Dear Rick,
First and foremost, I want to offer my sincere apology for any misunderstanding surrounding the recent article about the Albatwitch. It was never intended to create division, stir controversy, or diminish the contributions of anyone who helped make the festival what it became.
The inspiration for the article came from a discussion one recent morning at our local coffee shop between Jesse, and someone from Wrightsville about the history of the Albatwitch Festival and the people who played important roles in its growth. As the conversation unfolded, it became clear that there are strong feelings on all sides because so many people care deeply about the festival, the legend, and the communities connected to it.
The article was written from the belief that the Albatwitch legend is bigger than any one person, organization, or town. Its purpose was to encourage a conversation about unity, cooperation, and the shared history that connects Columbia and Wrightsville. Rather than focusing on past disagreements, we hoped to highlight the importance of recognizing everyone who contributed to building the festival and keeping the legend alive.
Your dedication, hard work, and countless hours of effort have played a significant role in preserving and promoting the Albatwitch tradition. That commitment deserves recognition and respect. At the same time, we understand that others, including Chris Vera, also invested years of energy and passion into helping the festival grow. The intention was never to take sides, but rather to acknowledge the contributions of all those who helped shape its history.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, someday, both communities could come together and celebrate the Albatwitch as a shared tradition? Imagine a festival that honors the history, culture, and people of both Columbia and Wrightsville, bringing visitors to both towns and reminding everyone that the story belongs to the entire river community.
We have also reached out to Chris because we believe every perspective is important and deserves to be heard. Our hope is that respectful dialogue can help preserve the spirit of community that made the festival special in the first place.
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I hope it helps clarify the intent behind the article and our position regarding the Albatwitch Festival. Our goal has always been to celebrate the legend, honor those who helped build its legacy, and encourage a positive path forward for everyone involved.
Sincerely,
Kimberly Robinson
The Columbia Chronicle
