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Organizers hoping to coax thousands out to festival

Rain or shine, the Central Music Festival is back for a fifth year.Boasting more than 25 musical acts, the popular outdoor festival starts on Friday evening and wraps up Sunday afternoon, on Township Road 392 in Red Deer County.

Rain or shine, the Central Music Festival is back for a fifth year.

Boasting more than 25 musical acts, the popular outdoor festival starts on Friday evening and wraps up Sunday afternoon, on Township Road 392 in Red Deer County.

Hundreds of music lovers are expected to flock to the festival but organizers are hoping to sell thousands of tickets.

“It is really hard to tell this year at this point — we’re such a last-minute a market,” said Central Music Festival producer Mike Bradford. “We just have to wait and see who shows up . . . . If we could count on 1,000 people each year, we could actually budget on something that is rock solid than a guess every year.”

There’s also the weather factor.

So far, there’s sun in the forecast with a 30 per cent chance of rain over the three days.

Bradford expects the addition of public camping near the stage and the extension of the festival to Sunday afternoon to draw crowds.

He said this year’s lineup is strong from start to finish.

Two talent show winners open the shows on Friday and Saturday. The Railway Bandits open the festival at 6 p.m. on Friday and Don Swift starts Saturday’s performances at 1 p.m. Montreal rockers Jonas and The Massive Attraction play at 8:30 p.m. followed by Calgary-based Amy Bishop Trio (9:45 p.m.) and Jammin’ With Jack (10:15 p.m.).

The action starts on Sunday at 1 p.m. with the Inspirational Workshop — The Larsgard Family Bluegrass Band and friends. The festival wraps up at 5 p.m.. after a performance by the Songwriters Circle/Acoustic Jam (starts at 2:45 p.m.).

“We have a strong local component,” said Bradford. “It’s a lot less stressful than the bigger festivals. As far as the quality of the entertainment, it’s as good as any of the other festivals. The names may not be as recognizable but they are just as talented.”

For the second year, a free shuttle bus service is offered throughout the festival. On Friday, the shuttle departs the Red Deer Lodge at 5 p.m. On Saturday, the bus departs the lodge at noon and 5 p.m. and at noon on Sunday. All shuttle rides take about 15 minutes.

The shuttle leaves the festival site to the Red Deer Lodge at 11:30 a.m. on Friday; 5 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on Saturday and 5:30 p.m. on Sunday.

All-ages single day passes are $20 on Friday, $55 on Saturday and $30 on Sunday.

Weekend passes are $78 for adults, $49 for teenagers/seniors and $185 for a family weekend pass.

Weekend pass and camping are $103 for adults, $74 for teenagers/seniors and $210 for family (two adults and four teenagers or seniors). Children under 13 are free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket.

For the complete list of performances, visit www.centralmusicfest.com.

crhyno@www.reddeeradvocate.com