Atlantic Canada’s largest poetry festival, the March Hare, hits Deer Lake tonight. The Newfoundland writer was on his way to the Fogo Island leg of the festival when he told The Western Star via mobile phone that he is not just looking forward to taking part, but also hearing all the other participants.
“The Hare has a completely different feel from other festivals,” said Crummey. “There’s nothing elitist about it, most people who come to the Hare go away happy, and you can’t say that for other festivals.”
The Deer Lake wing of the event will include Newfoundland musician Sherman Downey, as well as singers Holly Hogan and Allen Byrne, Baxter Williams and Paul Dean.
Crummey, a native of Buchans, has been writing poetry and fiction for over 20 years. He loves how informal March Hare events are.
“For me it’s a celebration. It’s not fancy, just a bunch of people who enjoy good music and writing, getting together,” he said. “They have big names at the Hare but everyone is treated the same as everyone else, and I love that.”
The March Hare originated at the Blomidon Golf and Country Club in Corner Brook in the late 1980s. The late Al Pittman was associated with it, as well as other local and international talent.
March Hare takes place at 8 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express. For more information, visit the Town of Deer Lake’s website.
phutchings@thewesternstar.com
Twitter: WStarDeerLake
