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Fifth Wapiti wrapped in sunny charm
By Christine Shaw
The Wapiti Music Festival celebrated its fifth year last weekend under the blazing sunshine.
Nestled in the beautiful Annex Park in Fernie alongside the Elk River, the location is very well suited to an outdoor gathering, with the vendors taking root in the shade among the grove of trees as you enter the park.
The ambiance of this set up makes it seem as though you are stepping back in time to the era of performing bards, including crossing the wooden bridge spanning the duck pond to access the stage area.
The festival is committed to showcasing Canadian Indie acts, and this focus ensures that you are able to enjoy quality talent in an intimate setting for performers that are not yet well known. The front of the stage was reserved for hula hooping and dancing, and audience participation was certainly part of the fun.
The variety of food available was impressive, spanning from creative crepes to solar powered sushi and everything in between. In addition to the delectable delights, the number of unique items available for purchase in the grove was well worth a wander.
Although this festival is certainly a family friendly event, dogs are not included in the guest list. There are plenty of amusements available for the younger festival goers, including a craft tent, face painting and a barrage of beach balls that were donated for the kids.
If you missed the festival this year, you might want to make a note to add it to your summer plan for 2016. Attendance for the fifth anniversary was impressive, and based on the great work of the volunteers and organizers, next year will be even better.
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Photos by Christine Shaw
