MONTMARTRE - If you love music and enjoy time away with your family and the great outdoors, the 11th annual All Folk’d Up music festival was for you.
This festival was held July 8-10 at the Kemoca Regional Park at the edge of Montmartre.
Dakota Jackson is the festival co-ordinator. It has been her job for five years, although two of those years the event did not take place, due to COVID regulations.
“People came from all four prairie provinces, but we also had visitors from Ontario,” said Jackson.
This is a family event, and there is something for all ages.
The children would not get bored here. The well-organized children’s pavilion hosted face painting, a bubbles station and outdoor games. A craft station was set up and the tye dye t-shirts proved to be very colourful.
Some of the bands were children’s performers and they did not disappoint the young crowd. The not-so-shy ones hit the dance floor.
With over 20 bands, there was music for everyone’s taste, from country to oldies and country classics. Not a fan of country, well they had rock and roll, classic rock and a touch of Latin. The bands kept the crowd dancing and singing along all throughout the evening.
According to Jackson, the festival has seen first-time performers, such as the Hunter Brothers. This often gives the bands their start in the music world.
Over 1,000 eager music fans came through the gates. They could purchase a t-shirt for a souvenir, or they could check out the unique booths that were set up with handmade jewelry, pens, clothing and books.
Three hometown groups also took centre stage. On July 9, Garnet and Jean Ripplinger, King for a Day and Dead Leavee showed off their vocals. Also on Sunday was the cowboy Sunday service with Bonnie, Curtis and Family.
The beer gardens offered some refreshing beverages throughout the event, along with food just outside the gates.
Montmartre is a town with approximately 500 people.
The committee has seven members, yet it takes over 80 volunteers to pull this off. The set up and take down can be done in two hours.
“If a person can’t make their scheduled shift to work, there is always someone else who will step up to the plate to help out,” said Jackson.
This was the case a few times over the weekend, yet it all worked out.
The sunny skies and warm weather made for camping weather, and the campgrounds were filled. Luckily, the rain went elsewhere, and the music could continue without a hitch.
