By Times Chronicle Staff
You ready to rock in Oliver again? Well, the Rock & Roll Picnic is making a comeback on Aug. 19 after a two-year hiatus.
Back by very popular demand, the event returns to Oliver Community Park from 6 to 10 p.m. on the Friday before the Roots & Fruits Expo on Saturday, Aug. 20.
The evening’s live entertainment will kick off with the Okanagan’s own Ari Neufeld. He is a one-man band playing guitar, piano, and banjo while singing and keeping time through an amplified “stompbox,” with ethnic beads, nuts and bells strapped to his body. His performance covers a variety of genres from folk to pop, to new country, to rhythmic soul to rock. It is what he likes to coin “full contact folk,” a vibrant blend of beat, melody, and humour.
Following the Top Dog People’s Choice Awards at 7:30 p.m., get ready to rock with headliner “The Hip Replacements,” the most sought after Tragically Hip tribute band.
The Hip Replacements have been performing for more than 18 years at clubs, festivals, concerts and private events. The band members are not only professional musicians, they are super fans who have seen numerous Tragically Hip concerts.
“As true and dedicated fans, they can be note-perfect on all the songs, while adding the jams and electric performance elements audiences are looking for,” said Carol Sheridan, Oliver Parks and Recreation manager.
She noted this will be the perfect tribute to Gord Downie and the best-selling band in Canada.
Admission to the picnic includes corn on the cob and the tastiest (and most creative) hotdogs you’ve ever eaten, Sheridan said.
Campbell Kearns of The Wienery will look to defend his undefeated title of “Top Dog” against Matt Leyes of Black Sage Butcher and Ian Stillborn of the Nk’Mip Cellars Restaurant. This is a friendly but fierce competition where humble hotdogs are transformed into culinary works of (delicious) art.
For people hankering for sweet treats, the EnRoute Espresso truck will be on site serving up lemonade or coffee drinks, and Our Little Donut Factory will be cooking up mini donuts and popcorn. There will be a beverage service available with Oliver’s own Firehall Brewery craft beers on tap, Nk’Mip Cellars wines, and a selection of domestic ciders and spritzers.
The Rock & Roll Picnic is a family-friendly event, so bring the kids (children 10 years and under get in free). Sheridan said it’s a fundraiser for the Expo that opens up in the park the following day.
When the kids get tired of eating and dancing, they can happily dig about in the giant sand box or check out the henna tattoo booth.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket and/or lawn chairs and settle in for a fun night in the park.
Buy your tickets early as there will be a limited number of tickets available at the gate. Advance tickets are $20/adult, $10/student, and tickets at the gate (if still available) are $25/adult and $15/student.
Tickets are available at the Oliver Parks and Recreation office in person or over the phone at 250-498-4985.
For more information about the Oliver Roots & Fruits Expo weekend, including volunteer info, please visit oliverrootsandfruits.com.
