AFRAN 2023 Chautauqua and Arts Festival evaluation

      15% of approximately 350 attendees wrote the following. Attendees noted the following aspects of the Chautauqua and Arts festival as important to them.

-----the quality of entertainment, the culture, heritage, the food, youth art activities, park exhibits, the location

Quotes: “The gathering of different cultures….” “Entertainment for a rural area…” Sharing of history and music, heritage of the Red River Valley” “Appreciate different cultures and their continued existence…” 

Attendees noted the following when asked to identify what the Chautauqua and Arts festival contributes to the community.

-----"The event brings people together in ways that encourage fellowship.”  “It draws in people from the area to enjoy food, entertainment and history. “It shows the intersection of cultures.” It bridges the gap between settlers and Natives, helping mend the riff.” “It is an experience of coming together as community.” 

Over and over attendees wrote of the events at Old Crossing as needed to enjoy art, food, heritage, others they meet there and the overwhelming role the location plays in creating a place to learn and gain knowledge.

Not one sentence in the 52 survey’s expressed disappointment, but they do remind us of the importance of gathering to enjoy, to expand our experience of our world and its cultures along with gaining knowledge of ourselves and others in terms of heritage, arts, food, exhibits, and the cordial festive-like atmosphere which the place itself evokes.