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QueFest vs. Mother Nature ~ Organizers Explain Final Day Cancellation

QueFest - The 3-day 4th of July extravaganza was doomed from the start by hazardous weekend weather. The fundraiser organized by the Rowlett Exchange Club, to raise money for local kids, had the ingredients needed to be a huge and memorable event. However, Mother Nature hurled some wicked weather over Texas, interrupting concerts and attractions, and finally convincing organizers to cancel the final day of the festival.

Friday was an extremely wet and rainy day, but the shows went on. Saturday was cloudy, but the rain let up enough for some good entertainment. However, at 5 p.m., just as the local group The Neckties completed their set, the skies grew black and heavy gusts of wind blew into the park - (view images below). Several umbrellas and tents were overturned and a vendor was treated for a minor injury caused by a collapsing stand. The hurricane winds, with rainfall, were brief and the shows and entertainment continued, with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts taking the main stage at 9:30 p.m. The band performed a play list of popular hits, including "Crimson & Clover" and "I Love Rock 'n Roll." Minutes following the headliner's encore, the crowd was treated to a spectacular fireworks finale.

Saturday afternoon Dallas Police officers commented on the staffing involved for the evening event. A large attendance for the Joan Jett concert was expected because "Joan Jett fans will come, rain or shine." A good crowd did attend and fans were not disappointed.

Sunday morning, with unpredictable weather still on the radar, QueFest organizers made the decision to cancel the final day of the event. Following is the Rowlett Exchange Club's press release explaining the decision:

Press Release

July 6, 2010

Cancellation of QueFest Activities for Sunday, July 4

Violent storms this past weekend seriously affected activities during the QueFest at Elgin B. Robertson Park on Lake Ray Hubbard. Torrential downpours on Friday night forced the cancellation of Cory Morrow’s performance and limited Jonny Lang’s presentation to a 45 minute set. The following day, 40-50 mph wind gusts pulled up tents, toppled canopies and knocked down fences throughout the festival grounds.

Given these significant incidents, the QueFest organizing committee met Sunday morning to assess conditions for last day of event. After reviewing the current weather situation and expected outlook for the remainder of the day, which included the possibility of additional lighting and thunderstorms; the committee felt compelled in the interest of safety to cancel the remainder of the event. Upon making this decision, the committees sought to publicize this information through communication with sponsors, calls to suppliers, website and Face Book postings, emails and press releases to the media.

The committee saw foreshortening the QueFest event as being a proper course of action; given the risk and danger that could be encounter by attendees as well as its partners, suppliers, volunteers and members if they were to proceed with the originally planned schedule of events.

We greatly appreciate the all those who have supported the QueFest as patrons, partners, suppliers and volunteers. And thank all involved for their efforts in support of this charitable effort. As we work through issues surrounding Sunday’s cancellation; additional information will be communicated to all those involved with the QueFest event.

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Images from Saturday Afternoon - shortly after 5 pm:

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