Summer Rush Festival a showcase of music and the arts

A new music and arts festival is fast approaching in the Lakeland area, meant to please music fans of different genres and those into various forms of today’s culture.

The Summer Rush Festival is happening August 12th to 14th on Long Bay near Cold Lake.

The three-day event features 17 bands, an open mic stage, and camping for the some 400 visitors that the venue can handle.

Built by organizers that sprung out of the old Cold Lake Entertainment Society, the new group, Wild North Eclectic Society is wanting to showcase the strong culture of the Cold Lake area, while providing quality musicians to enjoy from across the province.

“Last year when we got together and collaborated with some other artists and musicians, because everyone had been sitting dormant for so long, we put a festival together and that was a makeshift concert, and it was enough to spark a flame,” said Ben Winterhalt. 

“We saw that a such a good opportunity for art and when it kind of folded with COVID, we were all pretty heartbroken,” said Casey Zagoruy. “So we all came together as a bunch of spunky, young individuals who are like, no, our town has a lot to offer. So with that the society is now putting on Summer Rush, and we’re hoping that it’s an annual thing,” she said. 

The bands include acts like The Steadies, The Confusionaires, Jenesia, and The Old Wives, but the event is more than just music. There is also meditation sessions, outdoor massage therapy, art installations, and local vendors as well — not mention yoga showcases.

Food is provided by Joly’s Fine Cusine & Bean and Bean Trees Coffee Bar, while Cold Lake Brewing Company, Journey North Cidery, and Cold Lake Liquor is taking care of the beverages.

“Then of course, just being able to enjoy the beautiful scenery here. We’re right on Long Bay. So I mean, there’s the water and there’s so many amazing things for people to enjoy,” said Ashley Earl. 

Earmarked as a festival with something for everyone, tickets are still available for the event happening in the coming days.

Day passes are $50, while a full event pass costs $80 with a camping spot included.

There is limited availability at the venue, so to ensure your place, you can snatch those tickets online through the Summer Rush Festival’s website.

The website also includes a full lineup of artists and entertainers.