Pencil it in! Summerfest launch at Hometown Fair
Did you know Summerfest, Moose Jaw’s own music, art and culture festival is exploding into its fourth year? Well now you do! Yes Summerfest is back all new, improved and the highlight of August. Pencil it in folks …Aug. 17 to 19. Happy Valley Park in Moose Jaw will be your destination for one jam packed music, arts and culture festival. From its humble beginnings four years ago this hometown event has grown into a festival worthy of provincial attention and you don’t want to miss it. So what’s new? Well for starters it’s now a three day festival with more of everything. People from all over the Prairies are coming to experience just how Surprisingly Unexpected Moose Jaw can be. From the live music and art to the children’s entertainment and unique vendor markets there will be an abundance to engage and capture your interest. You can kick back to the great music that resounds off of the live stage and echoes through the valley. If you’re a fan of rock, blues, jazz, folk, pop, rap, country, funk, India, acoustic, Francophone and blue grass you’ll definitely find your beat here. And it will be delivered with a passion from emerging and professional musicians from the Western provinces so check out the website as the line up is revealed. Discover the fascinating variety of art available. Come prepared to join in and get a little artsy yourself with the ongoing activities and mini workshops in the Moose Jaw Art Guild’s creativity tent. If you’ve ever wondered how do they do that? you’ll get to find out in the demo area where artists will be showing off their skills and talents. And you’ll want your reusable shopping bag as you stroll through the artists’ booths.... think Christmas shopping....know what I mean? This is a wonder area that will captivate the teens in 2012. This enchanting venue will be the home to three international children’s performers: Tippy Agogo, First Nations storyteller Simon Moccasin and Tamara Unroe will charm and amaze all ages. Circus arts and trick frisbee demonstrations, human sculpture and puppetry are just a bit of what these renowned performers offer for children and youth. There will be face painting, storytelling, dance, games and paper mache lantern making and more. Organizations and businesses who offer green alternatives, products, services and education will be featured in the eco-market. This venue is a unique and informative component fitting to the natural beauty of Happy Valley.
Nestled in a quieter area of the park, is where you can enjoy a variety of the holistic services and activities. What a unique dynamic for festival-goers. Treat yourself to the healing skills offered by licensed practitioners. You’ll have an opportunity to watch, learn and participate in the various demonstrations given by community instructors. When in need of quiet time amid the bustle of the festival you can take advantage of a little relaxation in the Chill Tent. You won’t need the picnic basket because the food vendors will have all the tantalizing festival foods and beverages you could want and yes there will be the ever popular refreshment garden in view of the main stage. There are great perks for the volunteers. If you are an artist, eco business or holistic practitioner you’ll benefit from joining the Summerfest family. Just drop in at wwwgosummerfest.com to get the updates and details, e-mail Kate@gosummerfest.com or call Jean at 693-0872. Wow! So much going on at Summerfest! You just can’t wait right? Advance weekend passes go on sale at the Hometown Fair June 22-24 in the Exhibition convention centre. There will be children’s activities, an art exhibition, free art activities, demonstrations, and performances. “Summerfest is all about community celebrating the unique music, arts and culture of our province. It’s about anybody and everybody being able to engage in the arts” says Kate McWilliams, Summerfest co-founder. “Summerfest is a true destination for anyone who enjoys a natural setting and quality live entertainment”.