Admitting it was an emotional decision for her, Mysoon Tarrabain officially stepped down as the organizing committee president of the long-running Lac La Biche and District Music Festival last week. Tarrabain, who has served on the committee for more than half of the event's 46-year run in the community, made the announcement at each of the final community concerts that wrapped up the two-weeks of this year's music fest in the area.
In front of a packed gymnasium at the Tuesday, April 9 finale at Aurora Middle School, Tarrabain was congratulated for her work as the president of the committee, with the assistance of an executive committee team including Sherraz Moghrabi and Kelly Ullrich, who shared the stage with her for the final shows.
Other members of the committee are Mariam Abougouche, Bailey Kuhn, Marlene Bondar, Nicole Biollo, Heather Dempsey, Aimee Berland and Erin Shulko.
"I'm proud to say we are a small group who made big things happen," said Tarrabain. "We have worked many hours that turned to days that turned to months that turned to years and to many years to keep this festival alive."
The hope is now that other volunteers will step in and coordinate the event that has showcased the stage talents of thousands of young community members over the decades it has been running. On the final concert nights two dozen trophies and bursaries were awarded to participants in all categories of the festival. Some of the local entries were also advancing to the provincial music festival in Edmonton in May.
"It is, and has been an integral part of our community and our schools ... it is important to the kids," said Tarrabain, who thanked not only the volunteers, participants and adjudicators for their efforts, but the sponsors who have helped to keep the event running. " To the sponsors who have been open and giving even during economic struggles, because they believe in this. It takes somebody to believe with any important cause. Somebody to inspire others' talents."
The outgoing organizing committee are hoping that a new group of community members will step forward to inspire and believe in the talents of local performers in the years to come.
With her voice showing emotion, Tarrabain sent out the plea: "Somebody come along, because unfortunately, we are hanging up our music notes."
Calling it a "Hope You Show Up" meeting, Tarrabain said the committee will be gathering on April 30.
When asked by the POST is she would do it for one more year if no other group stepped up, Tarrabain was firm.
"This was my last year."
The meeting will take pace at Aurora Middle School starting at 7 pm.
