Colours Festival returns

After a four-year absence, the Colours Festival made its return to Shafter last weekend, with a host of activities.

The traditional Spaghetti Dinner was put on by the Shafter Community Chest, with a drive-thru event this year. On Friday, the Art Gallery opened at the Ford Theater, with the works of 13 local artists on display. There were sculptures, paintings, sketches and photographs, as well as floral arrangements created by the Shafter FFA.

There was also a visit from author Jennifer Gardiner, who read her new book, "Counting Bears."

Attendees were able to meet the artists who created the pieces at the Meet the Artists and Wine Tasting event. Wineries that have ties to Shafter gave out glasses of their best vintages as attendees asked the artists about their inspiration, processes and techniques.

A first for the Colours Festival was the cornhole tournament put on in the parking lot of the Church of Christ of Shafter. There were two divisions in the tournament. The winners of the Social Division were Favio and Sandra.

Taking the title in the Advanced Division were Eddie G. and Ruben. Eddie G. was also one of the winners of the Airmail Contest. This took place further back than the regular throwing distance. The competitors had to toss from 30 feet away and try to get the bag through the hole without it touching the board. He shared the top spot in this contest with Zack, who also got second place in the Advanced Division with his partner Branden.

There was plenty of music over the weekend, with two Coffeehouse events, one on Thursday featuring a string quartet made up of the Toews family and Distinguished Young Woman contestant Amelie Rosales playing a set on the guitar.

All of the museums in town were open all weekend for those wishing to view some history.

On Friday night, David Bloemhof and his jazz quartet entertained the crowd with a variety of standards. The weekend was closed out with a worship service at the Tin Cup. People from all denominations gathered to listen to music and worship the Lord.

Colours Chairman Pat Coyle said that he was very happy with the turnout and also said that it was a learning experience and that they would take the things that they did this year and try to make it bigger and better next year.