Before Wayne Rostad hit Town for the Lion’s Octoberfest event, the Valley legend had a pleasant conversation with Oldies about his two careers- music, and now as a testimonialist for the Davidson Hearing Aid Centres.
When I moved to the Valley seven years ago August, my then corporate News Director was astonished to learn we had programmed Wayne’s big hit, “Christmas in the Valley” when I had worked in Prince George BC.
Although the Central Interior BC city borders on the eastern periphery of the Bulkley Valley, Rostad’s behemoth hit harkened to a place far way.
Wayne tells the story of a Nova Scotia programmer who refused to believe he was singing about other than the Annapolis Valley.
The repartee may have led to an on-air argument; but Wayne gave in.
Although we’re known for breaking news, in this case, it’s heart-breaking news; there’s one favourite haunt Wayne Rostad won’t performing Christmas in the Valley this season. A scheduling conflict will require him to break the successive string of “Light Up the Night” performances he’s given in Almonte over the years.
But let’s end with some heart-warming news about Almonte’s Light Up the Night.
And after 32 years, Wayne sends his regrets.
By Rick Stow