BY SARA KEDDY
Kings County Advertiser/register.
If there’s one thing Ridge Fest organizer Kevin Brown wants you to know about what could be the biggest Valley outdoor music event ever, it’s “get ready.
“The push is on now,” Brown says. “The Ridge Fest name is out there, we’ve got the location, we’ve got the potential to grow. People need to get ready.”
Ridge Fest is bringing in top Canadian country talent, a few Valley and Maritime acts - and 8,000-plus fans to take it all in July 24.
“This could sell out - don’t wait to get your ticket.”
Set at Willowbank Farm in Port Williams, Ridge Fest is a fenced natural setting: throw in a 60-foot by 40-foot stage from Montreal, 80-plus port-a-potties, food vendors, a beer tent and artists’ merchandising tents; a six gates to admit fans and a million other details Brown has spent a year working out: “we’re just letting the momentum build.
“We’ve got a tight-knit team working on this.
“Get excited: these musicians are coming here.”
The day gets underway with a three-hour, more traditional sound: The Spinney Brothers, and Kevin Davison. Then, get set for national award-winning talent in Gord Bamford, Jason Blaine, Crystal Shawanda, Doc Walker and headliner Paul Brandt.
We’re already wanting year two.”
Ridge Fest rundown
• Gates open at 11 a.m.
• On stage: 1 p.m., The Spinney Brothers; 2 p.m., Kevin Davison; 3 p.m. Crystal Shawanda; 4:30 p.m., Jason Blaine; 6 p.m., Gord Bamford ; 7:30 p.m., Doc Walker; 9:15 p.m., Paul Brandt. House band with Mark Cameron entertains in the half-hour stage changes.
• Tickets: $59.95 plus HST, at participating Home Hardware locations and on the Ridge Fest website. Advance sales close July 23. Tickets at the gate: $75 cash only.
• Site stats: no camping (accommodation suggestions on the Ridge Fest website), $5 parking for 1,500 vehicles, run by Port Williams Lions and firefighters; professional security means no re-entry, no weapons or drugs, no glass bottles/ cans, no umbrellas or hard-sided coolers, no bikes or skateboards (full details on website). You MAY bring a folding camp chair, one one-litre water bottle, sealed. First aid on site all day.
