Star-studded fun
Fans stick to their roots with true grit at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival
Heavy rains to sweltering heat couldn’t stop fans from traveling near and far to see the biggest country stars rock the stage at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, which was bursting at the seams Saturday evening. Among the tide of people decked out in cowboy hats, boots or plaid, were a couple that admitted they didn’t come just for the country music – they came for the whole country atmosphere. “My wife, Tina, and I come to this festival every year because we are big country music fans. We love the outdoor scene with all the people around, we have lots of friends and family that come here, and it’s just a great getaway,” shared John Rowell, who travelled from Fredericton, N.B., to attend the four-day festival. He continued, “Over the years we’ve enjoyed listening to some of the biggest stars that include Tim McGraw, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Shania was great, and Brad Paisley was awesome. “We just enjoy the upbeat music scene [while] outdoors because it gets you in that festive mood and country atmosphere. We are always happy to be here.” Kristi White, from Charlottetown, was browsing the vendor booths in the shade with her cousin, Melissa Clark. The festival has become a family tradition for them. My cousin came to see the festival from Niagara Falls, Ont.,” said White. “We made this a family tradition last year so we can have a memorable fun time together, and we all love country.” White was not alone among those in attendance that made the festival a tradition among family or friends. “We’re here for a girl’s weekend and we’re having a great time,” remarked Richelle Plumstead, from Fredericton, N.B. “Every year we buy the tickets before we even know who’s coming,” she added, and noted they are most excited to see Luke Bryan headline on Sunday evening. Business, along the Cavendish Boardwalk shopping mall was also booming from the influx of festival-goers. “We opened just for the festival. We are donating 10 percent of all sales to a mental health initiative because that’s what our brand is all about,” said Ryan Morrell, vice president of Fog Off clothing. He admitted the store garnered lots of interest from festival-goers, which helped spread their message on mental health. Now in its 10th year, the festival continues to draw thousands of fans across the country.