Riverfest Elora brought thousands of people to Bissell Park last weekend to celebrate the festival’s 10th anniversary.
“It was amazing,” said festival manager and artistic director Spencer Shewen. “We definitely had our busiest weekend to date.
“So far the feedback coming in has been nothing but positive, glowing reviews from people.”
The festival, which ran from Aug. 17 to 19, brought headliners July Talk on Friday; Carly Rae Jepsen and the Flaming Lips on Saturday; and Blue Rodeo on Sunday.
“The Flaming Lips were amazing,” Shewen said when asked about his festival highlight. “That’s probably one of the best shows I’ve seen in my life.”
The set involved confetti canons, giant balloons, a unicorn and the lead singer, Wayne Coyne, crowd surfing in a giant, confetti filled bubble.
About 5,000 people attended the festival each of the three days. Shewen said he woke up on Monday morning to about 20 emails.
“People who came to the festival … just wanted to say what a great time they had,” Shewen said. “They just went to the website and emailed me and that’s a nice thing to wake up to for sure.”
A major reason the festival ran so well was the volunteer contingent. This year Shewen said they increased the number of volunteers to about 475 from 425 last year.
“We just find ways we can improve the festival and every now and then we’ll need a couple extra people for that and what not,” he said.
While the festival has never received bad reviews from performers Shewen said this year, more so than in years past, the festival received positive feedback about the volunteers from the bands.
“The bands were so impressed with how smoothly everything ran and how great they were treated by all our volunteers and how friendly all our volunteers were,” he said.
Shewen also thanked Centre Wellington.
“This festival wouldn’t be possible without the support of the community of Elora and Fergus and it is heartwarming how much everybody helps out and chips in,” he said. “If we are ever missing something or something breaks or we forget we have to do something there’s always somebody willing to lend a hand or help out.”
He said that someone even donated their leaf blower to help pick up confetti.
“As the organizers of the festival we definitely feel like the community has entrusted us with this beautiful thing that’s getting better every year and only gets better because of the people that are involved for sure.”
While this year’s festival was the 10th installment, Shewen said the organizers are looking to the future, not the past.
“We’re just thinking about what the next one’s going to be like and how we’re going to continue this thing and keep it going for as long as we possibly can,” he said. “Rather than looking backwards, we’re definitely looking forward.”
While Shewen wasn’t able to share any information about next year’s Riverfest, which will run from Aug. 16 to 18, he said the festival will be putting on shows throughout the year.
Ariana Gillis and Jessy Bell Smith will be playing at the Elora Brewing Company on Sept. 21 and Joey Landreth will be playing at the brewery in October.
Weekend passes for next year’s Riverfest are on sale now for $99. To purchase visit riverfestelora.com.
