Get ready, Pembina Valley, The first official RPM Festival—Rhythm, People, and Machines—is rolling in this Saturday, September 6th, from noon to 10:30 p.m. at Elias Woodwork & Manufacturing, nestled between Morden and Winkler. What started as a rocking 40th anniversary party for Elias Woodworking two years ago has now grown into a full-blown festival celebrating music, industry, and community.
Star-studded music lineup
Festival-goers are in for a treat with a full day of live music. Headlining is Canadian classic rock legend Chilliwack, and throughout the day, performances by country band Petric, tribute band Almost Elton (John), Julie Meyers with Ezrah Stone, Quonset Brothers, and magician-comedian Greg Wood.
“We really wanted the music to represent the heartbeat of our community,” said Meyers. “From the classics everyone knows to the local talent we’re proud of, it’s all about bringing people together and having a blast. There’s a little something for everyone.”
Meyers emphasized that live music was at the core of the festival’s roots, recalling how the original Elias Woodworking 40th anniversary show sparked the idea. “The energy that night was incredible, and so many people said, ‘This should happen every year,’” she said. “Now we get to turn that spark into a full-day celebration with music as the heartbeat of it all.”
Come for the show, stay to support the cause
Tickets are $20 for adults and free for kids 17 and under, with all proceeds supporting Youth for Christ Morden and the Pembina Counselling Centre, helping local youth programs and mental health services.
“We all know how important mental health is,” said musician and festival organizer Julie Meyers, along with co-organizer and husband Ralph Fehr, "To have that kind of availability in our community is so important, I can’t think of another time that’s been more needed than now.”
Fun beyond the stage
The Elias Woodworking grounds will be packed with family-friendly activities including bouncy castles, a petting zoo, balloon animals, and appearances by A Country Princess characters. Fans of big machines won’t be disappointed either, with a truck and tractor show, food trucks, and a beer garden adding to the excitement.
Early birds get a special bonus: the first 500 adults through the gate before 3 p.m. will be entered to win one of two folding electric bikes.
What's in a name?
Fehr explained the festival name "RPM" (Rhythm, People, Machines), reflects the day’s essence:
“The 'Rhythm' is not just the beat of the music, it’s the rhythm of daily life, of work and play, of building a future together. ‘People’ is about everyone in the community, the hands that care for this place. And ‘Machines’ speaks to the tractors, trucks, and industry that power our economy and put food on the table.”
With dozens of local sponsors supporting the event, organizers hope the RPM Festival becomes a must-attend annual tradition in the Pembina Valley.
“We feel so lucky to live in a place where farming and industry provide so many jobs, and where we can come together as friends and neighbours to celebrate that,” Fehr said. “It’s going to be a great day.”
For those looking for a weekend full of engines, music, and community spirit, the RPM Festival promises to be a highlight of the year in the Pembina Valley.