How the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival is bouncing back

The Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival in eastern P.E.I. was cut off in mid-run last year when its founder died of a heart attack, but it's making a comeback this year under new organizers.

• Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival cancelled after death of organizer Peter Chaisson

Remaining shows were cancelled when founder Peter Chaisson died on the Sunday afternoon of the festival one year ago. An open jam session was held in his honour that night instead.

Chaisson's death left the future of the festival in question, but a new organizing committee, Big Field Tradition, has raised tens of thousands of dollars to make sure the show goes on.

• Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival will continue, say new organizers Big Field Tradition

"We're obviously spending a lot of time looking into different grants that we can get and different funding and sponsorships," said committee member Stan Chaisson.

"[We're] hoping this year will be a banner year for us overall."

This year's festival features a music camp

Organizers say they've raised almost $25,000 so far through their fundraising campaign. That includes a gofundme campaign andbenefit concerts.The goal is to raise about $60,000.

Chaisson said he's been overwhelmed with support from the community and says no matter what, the show will go on.

The festival will expand this year with a music camp in the days leading up to it.

This year's Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival runs July 15 to 17.

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