Jul 25, 2007

Celebrating its 15TH Anniversary  

Thousands of country music fans celebrated along with a star studded line up at the 15th Anniversary Merritt Mountain Music Festival.   Active Mountain Entertainment Corp., the festival promoter,  reports attendance comparable to last year with approximately 110,000 over six days. 

Temperatures reached over 40 degrees Celsius, the days were sunny, the Coldwater River was   the place to cool off, a storm threatened Friday, then moved on and music fans were treated to a line up of who’s who in country music. 

Thursday began with opening ceremonies and the National anthem followed by Appaloosa with the Best of the Best BC Talent Search Finalist. Tracy Chamberlain was named this year’s BC Talent Search winner.   Nadine, Minnie and Jimmy Murphy, Duane Steele and The Road Hammers got the crowd moving and Gretchen Wilson wrapped up one of the biggest Thursday nights ever. 

Friday continued with Marion Weston, Jessica Griffiths, Tracy Chamberlain, Johnny Reid, Carrie Underwood and the incredible Reba McEntire.   

On Saturday, Mark Wills, the songwriters showcase featuring Gary Fjellgard – Steve Seskin, Jon Vezner, Ron Irving and Chris Tompkins, Jamie O’Neal, Emerson Drive and Creedence Clearwater Revisited kept the crowd partying all night long.

Sunday wrapped with Sibel Thrasher and the Gospel Infuzion, The Sapach Family band, The Molnars, Country Sisters, Kenny Hess (who has performed all 15 years) and Tanya Tucker.   The Little Big Stage featured our stars of tomorrow and the incredible March Hare as our 2007 house band.  The Bud Stage in The Pumphouse Saloon featured both up and coming talent and legends Nazareth and Chilliwack.                                                                                                                     

The 15th Anniversary of the Merritt Mountain Music festival was a huge success.  We look forward to seeing you next year July 17-20. 2008.   Watch for upcoming details.