Off To Space

Festival hopes to transport music fans safely

For the past seven years the Fourth of July has called music lovers to gather at a magical little venue just outside of Eureka Springs to see some of their favorite local and regional bands, fellowship with friends and strangers alike, and just enjoy nature in the beautiful Ozarks on a long weekend.

The Spaceberry Festival — née Highberry Festival — almost didn’t happen this year in light of coronavirus concerns and social-distancing requirements for events. But then Jon Walker, CEO of promotion company Deadhead Productions, felt organizers had found a way to put on a music festival and keep everybody safe.

“The parameters that we’ve put in place are kind of revolutionary from the standpoint of this is how we may see live events in the future for a time to come,” Walker reveals. “What I hope is to show how all this is done right, and to set an example for the rest of the people who are trying to do something of a similar format.

“I know that up in Missouri, they’re just throwing music festivals, and there’s no stipulations — people can just go and interact and do whatever they want,” he points out. “That’s not how I’m operating. I’m operating under strict guidelines from the Arkansas Department of Health, and that’s what I will adhere to, as I always have.”

And so, Spaceberry returns for a two-night event beginning tonight. The Farm — the venue that usually hosts multiple stages for the long weekend of music — has been sectioned off into 10-by-20-foot boxes, with six feet in between each space. This will provide enough room for fans to drive up, park in their spot, and get out of their car to enjoy the music while still being distanced from their neighbors.

The distance also allows for patrons to remove masks during the show — except should they need to visit the port-a-potty at the end of their assigned row. Beyond that, ticket-scanning through the car window and no alcohol sales will make the event near contactless. No overnight camping furthers safety measures. Music will take place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. today and Saturday.

“Our fans, the people who come to our festivals, they’re starving for music down here and a live production. So the idea is that we really want to do something similar to that style, but at the same time, being safe with our community,” Walker shares. “The concept behind this is that if you do have a compromised immune system, it’s still possible for you to come out here and not have any interaction with anybody.”

Even the performers have safety guidelines to adhere to while on stage. The musicians will remain some 12 feet apart during the performances.

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to survive as a venue,” Walker admits. “Not having this revenue, it hurts. And same thing with the artists. We’re very close with artists who play out here, and they’re all really hurting pretty badly right now. So now we’re trying to give back to them as well — it’s definitely not about the money [for us]. We’ll be lucky if we make any money on the event, quite honestly.”

The family-friendly event is a full, large-scale production, Walker promises. A high-powered PA system, a full light show, three bands performing each night and a fireworks show both tonight and Saturday will hopefully offer some comfort to those who have been missing The Farm, social events, live music or all three.

(Map courtesy of Deadhead Productions) The Spaceberry Music Festival continues on in 2020, safely, as organizers have implemented conscientious safety measures that can result in a completely contactless experience. Food carts will be making their way around the venue, but no alcohol will be sold on the premises. Guests may bring their own drinks. Extra care will be paid to the mobile bathrooms on site, as well as the handwashing and hand sanitizer stations.