FERGUS – Arkells and Dallas Smith are the headliners for Meadows Music Festival in Fergus on May 29 and 30.
In making the announcement on Dec. 16, organizer Collin McKinnon crossed two things off his bucket list.
Arkells will take the main stage on May 30 and Dallas Smith on May 29.
“Of all the things I do with the music festival, today is the greatest day,” he said in an interview 15 minutes after the announcement was made.
McKinnon said Arkells were the first band he ever saw live, way back in high school and since starting the festival four years ago, “I made it my goal to bring them to Meadows,” he said.
“Every year we’d make an offer, every year we’d try. But with a band of that size, they were waiting to see first if the festival would grow.”
This year the stars aligned.
“I’m just so excited,” he said.
Second bucket list wish: to book Dallas Smith.
McKinnon said he’s worked in the music promotion business for 15 years and his first job was a concert with Dallas Smith.
He has loved the band ever since and always wanted to book them.
“Nothing is quick in the music industry,” he said. “I just hope people will be happy with this event.”
This will be the fourth festival. It includes a day of country music and a day of rock.
McKinnon chose to hold it in May to kick off the summer season and loved that Riverfest Elora acted as a closing bookend to a musical summer.
He said he was distressed to hear that Riverfest, with its 15-year history in the community, is now finished.
“I was heartbroken when I heard that,” he said. “It just shows that one year can change everything.”
He worries what that means for Meadows, now approaching its fourth year and still building an audience.
But hosting a festival has been a lifelong dream, he said, and he’s not about to give up yet.
“Nothing is guaranteed in this industry. Every year is like starting a new business,” he said.
But a big name like Arkells – a Canadian, Juno-winning, world touring band – should draw attention and hopefully ticket sales.
The full lineup will be released in the new year, but tickets are on sale now.
“We try to give a taste of the lineup before the holidays,” McKinnon said. “That’s our strategy.”
The festival is held on the grounds behind the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex where there is limited camping.
For tickets and details, visit meadowsfest.ca.
