Besides the Canadians who came from as far as Newfoundland, there was a large international contingency, with attendees from the United States (a lot from Texas), Australia, New Zealand and Jamaica. The weather was crisp in the mornings and warmed up during the day. Often the rising morning sun painted the snowy mountain peaks in brilliant hues of orange and yellow.

The atmosphere inside the meeting hall was warm and collegial. Coffee was available before and after services. The staging was beautifully decorated. Hymns and scriptures were projected on a screen. There was quality special music, which included instrumentals, vocal solos, the children’s choir and the festival choir. There were 14 speakers who gave uplifting and inspiring messages focusing on different aspects of what the Feast represents. Randy Stiver held a Bible seminar on “Tracking the Twelve Apostles.”

Activities included festival youth instruction, a teen study, young adults ultimate Frisbee, rock climbing for the teens at Elevation Place, a ride on the Banff Sightseeing Gondola, a hike on the Grassi Lake trail (replacing a hike at Johnston Canyon), a seniors reception and a ministerial/speakers dinner. Some even had a chance to take a helicopter tour to see from the air part of Canada’s most popular tourist destination spot.