Big Valley concert bowl to be licensed this year
Organizers license concert bowl, expand bars
Those looking to boot skootin’ boogie down to Big Valley Jamboree this year may feel like they’re in heaven, as the festival will allow patrons to bring their red solo cups to the newly licensed, newly named Jim Beam Concert Bowl.
“People will be able to enjoy the event with a beverage in their hand all over the place instead of being pinned up in the back beer gardens,” said Mike Anderson, festival producer.
In addition to the new licensing, the Backroom Bar and North Bar will be bigger than in past years and a new bar will be set up for VIP ticket holders.
With the extra drinking space comes extra security. Anderson said there will be twice as many security personnel in the country bowl this year compared to last year.
Liquor patrol monitors and Camrose Police Services are set to be on scene to help control any party-goers who overindulge.
The festival will allow cannabis to be smoked in designated areas on the grounds.
The tunes will begin Thursday evening and run through to Sunday. “Thousands of people” had descended on the festival grounds Wednesday morning and Anderson said it’s not only people looking for a weekend of drinking.
“A lot of people think that Big Valley Jamboree is a big party but there’s also a lot of families on site and we want to make sure they have a good experience as well,” said Anderson.
This year’s event will feature pony rides, a trampoline park, inflatable games and a giant slingshot ride.
This year’s festival forecast looks mostly positive. Environment Canada shows a wet Friday with chances of showers followed by a sunny weekend in Camrose with temperatures ranging from low to high twenties.
This year’s festival is headlined by Brooks and Dunn, Old Dominion and Toby Keith, with Alberta acts High Valley and Brett Kissel also taking to the stage.