'River and Sky' festival returns to the delight of fans
It was a small, but passionate crowd at this year's 'River and Sky' camping and music festival in Field, Ont., which returned for the first time since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Organizers worked hard to hold something they thought would be permissible and sought the input of Public Health Sudbury and Districts.
"It's turning out really well, it's been great. I mean, obviously, there was some nervousness," laughed the festival's executive director Abigail Cassio. "But everything's been really great and now, we have a full day of programming."
Anyone who planned to attend had to provide proof of a COVID-19 vaccination as well as submit to a rapid COVID-19 test.
No one tested positive at the gate and everyone was allowed in over the period of two days.
There were also smaller crowds and colour coded bracelets to assist in contract tracing, should the need arise.
"No positive tests at all," Cassio said. "Like we were worried about having people wait 15 minutes, but there were so many people on top of it that it's become as easy as can be."
Festival organizers determined the new rules in conjunction with the property owner. They wanted to make sure everyone got home safely and said none of the changes are permanent, they will re-evaluate next year.
The attendees that spoke to CTV News said they liked the added layer of precautions, adding there was a general sense of ease in the air.
"I'm really happy they made people get one vaccine and then everyone did their COVID swab. It was easy, like non-invasive," Emily Granville said.
"You know my partner and I both got vaccinated when we had the opportunity to and like we've been pretty cool with all the precautions. We understand," Amber Gaudrault said.
North Bay restauranteur Melissa Wyness was one of the few vendors who made it out this year. It's her fifth 'River and Sky' festival and said it's definitely one of her favourites.
"It's the greatest festival I've been to. I love it. It's up north, there are so many great talented people up here," Wyness said.
Performers liked the ability to be back in front of the audience as well.
Helena Deland made the trip to Field, Ont., from Montreal.
"It's so nice to be around people that I think everyone is down to switch sceneries too, which we haven't been able to do much," Deland said.
"We didn't play at all throughout the year and then all of the sudden, we have a couple of festivals, shows and stuff. So yeah, we're super happy to play," said Guillaume Chiasson and Daphne Brissette of the Montreal rock group 'Bon Enfant.'
'River and Sky' is one of the first music festivals out of the gate in this region for the season. Cassio said if the others have any questions, she's more than happy to lend them input.
She and her team plan on getting some rest later into the summer before they start planning for next year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.