Submitted by Chantel Vincent
Wapiti will celebrate its five-year anniversary this August! It has been a fast five years. Obviously we have maneuvered our way through some learning curves and we’ve dodged a few bullets — like the 2013 flood.
But now here we are, five years later and five years of Wapiti sounds refreshing and accomplished. I can say this because I am one of those year-round volunteers that works quietly in the shadows to magically make this whole weekend go off without a noticeable hitch.
We wouldn’t have been able to pull it off without the community buying passes, volunteering and donating. You all saw something in this event and wanted it to succeed. And so it did. Thank you! Cheers to five years. Cheers to the music!
I have been asked a lot of questions and received many comments over the years. I thought I’d share the questions that not only make me laugh, but also some information that we at Wapiti could do a better job at communicating, so here we go:
1. If you need any help with anything just let me know!
Oh boy, if you only knew. Yes, a festival like this does need help. We need all the help we can get. But because we are standing in line at Freshies right now, I probably won’t remember this, so can you do me a huge favour and sign up online to volunteer? It’s the same site we use for everything: www.wapitimusicfestival.com.
This way you can pick your shifts, register for your killer free shirt and it makes life for everyone much easier. Volunteering is the best way to experience a festival!
2. How come you don’t book Arcade Fire?
Well, we could. Tickets would be about $500, though. Are you okay with paying that?
3. Why don’t you book DJs?
Honestly, Wapiti is the same weekend as Shambhala, the DJ scene is truly there at that time. We want to offer something different and something the whole community of Fernie can enjoy. We have nothing against DJs!
4. I lost my ticket, can you give me a new one?
Oh yeah that’s just like the time lost a bottle of wine and the store just gave me a new one. Kidding!
5. I’m coming, but I haven’t bought my ticket yet. I swear I will though.
Ah, this secret Fernie code. All organizers of any event here know what I’m talking about right? Everyone says they are coming, but no one buys a ticket until the last minute. Talk about stress!
6. Can you buy tickets in town?
Sure can, we have them for sale at Le Grand Fromage in downtown Fernie. They can take cash, credit or debit. Or buy online any time!
7. Who is playing this year?
Well, let me tell you the five things you need to know about this year:
The Mounties play Saturday night, Hawksley Workman is in this band. They totally kick butt.
The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer. Simply, this is a must. This bluesy rock show is going to make you move and feel in ways you didn’t think you could.
Reuben and the Dark — this soundtrack will play out over sunset. Will be life changing.
Sherman Downey — He is coming all the way from Newfoundland. This will be the Newfoundland kitchen party that you have been waiting for your whole life.
Local artist Aidan Lindsay is designing the festival shirts and tanks this year. Come early and get one, they are in limited numbers.
The full line-up, ticket sales, volunteer forms and probably every thing you can think of is on the website.
We are so very much looking forward to this milestone year. We hope you can join us or volunteer with us!
Wapiti runs Friday and Saturday August 7-8th in Annex Park, Fernie, B.C.
Join us for a free kickoff show for the public on Thursday, August 6 at 7 p.m. featuring The Steadies and The Hark Raving Sirens.
Wapiti weekend passes are $79 including tax. Day pricing and student pricing is available. Kids and seniors tickets are free.
