Spend your Canada Day long weekend listening to sweet sounds of bluegrass, learning new musical skills, jamming, dancing or learning to clog. It's all happening in our own backyard with the first Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival at the Qualicum Bay Lions Hall this weekend.
Festivities begin on Friday at 1:30 p.m. with the Rainbow Stew Cloggers entertaining and giving a lesson in clogging, bluegrass-style. There will be some open mic time and a 50/50 draw, followed by four of the festival's eight bands, including the two headlining bands Long Road Home from Colorado and the Foggy Hogtown Boys from Ontario.
Saturday and Sunday mornings there will be free bluegrass entertainment at the Lighthouse Community Hall, where people can enjoy their pancake breakfasts from 8 to noon. Saturday morning also marks the first round of the Bluegrass Idol competition, where $250 is up for grabs.
Bluegrass music continues throughout the weekend by the renowned bluegrass performers, as well as numerous workshops, including one run by the iconic “Dr. Banjo.”
Camping is free for weekend ticket holders and the expansive grassy venue, maintained by the Qualicum Bay Lions Club, will be filled with vendors for any festival needs.
The Lighthouse Bluegrass Festival runs Friday, July 1 to Sunday, July 3 at 240 and 280 Lions Way in Qualicum Bay.
For the schedule of events and more visit www.lighthousebluegrass.com.