Day 2: Kanawha River, Pool Time & the Festival Begins!

We all decided it would be best to have a slow start this morning, and slept in until 8:30 AM, quite a treat after our long day of travel yesterday. While many wanted “just 10 more minutes” it was time for a yummy complimentary breakfast in the hotel, including a made-to-order omelet bar! After eating, the singers had two hours of downtime in rooms to rest, shower, and get ready for the day.

At 11 AM, we met in the lobby and walked to the Kanawha River, a tributary of the Ohio River that runs straight through town. The kids enjoyed playing on a small play area, singing their favorite camp songs, learning new games, and just sitting in the shade to enjoy the view. Some even performed a short skit of Justin Bieber’s “Baby” on the riverside stage for all to enjoy. The humidity quickly tired us all out, so we soon walked over to the mall for some pizza and lemonade (the kids were really excited about there being 5 different flavors.)

After returning to our hotel, singers had the option to swim in the pool or rest in the hotel rooms before the festival begins. We also had a quick CC rehearsal after singers had showered.

The opening rehearsal of the festival was so exciting! All 11 different choirs spent the late afternoon working on repertoire with lead clinician Dr. Dilworth, then mixed and mingled for a big group dinner in the hotel. Singers were required to sit at tables with no more than three people from your choir - that way everyone meets new people. They even treated us to a delicious dessert bar, with ice cream and cake! Before turning in for a good night’s rest, we heard three of the choirs perform in an informal concert, and enjoyed storytelling around the “campfire” with a real Appalachian storyteller - ask your kids what their favorite tale was when we return.

Everyone is getting some well deserved rest now, and we can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings.