From well-documented humble beginnings 20 years ago, the Magnificent River Rats Festival grew at an astonishing pace over its first decade. Long-time attendees will remember passing a hat to pay the bills in Year One, and then just a few years later, crowds numbering in the thousands cramming the Town Common to enjoy artists like Charlie Major and Leahy.
Such growth was clearly unsustainable, and combined with changes in the membership and the direction of the festival, the River Rats had some lean years as it struggled to redefine itself.
But over the last couple of years, the River Rats Festival seems to have got its groove back. After years of trying to wedge together the square pegs and round holes of country and rock, the River Rats now traverse a more eclectic musical landscape, offering a little bit of something for almost every taste.
And combined with all the other trappings of Canada Day – the remarkably improved parade, the free kids activities, the always popular car show, and much more – the Magnificent River Rats Festival has finagled its way back into our hearts.
The festival may no longer be what it once was, but frankly, what it became was probably not what anyone ever intended.
After 20 years, the Magnificent River Rats Festival is back to being what it was when it started: ours.
And to be able to call something like that ours is pretty darn special.
