Saturday August 10, 2024 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Today the hot sunny weather was perfect for mingling or lounging to enjoy music, food and friendly chats during the 9th annual Sooke Music and Art Festival.
Lawn chair, sun hats, and even a pet goat were on hand for the day which ran 1 to 10 pm.
District of Sooke Mayor Maja Tait mingled in the crowd, joined as well by District of Sooke Councillor Jeff Bateman and Carolyn Bateman.
The event has been organized each year by Peter Jonassen. The venue size has grown over the years, this year taking over Fred Milne Ball Park. By late afternoon at least 1,000 people were on the field, with more people arriving for the evening.
Provincial election vibe:
BC Green candidate for Juan de Fuca-Malahat, David Evans, drew a steady crowd of folks who came to chat. He had a BC Green info booth and tent set up on the field.
BC Conservative candidate for Juan de Fuca-Malahat Dr Marina Sapozhnikov also mingled in the crowd. She had a Conservative Party of BC info booth and tent set up on the field.
Gord Phillips draws a crowd:
Starting at 4 pm, local singer-songwriter and guitarist Gord Phillips played a long afternoon set with the Gord Phillips Band. His music has always been catchy, but the folk-rock trio has a powerful eclectic delivery. Phillips seems to have mellowed and has a way of creating good vibes for everyone.
People across the Fred Milne ball park field paid rapt attention to Phillips and clearly enjoyed the show.
Mayor Tait introduced Gord Phillips before the music started, telling the crowd about Gord’s current challenge over the past two years with two types of cancer (lung and kidney).
Tait announced that three custom-made jackets were available for auction as a fundraiser for Phlilips and his family. A guitar with stickers was on stage to collect donations.
The Gord Phillips Band was one of 10 performances today. Tomorrow there will be 12 more.
Booths and food:
There was a wide range of vendor and information booths and food services.
Parking was ample enough. People of all ages attended for this day that will probably build some memories.
Continues on Sunday:
The 2024 Sooke Music and Art Festival continues tomorrow, Sunday August 11, from 1 to 9 pm.
