By Sarah Zimmerman
A homegrown music festival featuring powerhouse bands from across the northwest is expected to draw 600 people this weekend as the third annual Farm Fest music festival gets underway July 15.
The family-friendly day-long festival at Hidden Acres Treehouse Resort in Thornhill features 12 regional musical acts, food trucks, a dozen local artisans and a beer garden featuring regional craft beer from breweries in Terrace, Smithers and Prince Rupert.
“We are so pumped that there is a music festival going on in the Terrace area and that there is so much support for local musicians,” says Andrea Harmel, one of the members of Terrace-based band The Stanfields, who will take to the stage this weekend. “We’re excited to be able to play this festival and have a venue to feature regional talent.”
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Harmel added she is also pleased that the festival is an all-ages event, giving younger people who often miss out on seeing live music at 19+ venues, an opportunity to take part in the local live music scene.
Headlining this year is Prince George based punk-inspired rock band, July Crowd. The festival is a taste of some of the region’s favourite performers including Smithers’ own MIP Power Trio, Prince Rupert-based Frances & Sarah featuring Chris Vick, and fan-favourites, Terrace and Kitselas’ own Coastal Drifters, who are known for their dance-your-face-off high energy shows. Rounding out the roster are Terrace bands the Standfields, the Rutabaga Dirtbags, Devil’s Club plus many more. The bands span genres from easy listening, to spicy bluegrass, rock, blues and more.
Tickets are not available at the door and must be purchased ahead of time at Unbound Gear & Apparel and The Fix Cafe and Cyclery in Terrace and Cowpuccinos Coffee House in Prince Rupert. Children 11 and younger are FREE with an adult ticketholder.
Tickets are $50.
For more information, full line-up visit their website.