BIG FLAT FOLK  FEST

Have you ever been to a music festival? If so, you’re lucky! I had never experienced one before—especially not in Canada. But on July 13th, 2024, the Eastend Arts Council hosted its first Big Flat Folk Fest, and I was fortunate enough to attend. I got my ticket at the end of May, just in time, as they sold out incredibly fast. It was an incredible experience, not only because of the music but also because it gave me a deeper appreciation of Saskatchewan’s culture and country music scene. Eight talented musicians performed with their bands, and through this festival, I gained a new understanding of the creative souls in this region.

But before I dive into the festival story, let me tell you about the night before. I went car camping in Cypress Hills, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of nature. Early in the morning, around 4 AM, I was startled awake by strange sounds outside. When I opened my eyes, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing—massive hailstones, about the size of large grapes, were pounding against the car. It was July, the middle of summer, and here I was in a forest, in my car, during a freak hailstorm.

For a moment, I was terrified. The noise was deafening, and I was completely alone—unlike my usual trips with friends. The sky was alive with lightning, creating an epic, almost surreal scene. I’d never witnessed anything like it. Although it was scary, there was something exciting about it, too. I pulled a blanket over my head, like a kid, trying to convince myself it was just rain. It took me an hour to fall back asleep, but eventually, I did. When I woke up later that morning, the storm had passed, and I was ready to head to the music festival.

Eastend is a small town in the southwest corner of Saskatchewan, and as soon as I arrived, I noticed something—almost everyone had brought a camping chair except me! Not wanting to stand all day, I set off to find one, and luckily, I did!

Settling into my chair with a cold drink in hand, I had a blast listening to the performers. I took tons of photos and videos, and even struck up a conversation with a couple sitting next to me. Blake Berglund, Del Barber, Belle Plaine, and Colter Wall were particularly impressive—their voices were beautiful, and you could tell they were truly passionate about what they were doing. The crowd was amazing too, with around 400 people, maybe more, in attendance.

I spent the day enjoying perogies, drinking local beer, and soaking in the fun atmosphere. It was an unforgettable experience! They’re planning to hold the festival again next summer, and if you’re reading this blog, I highly recommend going. I promise you’ll love it! And if you do go, be sure to say hi if you spot me.

Until next time!

Vlada