Festivals were a great way to relax and perform to a ready-made crowd without the noise and distractions of the street. And so many stories to tell!
Enjoy these festival antics from the eighties. Driving from Vancouver to Calgary, we passed through Glacier National Park and witnessed frothing emerald-green waters, the majestic Selkirk Mountains capped in snow, and a grizzly bear sliding down a scree. Treeless hills and verdant flat plains greeted us as we cruised to the outskirts of Calgary, hosting one of the largest rodeos in the world. Our time spent with an easy-going family of four in Calgary was a fantastic experience.
They took us horseback riding western style, treated us to an afternoon of rodeo delight, and hosted a backyard barbecue where we gazed at brightly-colored hot air balloons floating by in a race sponsored by the Stampede. Sunny weather at midnight threw us off our sleeping schedule, but we drove into town every day to work the outdoor mall, crammed with cowboy-hatter patrons and fans in search of food, fun, and magic.
On the sidewalk outside of the Assembly Rooms on George Street was a perfect venue for us to busk during the festival with people coming and going to see the shows until after midnight. The building hosted a slew of performances such as the classic comedy Playboy of the Western World in the main theatre and a one-man show in the Wildman Room by the American actor Anthony Zerbe, celebrating the poetry of E. Zerbe commented that he was always acting out the part whereas Jim was the part. The Fringe added hundreds of avant-garde performances during the same three weeks in August.
Buskers were allowed to do their acts not only outside but at any cabaret, bar, or venue throughout the city, and pass the hat. Each day for three weeks I threw all of our change into two large pillowcases.
