Photo: Doug De La Matter
The 42nd annual Killaloe Craft & Community Fair the weekend of August 10 to 12 promises fairgoers of all ages the opportunity to enjoy great music in a natural outdoor amphitheatre setting, with delicious food, local crafts and family-friendly activities. The Fair site is located at 2789 Mountain View Road in Killaloe.
Fair volunteer Sigrid Geddes says that music, both live and DJ, is a special aspect of the event this year. Live music on Friday night opens with Geddes’ local group The Kitchen Sink Band and features ska/reggae band, The Sentries. The main stage opens on Saturday with the Pikwàkanagàn Wildflowers girls hand drum group. Ottawa neo-soul band The Split is featured on Saturday night. The Split are well-known from multiple performances at the Ottawa Bluesfest. Both Friday and Saturday DJ Medicine Man takes over after the bands leave the stage. With DJ and live music all weekend, there is something for all musical tastes.
Click HERE to listen to The Split on their website.
Geddes also promises a significant musical surprise at the Fair from a Valley musician who has gone on to perform internationally. The Current is sworn to secrecy so you have to have a ticket to enjoy this surprise.
Live music at the 2016 Fair Photo: Doug De La Matter
Glass-blower Tanya Lyons has worked to re-build the craft element of the Fair and says the number of craft vendors and variety of goods has increased this year. Lyons remembers watching glass blowing and other craft demonstrations as a child. She is pleased to encourage the return of education to the Fair. In addition to makers’ demonstrations, there will be a self-serve Makers’ Space where fairgoers can enjoy the experience of crafting themselves. People can make parade crowns and Lyons plans a lantern forest.
Kids Parade from the 2016 Fair Photo: Doug De La Matter
Both Geddes and Lyons stress the family-friendly nature of the Fair which provides experiences for all ages. This year a Youth Zone joins the familiar Kids Zone where games and events like the bubble gum contest is a popular and fun tradition. Everyone is invited to participate in the Parade at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday which heralds the live music starting at 4:00 p.m. on the main stage.
While there are plenty of camping spaces on the site, organizers encourage Fairgoers to arrive early to pick campsites and picnic spots on the hill. Advance tickets (at a modest discount until August 6) are available at Grandma’s Pantry, Tyler’s Garage in Killaloe; Madawaska River Rentals, Quadville; Bayberry Design, Barry’s Bay; The Cottage Cup, Golden Lake; Espresso UR Self Café, Eganville; Sigrid Naturals, Wilno; and Heartwood Restaurant, Combermere. Gate ticket prices are Weekend $50; Friday $20; Saturday $40. Kids under 12 attend free.
Lyons says,
This is a festival to celebrate community. It’s exciting to focus on the arts and music — the culture that makes this area.
Says Geddes,
Come back to the Sixties. Dance your heart out.
