Grindrod is the place to be Saturday as the agricultural community just north of Enderby gets ready to stage its fourth annual Musik and Arts Festival.
The festival started four years ago by Phil Wesle, of the band Clayvious, who wanted to have a Woodstock-type of gathering on his family’s organic farm, Green Croft Gardens.
The festival has since grown, and now takes place at Grindrod Park. This year, the festival is shining the spotlight on the village’s brand new community hall, which was recently completed.
“It is a beautiful structure and was built with the community in mind, boasting an outdoor stage right on the structure itself for putting on many events,” said Rory White, one of the festival organizers. “It is sure to be appreciated for decades to come.”
The festival starts with Grindrod Parks and Recreation Association holding a pancake breakfast starting at 9 a.m.
Music will be held all day from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m.
Performers include mostly Okanagan and Shuswap area artists, including Bocephus King, The Original Shakedown, Adrenaline Rush, Rusty Muskets, Million Dollars in Pennies, One Camel Short, Incanto, Dust Puppets, Elk Tribe, Pauline Kyllonen, Angelica and Camryn, and Carolyn and Friends.
“Mainstage acts will perform a 45-minute set every hour, and open mic performances will take place in between every set,” said White, adding there will be both a main stage and open mic stage at the site.
There is also a drum circle planned for around 3 p.m. for everyone to take part in, said White.
Food vendors will be selling local edibles, while miscellaneous vendors will sell everything from locally-made art to hula hoops.
“There will also be a kids area consisting of a small petting zoo, face painting, kids activities/games and as well a playground,” said White. “There is also an art exhibit consisting of local art and photography and a community art wall for all interested to add their mark to.”
Admission for the Musik and Arts Festival is $5 per person or $20 per family, at the gate. The park is located off Highway 97A beside the Grindrod bridge.
