up of
Past Presidents who maintain an active
role. There are 45 sub committees who are
responsible for various aspects of the
Festival.
There are those who have asked why
we do what we do. Why do we volunteer in
this endeavour? Why do we spend the
countless hours, on a volunteer basis, to
put together such an event? The quick
answer is that we do it because we love it.
We do it because we are proud of our cul-
ture and we want to contribute in such a
way that we can keep it vibrant. It is a work
of passion.
Looking at the current membership of
the Icelandic Festival of Manitoba
Committee and looking at the history of
this wonderful celebration, one will often
see so many of the same surnames.
Continuing one’s family’s involvement
with the Festival is very common and is an
indication of the strong “family” aspect.
Please allow me to comment briefly on my
immediate family’s involvement.
When I think of the Festival, I think of
family. I think of my Afi’s (Vilhjalm Johan
Arnason) involvement with the Festival
and, in studying the history of the festival,
I am proud of his involvement when it
moved from Winnipeg to Gimli. I read and
hear the stories of how proud he was of
“his park”. Flow he decorated the Gimli
Park grounds in such a way that it was pris-
tine for the Festival and how he ensured
that our precious park pavilion would
gleam for the various events held there.
My own recollection of Afi’s involve-
ment, and the magic of the Festival, cen-
tered on the eve of Islendingadagurinn. All
the family would gather at my Uncle John
and Aunt Lilja’s house. There would be
laughter, singing of Icelandic songs, story-
telling, and delicious Icelandic food. We
would all enjoy the fellowship of family.
From young to old, we would all be there.
At a point in the evening the Icelandic flag
would be raised and more singing would
follow. As a youngster, I knew there was
something quite profound about this and I
think I finally know what that is. The
importance of our culture, the importance
of our homeland. These are connections
that cannot be severed.
My father, Bjorn Valdimar Arnason,
carried on the tradition of service to this
Festival. He has been an active member of
the Festival Committee for over 40 years
and served as President in 1970 and 1971.
At the young age of 86, he remains an
active member of the Festival, serving on