For people looking to enjoy some live music outside in the sun this weekend, Farm Fest is back this Saturday with a fresh lineup of artists.
The free, all-ages festival kicks off at 2:00 pm and runs into the evening, offering music, food, and good vibes, all just a short drive from town.
A simple idea
“Some guys just got together and said, ‘hey, we want to play music, we want to have fun'... it was the whole COVID thing, right?” said co-founder Betty Hiebert, remembering how the first event came together almost overnight. “We had a little window where it opened up and they said, ‘let's do this’... it was just a fantastic night”.
That one-off concert sparked something that people have consistently come back to over the course of the past festivals. “We sat around the fire and just decided we should continue doing this, and maybe we could help people while we do it,” Hiebert added.
Now in its fifth year, Farm Fest uses the funds raised to support local causes, as well as, this time around, prepare for future festival needs.
A full lineup of local Talent
Music kicks off at 2:00 pm with Just Passing Through, a group known for their blend of country, gospel, and bluegrass. “They're actually one of the groups that were with us on the first fundraiser that we did,” Hiebert said.
They’re followed by the beloved Glory Bound Quartet at 3:00 pm, who performed at the festival last fall and are back by popular demand. “People say, ‘Hey, we really enjoyed their music. Are they going to be back?” Hiebert said. “So we are very happy that they have decided to join us again”.
Then later in the day, Adam T. Elvis will close out the night with an evening show running from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. “He’s an awesome Elvis impersonator... he’s really good,” said Hiebert. “This is a little bit different than we’ve done before... a full concert show”.
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Tacos, burgers, and the antique auction
The food lineup includes burgers by Southern Meats, hot dogs donated by Winkler Meats, chips, soda, cotton candy, and something volunteer Susan Ashley called walking tacos.
“It’s basically a taco in a bag with a really fancy name,” Ashley laughed, “But we’re topping it with some homemade crema sauce, which you don’t usually get just anywhere,” Hiebert added.
There’s also a live auction, with a mix of antique and brand-new items up for grabs, including a china cabinet, a sewing machine base, power tools, and more.
Running the auction is none other than retired Steinbach auctioneer Henry Penner. “He volunteers his services. He’s fantastic,” said Hiebert. “He’s actually been our MC a few times in the past.”
There’s also a 50/50 draw—another way Farm Fest raises money to support local causes and keep the event going.
Getting there
To find the farm, Hiebert says start at Pembina Ave and 14th St in Winkler, then move directly one and a half miles south, following the signs along the way.
Admission and parking are free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and perhaps an umbrella for some shade.