The Magnificent River Rats committee has something for everyone this year, announcing a line up for the festivalís 20th anniversary that includes a childrenís icon as well as a blast from the past.
The first night will kick off with guitar-toting recording artist and Juno-award winning performer Fred Penner as the master of ceremonies.
River Rats president Ida Edwards said local and regional acts are set to round out the opening night, and entry to the festival will also be based on donation in tribute to the first River Rats festival in 1996.
ìOn Thursday, weíre going to have a throwback tradition to the first official Magnificent River Rats festival and weíre calling it ëPass the Hat,íî Edwards said. ìItís a (cash) donation of whatever you want to come into the grounds. Itís free if you donít want to. Itís available to everybody.î
Canada Day celebrations start at noon the next day with the Royal Canadian Legionsí salute to Canada.
Those who havenít burned those memories from the very first River Rats festival will remember special guest and Friday master of ceremonies Danny Hooper, who headlined in 1996. Heís not all talk, either ñ he and his band will perform at 7:30 p.m.
The closing out the night will be Edmontonís own recording sensation Captain Tractor. The evening will go until the fireworks in the evening.
ìIím super excited,î Edwards said. ìWeíre building a festival for eclectic tastes, and we want to attract someone to come and watch Danny Hooper, whoís good olí country, and maybe theyíll stay and hang out with Captain Tractor Ö With Fred Penner. What a broad appeal, for everyone from children to grandparents.î
She encouraged people to watch for upcoming announcements as the committee completes the lineups. She said they received 75 applications from mostly Alberta groups.
Entry for Throwback Thursday on June 30 is by donation. Festival gates open at 5 p.m. with activities in town and on the festival grounds until 10:30 p.m.
Tickets for July 1 are $25 for adults, $15 for students ages 12-17 and seniors 65 years old and up. Children 11 and under are free.
Families of four can also purchase a family pass for $60. The pass includes two adults and two students. Extra family members who are students pay $10 each.
ñ With files from Allendria Brunjes
