12 bands secured for Cypress River’s annual Prairie Wind Music Festival June 7-9

Cypress River’s Prairie Wind Music Festival will be celebrating its 11th year of bringing great music, a lot of fun and great memories to all those who attend. The annual event began in 2011; however, they were unable to host for two years running due to Covid.

Kicking off on Friday, June 7th, this year’s event is promised to be bigger and better than ever.

 The lineup of musicians is impressive and covers a wide range of genres. Daryl, aka Stu, Anderson of Mighty Cypress Talent booking agent for the event (formerly a Cypress River resident) has secured 12 bands. Local musicians will also have an opportunity to entertain as “Tweeners” in between regular bands. The festival is a family  event so the committee of ten have booked a bouncy house, a professional face painter and will be providing a variety of games for the young and young at heart.

 An Artisan Market with everything from local honey, candles and jewellery will be on site and there is still time to attract more venders. A Beer Gardens will be hosting local craft beer from Section 6 Brewing and Wooden Gate Cidery as well as the regular assortment of beverages. Local residents Trig and Sherry Arason will be serving up some delicious food from Pippy’s Schnitzel Express, and Sabor Latino will also be on site. The committee also want to inform attendees that there is a fabulous grocery store in town for those who would like to bring their own picnic or for those who are camping. venders running out of food.

 Last year’s festival brought a crowd of 400 and the committee is anticipating that last year’s number can be surpassed. Usually the event is held on the first weekend of June; however this year it was decided to hold it from June 7-9 in hopes of warmer temperatures and also respecting that the local farmers will be finishing up seeding by then. “We also have secured the use of the rink in case of inclement weather,” reported Pam.

 The festival weekend is a huge undertaking for such a small community, however Pam commented that it is absolutely wonderful to see everyone in the community help out in one way or another. “There are a lot of big jobs, but also a ton of small ones and pretty much everyone in the community helps out in one way or another. We are so grateful for their ongoing.

Campsites are available and tickets may be purchased in advance at a cost of $25 for the weekend with a small extra charge for those wanting to bring their fur baby. Tickets for this event can be purchased on line in advance. Buying in advance enables for better event planning for the organizers but also for the vendors. Pam Griffin, Chair of the organizing committee, commented that last year’s event had a lot of last minute ticket sales and camp site rentals which resulted in thesupport,” said Pam.

An event of this magnitude requires a lot of funds and the committee is fortunate to receive some government funding, donations from local businesses and funds left over from the previous year’s event to help get things off the ground each year. Port-a- Potties, licensing and permits, insurances, stage, sound and lighting and deposits on entertainment are only a few of the costs incurred when hosting an event such as this; and it all takes money.

Reverend Rambler, who in past years has always been a crowd favourite, will be back again with his spirited rhythm and blues. Other acts that have been secured so far include Deacon Hill, Emma Worley and Brett Parkin who has been entertaining audiences for over 5 decades with his mix of Chicago-style blues, swing, roots music with a spice of country and rock and roll. Glenboro resident Ken Campbell is a member of Ridley Bent Band who will also take the stage on Saturday. The Honeysliders will be following the local band Purple Agenda on Friday night and is sure to get the party started off and running. The Honeysliders describe themselves as one part honest, one part dirty country and one part party band. Winnipeg musicians Jamie Buckboro and Micah Bell, the founding members, collaborated with Alex Campballse on keyboards and veteran drummer, Jesse Miller. Listening to one of their cuts “Mercy of Machines” on their full length album, “Head Back Home”, it is safe to assume that the festival will be getting off to an energetic and great note!

Chris Hacault of Cypress River was one of the “tweeners” at last years event. To keep on top of the lineup and activities go to www.prairiewindmusicfest.com PHOTO SUBMITTED