The Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Arts Society vows there will be a folk festival in St. John’s this year.

The future of the event was called into question last month when the organization announced that they were in trouble due to “serious financial challenges.”

Last year, several big names were brought in for the event, including Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle, but despite those big ticket draws, the festival was still in the red to the tune of $100,000.

A “Save Our Festival” campaign was launched, and there is a benefit concert happening at Quidi Vidi Brewery this Saturday, during which the proceeds from all beer sales will go to the festival.

Folk Arts Society President Julie Vogt says she was “gob smacked” by that gesture.

She says there has been an outpouring of support ever since they made their public plea, and believes they will be able to turn things around though she does admit that it will be a “struggle,”

She notes that they have some past issues that they need to correct – which she is confident will happen.