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Wardner frolics during third Fun Field Festival
By Andrew Mayes
Wardner hosted the third annual Fun Field Festival on the first weekend in July (3 to 5).
Over three days, the family-friendly festival featured camping, live music, demonstrations, vendors, artisans and plenty of fun.
Organizers Stephanie Fleming and Julie Comete, along with the festival mascot, “Gary the Grasshopper,” and dedicated volunteers called “Grasshelpers,” presented a diverse and well-run non-profit event.
Stephanie Fleming said, “The event inspires community creativity and brings people together to create joy.”
Friday evening showcased young emerging musical talent from the Kootenays.
On Saturday alone, nine acts comprising 37 musicians took the stage.
Kimberley’s Fyfe Williams delivered an engaging mix of folk, rock and bluegrass. Their energetic performance of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” was among the afternoon’s standout moments.
West Kootenay’s Paris Pick and her band, The Pricks, were arguably the festival’s best-dressed performers. Smiling throughout the set, Paris entertained the crowd with her yacht-rock inspired originals.
Supported by a tight horn section, Creston’s Velle and Kootenay Soul blended blues with country influences in a seamless mix of originals and well-chosen covers.
Couples were quick to get up and dance during the Misery Mountain Boys’ swing-based set. Their originals were peppered with references to their Edmonton home, while their lively cover of Tex Williams’ 1947’s western swing classic “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette)” proved they had plenty of mojo.
If Paris Pick and her band earned honours for best dressed, Stump and the Peg delivered the day’s most eclectic performance. Mixing multiple musical styles with lyrics in French, Spanish, English and Japanese, the band explored subjects ranging from child labour to lawnmowers.
Closing out the day was Chimp It. The duo blended electronic music with live guitar and vocals, keeping the crowd dancing well into the night.
Saturday’s lineup also included Fernie’s The Gold Tones and Lord Knows Band along with Alberta solo artist Travis Pickering.
After another successful festival, organizers are already planning next year’s edition.
Photos by Andrew Mayes
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