To the editor:

Please extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who made the second annual Whidbey Island Old Time Bluegrass Pickers’ Festival at Meerkerk Gardens a bloomin’ success!

Whidbey Islanders and visitors from Utah, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Canada and all points of Washington attended the perfect-weather event and left the daylong musical concert with sprightly steps and ear-to-ear smiles.

I wish to send a bouquet of thank-you’s to our sponsors: Whidbey Island Bank, Western RV News, Blue Goose Inn, Deb & Co, Grow Your Own Organics and individuals who contributed to sponsor this traditional acoustic American music day in the gardens. We thank you, the South Whidbey Record and reporter Patricia Duff, for helping us spread the word of this event.

Moreover, I extend a courtsey in honor of our dedicated volunteers and staff who made the day a memorable event for all the folks who came to play their stringed instruments under the tall trees and listen to the five fantastic regional bands who performed the afternoon through.

Paid admissions, refreshment sales and sponsorships not only paid for the event, but raised dollars vital to the care and improvements to Meerkerk Gardens, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization which stewards this 53-acre island treasure and forest preserve.

I invite your readers to mark their calendars for the Third Annual Whidbey Island Old Time Bluegrass Pickers’ Festival at Meerkerk Gardens Sept. 12, 2009 for a rollicking great time!

Kristi O’Donnell

Executive Director

Meerkerk Gardens