The Leipzig Serenity Retreat will be putting on their third annual music festival at the end of May.
In preparation for the event, the retreat had applied in October of 2013 for a Saskfestival Project Grant. Recently, they were awarded the $5,000 grant, $1,000 more than last years. The awarded money will help offset costs of the upcoming festival.
'It is wonderful to have support from such a worthwhile organization as the Sask Arts Board, and to see that they value both large and small venues," says Jacqueline Hoffman, retreat administrator.
She says when planning for the first festival was underway, "we were praying that we would draw enough people to the festival to simply break even."
"What it also accomplished was that it drew people to the building; it raised awareness about what we do out here at Leipzig, to the growing problem of addictions in the province and to show people that affordable help is available."
Hoffman adds the planning of the third festival is well underway.
"I am proud to be able to say that we are also a stage for emerging Saskatchewan talent, that we are bringing tourism to the surrounding areas by being a large enough event that draws a crowd from all over the province," she adds.
The retreat puts on the annual music festival as a fundraiser to help put someone, who otherwise can't afford it, through the drug and alcohol program that they offer. Last year, approximately 350 guests came from across the province to enjoy the day. This year, the retreat hopes to pull in 400 guests for the drug and alcohol free event.
This year's festival is set to run on May 31, with performers such as HillBilly Blunt, returning band Rusty Augers and local group Stereo Playground.
