After six years of bringing some of the top acts in country music to Mission, the Rockin’ River Music Festival is heading for Merritt.
Up until 2012 Merritt was home to the Merritt Mountain Music festival. The 18-year-old festival was cancelled, according to organizers, because of dwindling ticket sales.
Rockin’ River organizer said that moving the music back to Merritt should mean a lot to the residents who pass the bronzed handprints, murals and tributes to some of country music’s most legendary talent every day.
Festival president and CEO Kenny Hess got his start in Merritt, part of why the hills called him back once again.
“This is a party for all ages with so much more than just the incredible lineup of performers we’re gathering. I got my start here and it means a lot to be a part of bringing back the music and bringing back the people to celebrate in Merritt,” said Hess in a release.
The festival, one of Western Canada’s largest country music celebrations, brings international headliners like Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Big & Rich, Chris Young, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and many more. Canadian superstars like Dallas Smith, Tebey, Beverley Mahood, MacKenzie Porter, the Boom Chucka Boys and the rest will also have the crowd stomping.
The festival offers fun for all from water fights, cooling off in the nearby Coldwater River to volleyball courts, giant foosball and ping pong. There’s even an aerial option to take in the surrounding scenery by way of helicopter rides.
Camping on-site is available for the duration of the festival.
Those shy of camping need not fret with glamping options available, with the new additions of private port o’potties and Kahuna Kabanas – private wooden cabins with views of the Coldwater River.”
Tickets are still available in single day or four-day options with VIP add-ons for concert-goers that only want the best.
For more information on the Rockin’ River Country Musical Festival, visit their website at rockinriverfest.com.