Published: July 20, 2008 01:14 am            

GENCO: Practiced calm belies Canal Fest rhythm

North Tonawanda, NY — I went to the doctor last week for a normal check-up. The usual 40-something- white guy stuff. As I sat in the waiting room, an old couple walked in, silently. They were at least 85 and moved with the practiced dance of 60 years of marriage.

The husband helped his wife, holding her arm and deliberately guiding her to a seat before going to the counter almost silently and signing in. Then he sat down, holding her hand and waiting, patiently.

Suddenly, I understood the vibe I witnessed Sunday at Canal Fest. I went early — 12:30 — to watch Silhouette, my niece Sara’s band play and to fill my need for pierogis from the Our Lady of Czestochowa tent.

Lots of subtle things catch the careful eye. For example, there were Canal Fest Directors everywhere, not because there was anything wrong, but in case there was.

Joe Pendolino wandering as best his carefully carved cane would allow, watching the band and contemplating everything at hand. Ray Wesolowski, vice president of the Canal Fest Board, eyed up the food tents. Larry Denef, nervously chain smoked (I wish he’d quit) answering his phone every few minutes, ironing out last minute details.

Everyone feeling a little relieved that when the planned jazz band canceled and they filled in with an unknown quantity of teenagers playing original music, not only did Silhouette show up on time, they had game – in nearly perfect three-part harmony. I say that with prejudice, but would report the same as an unbiased observer. They blew me away. “Hallelujah", their closing song, filled me eyes with tears, not because of my niece but because it was so beautiful.

Randy Fahs, secretary, stood over at Webster and Sweeney streets, watching the Ghost Riders Drum and Bugle Corp set up. It seemed everything was going off without a hitch. Fahs explained that things change slightly from year to year. A vendor moves on, a food tent gets inched over to accommodate things — but the hands at the helm are so steady no one notices the difference.

I doubt Joe Armenia (former News publisher) and state Sen. George Maziarz had a vision of what this would become 26 years ago. They certainly knew it would be a good thing, but a community defining tradition, raising money and drawing people home like a magnet with the sort of magnitude it does? No way.

George may be visionary, but if he had proclaimed that nearly 30-years later, this would be the biggest, most important annual event in the Twin Cities, he would have been chided as delusional. Instead, he was there on opening day at Canal Fest, with that same rarely quiet confidence, taking it all in, looking for ways to help and knowing his efforts and support would make a difference and be appreciated.

There’s another thing that seems to get lost in the shuffle – all of those people, from Denef to Wesolowski, Fahs and Pendolino run the event as volunteers. Each dedicates hundreds of hours annually. None makes a penny. We have many fine organizations in the community, from the Chamber of Commerce to the Riviera and the Carrousel Museum. All are wonderful assets. All have paid staff. That makes Canal Fest even more remarkable.

The entire compensation package for the folks from Canal Fest consists of our gratitude and the chance to know that when it’s the 50th annual Canal Fest instead of the 26th, they helped it along the way. Thanks to all of you.

As my wait at the doctor’s office began to grow interminable, the elderly couple sat there with the confidence and calm of all those years. By comparison, I was a little nervous and jerky. Finally, I was called into a treatment room. They followed me and settled into the next room, at the same shuffle-footed pace, with eyes clouded by age, a slight smile and a slow rhythm.

At the end of the day, I guess they have a lot in common with the Canal Fest board.

Thanks for reading.

LM Boyd of the Week: If I accept the Turin shroud as real, what am I supposed to believe the height of Jesus Christ? About 5-feet-10.

Word of the Week: Bug Juice – In British English, this refers to any alcoholic beverage. In American English, it means any sugary drink served at summer camp. Word is the jugs marked “diet water” empty with the same speed as “regular” out at Boy Scout Camp Schoellkopf.

Contact Joe Genco at joegenco@gmail.com.

        

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