Pandemic, lockdown, quarantine, vaccine, social distancing – yup, let’s get all those buzzwords out of the way; you know what’s gone on these past couple of years. The pandemic took away a lot of things we love as human beings, one of the most profound happened to be each other. We’re intensely social creatures and the pandemic demanded a lot from us, our past times, our physical connection to others, our ability to wander, and maybe worst of all, it took away live music.
Well, the Summerfolk Music and Crafts Festival set at Kelso Beach at Nawash Park in Owen Sound did what they had to do over the past two years. The organizers took to the web and hosted virtual events and even tried hosting small, outdoor concerts of revolving artists last summer in a strategic effort to bring us together. It worked as well as it could have, and the effort isn’t lost on any of the diehard Summerfolk veterans. Hats off.
This past weekend, however, we were able to gather on the shore of Georgian Bay again, amongst the Willows and the limestone amphitheater that holds oh so many great memories and stories. I don’t want to give you a play-by-play, or tell you who I think the standout acts were; the standout act of this year’s event was the act of being together, ignoring (responsibly, mind you) fear, and embracing the sounds, sights, and camaraderie of summertime in Grey Bruce.
We missed you, Summerfolk. Welcome back. ✌️
