With the Salmon Arm Roots & Blues Festival just days away, here’s a quick guide so you can be prepared for an absolutely fabulous weekend.
Charged cell phone. Make sure your phone is fully charged so you can take countless selfies. This is important because you want your family and friends to see what a great time you’re having.
Water bottle. “We have places to refill bottles,” says Sponsorship Coordinator Shawna Cebuliak. “You can bring your own, or buy water onsite. We have water bottles available with the Roots & Blues logo. These are available at the office or the merchandise tent.”
Good walking shoes. “It’s a huge site and you walk around quite a bit. Some young people walk in flip flops all day but I need good walking shoes,” says Cebuliak.
Loose, comfortable clothing. Of course it’s nice to look good, but it’s more important to be comfortable so wear clothing you can easily layer. Bring a sweater because it can cool off quickly in the evenings.
Camping chair or blanket. If you forget to bring one, there are some available for sale at the merchandise tent. “We have lots of fun blankets with the R&B logo. The blanket folds up into a pouch so it’s easy to take with you,” says Cebuliak.
Sunscreen. Be proactive and start off the day with SPF. There is no sunscreen on sale onsite so you have to remember to bring some along, or borrow some from a friendly neighbour.
Headgear. A cap, bandana, or toque – whatever your style, but you will want protection from the sun. And don’t forget some cool shades as well…
Festival program. This is your guide to the entire grounds and all the times of the performers. However, be careful not to get too engrossed while walking or you can run into the same problems as those who play Pokémon Go.
Festival T-shirts. “The design is quite neat,” says Cebuliak. “It reflects the whole genre and all the proceeds go back to the society. We are a non-profit group.”
Bug spray. Bug spray is also not available on site so remember to have some on hand. According to Reader’s Digest, mosquitoes are particularly attracted to a person’s aroma when they’re sweating, drinking beer, or when they have smelly feet. If you forget your bug spray, simply try to avoid those things which attract mosquitoes.
Snacks. Buying food at the various vendors is half the fun at the festival, but having a few granola bars and juice boxes, (especially if you’re bringing little ones), is a good idea.
