‘What a weekend.’
‘This is the best thing to ever happen to Delta.’
‘Can’t wait for next year.’
There are just a few of the many comments that I have heard and seen on social media following the amazingly successful inaugural Barnside Harvest Festival held this past weekend at Paterson Park in Ladner.
I’ll have to admit that when media coordinator John Donnelly first contacted me a few months ago about this first-time festival, I was a little skeptical that they would be able to pull off such a big event. Well they proved me wrong big time didn’t they.
When I walked onto the festival grounds for the first time on Friday night with Optimist photographer Jim Kinnear, I was truly impressed. The set-up was top-notch with the three stages, many food and drink vendors, the artisan market and just the festival grounds itself. It was impressive.
Following a wonderful traditional welcome from Tsawwassen First Nation councillor and former Chief Bryce Williams, we were treated to an awesome opening performance from Tsawwassen’s own Warren Dean Flandez. Warren concluded his electric set with the local Top Line Vocal Collective and you could tell that after this performance, we were all in for an incredible weekend of music, food, drink and fun.
As I was leaving the festival grounds a few hours later, Friday night, the festival site was packed. I saw nothing but smiles and a great sense of community spirit and pride.
This theme continued throughout the weekend.
So cheers to Barnside Brewing Co., all the many volunteers, security, grounds people and Delta Police for creating a truly unique festival experience that we can proudly call made in Delta.
Mark your calendars for Sept. 13 to 15, 2024 for the next installment. I can’t wait for round two!
