FERGUS – A new music festival is launching in Fergus, one that organizers hope will set the stage for a summer of fun.
Meadows Music Festival is slated for June 2 and 3 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
Collin McKinnon is one of a group of friends who grew up around Fergus, Rockwood and Guelph, and together they opened Farm League Brewing in Cambridge in 2021.
But they also wanted to bring a music festival to the area that includes a variety of musical genres – not to compete with the festivals already established but to complement them.
“We want to kick-off the summer,” McKinnon said in a phone interview.
“We want to be the bookend for a summer of festivals and fun.”
In a previous career, McKinnon used to book concerts and festivals and he’s using all the leverage and relationships he has to bring in some big names.
The Friday concert is a little bit country with the James Barker Band, Jade Eagleson, Nate Haller and Sacha taking the stage.
The Saturday show is rock, and the featured bands include The Sheepdogs, Rural Alberta Advantage, The Blue Stones, Sloan, Boy Golden, and Terra Lightfoot.
“We didn’t book that many bands,” McKinnon said.
“We want each band to be a focus. You don’t have to choose who to see. You can see them all.”
In a world where timing is everything, McKinnon said he thinks people are ready to get together and have some fun again.
“[COVID-19 has been waning] long enough to make it feel like it will work,” he said.
“I can’t believe it’s real, to tell you the truth.”
The grounds behind the Sportsplex will be fenced off and licensed, though it is billed as an all-ages concert.
Tickets are $40 for the Friday concert, $50 for Saturday and $80 for a weekend pass, which McKinnon said makes it “one of the most affordable festivals in the province.”
Children under 12 are free with an adult.
Gates open on June 2 at 3pm and the music starts at 5pm. On June 3, gates open at noon and the music gets underway at 2pm.
As well as music, the event will offer a beer tent and food and merchandise vendors.
“This is the ultimate mix of a music festival and Ribfest,” McKinnon said.
“Our goal is to do something good for the community.”
For more information or to order tickets, visit meadowsfest.ca.
