Launched in 2013 as a 'party in the yard' with the goal of heightening awareness about solar-powered viability, the Weayaya Solar Powered Music Festival runs July 5-6.
Packed with a solid line-up of gifted, local artists, the festival is described as being a family-friendly, community-based event on the banks of the Blindman River on a farm between Bentley and Rimbey.
Hours are July 5 from noon to 11 p.m. and July 6 from noon to 6 p.m. Free camping is available with purchase of a weekend pass, and beer gardens open at 11 a.m. both days.
This year's line-up includes Ashley Law, Beth Portman, Dreamer's Son, Frank Peters and Range Patrol, the Mbira Renaissance Band, the Misery Mountain Boys, 0Stella, the Red Hot Hayseeds, Ten02, Strings Galore, The Flying Crawdads, The Rault Brothers, and the Ukeclectics.
"We are not genre-specific at all," said founder/manager Karen Magee, on whose property the festival is held.
"If you go to the website, and you look at our past talent, it's pretty eclectic. There is just so much talent out there, it's crazy!"
Magee's property is located at 2008 TWP RD 414. Coming from Highway 2 south, turn off at Highway 53 (Rimbey), the go west to Highway 20 12 km south of Rimbey to TWP RD 414. From there, head west about one km to main gate.
From the north, turn off Highway 2 at Highway 11 to Sylvan Lake, head north on Highway 20, and then go 12 km north of Bentley to TWP RD 414.
Finally, head west to the main gate.
Magee said support for the event has been pretty solid from the start, although post-pandemic it has been a rebuilding process to an extent. But there is plenty of enthusiasm for the event, and Magee finds plenty of joy in connecting with artists and bringing the event to fruition.
"We had the flat-bed for the first four years or so, and then we built a stage," recalled Magee.
"The focus is also on Alberta talent. We have enough talented people here - I don't even need to go out-of-province. I don't really need to go anywhere else to find absolutely fabulous acts.
"Looking back, 30 per cent of our acts have come from a 50 km radius of here."
"The idea behind it was also to show people that solar energy works. And what can you do that might be a huge power-draw, that could help to prove that? I thought a music festival!
She also said the support shown to the festival - from the artists to those who stop by year by year - has been outstanding, and essential to the success of the event.
"There have been so many people who have been so helpful, and so enthusiastic about this."
For complete details and ticket information, head to www.weayaya.com or find Weayaya Solar Powered Music Festival on Facebook.
