The 49th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Folk Festival kicks off today in what may be the event’s swan song.

The festival, which is in its 49th year, runs from today through Sunday with numerous acts on tap including headliners Matt Andersen, Serena Ryder, and the Irish Descendants.

The Folk Arts Society has indicated that due to compounding financial issues, this year’s event could very well be the last, but one long-time volunteer is holding out hope.

Site Chief Bob Earles, who grew up in the Bannerman Park area, says he “can’t see a summer without the festival.”

He says the festival is a “way of life,” and if the province wants to promote our culture and way of life, it needs to be kept going. Unfortunately, he continues, costs of putting off the event have gone through the roof and they need the public’s help to push it over the top so that they can be back next year for their 50th.