Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/530292
Country Town & MANITOBA Editor: Pat St. Germain pdstgermain@gmail.com inside Saturday, June 20, 2015 T his year, the Eastman Judged Art Exhibition will be held on site, and anyone who lives in the Eastman region or owns a cottage in the area can enter the competition. Categories en- compass a wide range of genres from painting and drawing to print-making, photography, sculpture, digital art and mixed media. "The Fire & Water Festival is a music festival by artists for artists. A lot of us are artists that come from all different backgrounds," says Cyndie Mitch- ell, the festival's marketing and promotions director. "It's that background experience that helps us work better with the artists, because we've been there." Festival organizers are excited to have The Mani- toba Express with Ray St. Germain and Friends open the show this year, along with son D.J. St. Germain, Sierra Noble and Kimberly Dawn. "The festival has been set up as the perfect festival for music lovers. If you love independent music, this festival is perfect for you. We have everything from roots music to country to heavy metal," Mitchell says. "We have small bands to JUNO Award winners. We really have it all. There's something for everyone." Several festival favourites are returning, includ- ing Fire & Water's youngest singer-songwriter, Cohen Seig, who is only 13 years old. "His music style ranges from folk-country to rock, and he plays a few different instruments," Mitchell says. "We love to mix it up and introduce people to new music. It's so easy to fall in love with a lot of these artists, especially since our artists are accessible to the crowd. Many become part of the crowd after their set is over." With a variety of free art workshops and chil- dren's programming, there's no shortage of things to do outside the music area. Adult workshops include the art of flamethrowing and how to make a movie in 15 minutes, while children can learn Ukrainian egg painting or have their own faces painted. "This is a family-friendly music festival. There are a lot of things for children of all ages to do," says Mitchell. "This isn't a rowdy crowd. Parents can feel safe taking their children to Fire & Water." Along with a farmers' market, the festival's popular Trade and Craft Show will held in Artisan Square on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 1- 2. The craft show is one of the festival's free events. "We host some of the most creative and unique crafters to be found in Manitoba at our Trade and Craft Show," Mitchell says. "We have everyone from Manitoba craftspeople to traditional home- based sellers, like Tupperware reps." As the festival grows and becomes more popular, there has been more demand for camping spots. In response, festival organizers have expanded the campground. located just outside the festival grounds, it has 40 tent spaces and 25 RV spots. Fire pits have been added and free firewood is included with each camping spot. "Some of our fans plan their summer around the festival," says Mitchell. "We're the fastest growing music festival in Manitoba. We have fans coming from all over Canada, and as far away as Europe and the Philippines." Two Fire & Water fans even got married at the festival last year. Organizers expect as many as 7,000 people to attend the festival grounds, located behind the community centre on McArthur Avenue. Admission to all events is free for children under 12. Weekend and day passes for youth and adults are available online. For more information, visit www.firenwater.ca. ❙ Art Artists for Fire and Water Festival is more than music PerFormers this year include ray st. Germain, sierra noble(beloW,leFt) and duo dan Frechette and laurel thomsen.(above) lac du bonnet's Fire & Water Festival is a music festival with a twist. While independent music is the main event, the festival set for July 31 - aug. 2 celebrates all kinds of art and performance, including sideshow, dance and even a film festival showcasing canadian short films. "the festival has been set up as the perfect festival for music lovers. if you love independent music, this festival is perfect for you. We have everything from roots music to country to heavy metal." WelcominG neWcomers StEinbach /2&3 Takeyourgametothenextlevel! LAC DU BONNET, MB Teetimescanbebookedat204-345-4653ortollfreeat855-593-3306 www.granitehills.ca Book your next tee time at the GRANITE HILLS GOLF CLUB 14 DAY ADVANCE BOOKINGS • GIFT CARDS • Registeronlineforthe; MEN'SSENIOROPEN August12/15 LADIES'WELLNESSOPEN July21/15 MULLIGANMONDAYS FOR $ 50.00ppinc.cart 1-4pm excludingholidays a shore thinG falcon lakE bakEry biStro /4 Prairie blossoms daylily GardEn /6