December 31, 2012

Dear KIOTAC Patrons, Accordionists and Volunteers:

It is with a heavy heart, that we the Executive Committee, make this announcement today.

After a number of years of increasing costs and falling revenues, it has become apparent that the event is no longer economically sustainable.

After 39 years it is quite apparent that attempting to host an exemplary and meaningful event would be a detraction from the many years of success that the event has entertained.

The Committee wishes to thank all of the loyal patrons, the hundreds of dedicated volunteers and members past and present, as well as sponsors; all of whom have historically made KIOTAC into the rich and meaningful event that hundreds of families and artists have grown to embrace over the past 39 years.

The Executive Committee apologizes deeply for any inconvenience that this cancellation notice may bring.

Keep Squeezing!
Goodbye to All

Jeany Irvin, Chairman
and all of the Executive Committee

Bill Baerg
Donna Purves
Heather Smith
Gail MacLean
Adele Norman
Ed Tickles
Wendy Moore

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Articles

A Few Accordions Short

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Local film maker Kevin Shepit produced this video, to commemorate KIOTAC’s epic Guinness Book of World Records attempt.

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I AM Kimberley – Bill Baerg, KIOTAC, is happy!

pike     Memories, Video     0

This is a Promotional Video that was produced a couple of years ago.

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KIOTAC 1977

pike     Memories, Press     0

Here are some comments on the first picture: Edwin Erickson doing some damn fine entertaining in the Happy Hans Campground back in the early days of the Kimberley Old Time Accordion Championships. — with Bill Baerg. Connie Jensen – Accordion playing Sasquatch. Edwin Erickson – The first Zero-Sette ever imported into Canada – top-of-the-line Model B32c. Weighed about a ton and a half. Remember when that shipment arrived, Bill Baerg? The summer of 1974 – we finished opening it in Jim Bannatyne’s little house where we stayed the first summer in Kimberley. The 2nd year we lived next door onRead more

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KIOTAC Stats

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KIOTAC Through The Years KIOTAC Through The Years Started with 2 Categories, grew to 23; Started with 16 Competitors, peaked with over 200 in one year; $500,000 presented to over 2000 Finalists & kids bursaries; $1 Million paid out to artists over the years; $150,000 given to local charities; Provided more than 250 days of Platzl Entertainment @ $1000 per day = $250,000; More than 400 Bus loads of Visitors An Estimated 100,000 non-committee volunteer hours over the last 39 years; Voted five times into the top 100 events in North America by the ABA

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KIOTAC 2013 Cancelled – Bill Baerg Interviewed on CBC Daybreak

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CBC Daybreak interviewed Bill about the cancellation of KIOTAC 2013. Bill Baerg was there at the very beginning and he was on the committee at the end, and spoke to Daybreak host Chris Walker about why they had to cancel the tradition.

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KIOTAC says Goodbye; Event will not run in 2013

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A long running tradition in Kimberley has come to an end. After 39 years of history in the city of Kimberley, the Kimberley International Old Time Accordian Championships is saying good-bye.

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Video > Alicia Baker

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KIOTAC Happy Hands Open winner performing

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Video > Michael Bridge Platzl Jams

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Michael Bridge performing in Platzl Kimberley at KIOTAC featuring an electronic version of a classic.

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Video > Alex Meixner Band

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Alex Meixner Band performing and some dancing at KIOTAC

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Video > Austin Kawa

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Austin Kawa performing in the Platzl, Kimberley

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