The annual Farm Fest was held at the Campagne family farm west of Willow Bunch on Saturday, August 13th. Farm Fest started out as a small community event of 60 people attending three years ago, to over 350 this year.
According to Solange Campagne, one of the organizers, the weather was incredibly perfect for the weekend, and included entertainment from Connie Kaldor, Heather Bishop, Folle Avoine, Hart-Rouge, Carmen Campagne, Annette Campagne, among others.
The Campagne family is a very talented musical family and have performed together since the 1970s. Hart-Rouge now consists of siblings Paul, Michelle and Suzanne Campagne.
The three previously recorded and performed with several other family members as Folle Avoine, and formed Hart-Rouge with another sibling, Annette, when that band ended. Annette left the band in the mid-1990s.
The band perform traditional folk songs and original material in both English and French. They have also recorded some material in Canadian First Nations languages.
Their sister Carmen Campagne also continued a career in music, but performs independently as a children’s entertainer. Their father, Emile Campagne, has also released an album of traditional folk songs.
The Campagne family are among the most notable Fransaskois personalities in Canada.
Farm Fest was attended by people from as far away as northern Saskatchewan and even Manitoba and Alberta. Along with listening to music, Farm Fest goers could enjoy wagon rides and sight seeing, a bison barbeque and an old time dance and bonfire.
The beautiful scenery and the rolling hills of Willow Bunch provided the backdrop for the stage, which was donated by the Town of Willow Bunch this year.
No admission was charged to see the performances, but donations were gratefully accepted. The silver collection added to what Solange feels makes this event all that more special, and keeps the focus on the music, the fun and most importantly family.
Solange, who lives on the farm for three seasons out of the year, says that is what they want to create. “It really is a fun event”, say Solange. “We really want to present a show for the community, and keep up the tradition of performing for the community.”
Keep an eye for details of the 4th Annual Farm Fest next year.
trianglenews@sasktel.net
