A break in the rain on Sunday along with the promise of cherry goodness was all it took to pack the grounds of St. Therese Institute in Bruno for this year's edition of Bruno Cherry Sunday.
This year boasted an expanded kids’ carnival with balloon art, face painting and many other activities to entertain the younger crowd.
The Cherry Festival always invites the best local vendors and artisans. This year was number different with everything from colorful and exotic clothing to preserves made from cherries, haskap, and many other fruit combinations. Plenty of people stopped at the sundae booth, hosted by Bruno Community School, and of course, what cherry Sunday would be complete without the famous elephant ears with that amazing cherry glaze to top them.
Once again, the tent was packed with audiences delighting in the variety of musical performers, including the always entertaining Riley Family and their showcase performances. Memory Lane was on hand to deliver melodious memories.
One of the highlights was the Willie Sons, a group with a 25 year pedigree and the harmonies and musical chops to prove it. The band of best friends is fronted by Humboldt hometown Reed Willison, who has continued his storied musical career with his band of brothers.
“We’ve been together for nearly 25 years,” said Willison. “It’s a hobby for a bunch of old guys that like to still get together and play some music and do some singing and picking. We wouldn’t want to be anywhere else today but at the Bruno Cherry Festival.”
Despite a weekend of heavy rain in the area — some regions reporting up to seven inches — the skies cleared just in time for Sunday’s festivities.
“Yesterday, we were supposed to have a family reunion that got called off,” Willison shared. “And then lo and behold, Sunday is a beautiful, sunny afternoon. So we are super lucky. Everybody’s turned out for it.”
The Willie Sons’ eclectic set blended gospel, bluegrass, classic country, and even old-time rock’n’roll. Willison explained that each band member brings something unique to the group’s musical dynamic.
“It’s kind of neat — five guys from different musical backgrounds, and they all bring their favorite songs. It creates this really weird, fun mix,” he said. “We do everything from old-time rock to bluegrass that turns into gospel-country — because that’s kind of where my roots were.”
Their set included country greats such as “Mama Tried,” and “It Must Be Love, ” a spirited rendition of Dylan’s “You Ain’t Goin Nowhere,” and the timeless “Tennessee Waltz.”
Now a local staple, the Willie Sons play not for fame, but for joy.
“These are four of my best friends,” Willison said with a grin. “For us to be able to get out on a sunny afternoon and play some music — there’s just nothing else. You can’t beat it.”
It was all part of a glorious afternoon that dodged a washout, said Camilla Saretzky with the organizing committee.
“The set up went smoothly, even in the rain, and we’re really lucky that it cleared out for today.”
The pancake breakfast was the starter to the day, and judging by that turnout, the crowd was at least as big as previous years. Even after a full breakfast, the tempting treats continued throughout the day with visitors milling throughout the beautiful St. Therese grounds.
“It’s nice and treed in and there's lots of room to put up the tents for the vendors and for the kids’ activities. We’re really lucky that they let us use it.”
As always, special kudos to the organizers, the volunteers and groups like the school and the Bruno Lions Club who always pitch in to support Bruno Cherry Sunday.