The young festival bringing indie and folk music to Edmonton is back for its second-ever late summer party this weekend. Down by the River, officially dubbed an all-ages Americana country folk fest, brings headliners like The Rural Alberta Advantage, Vincent Neil Emerson and Goldie Boutilier to Louise McKinney Park. Organizer Scott Putnam says this year is bigger than the one before. “We have a new Sea Change saloon. We have more acts this year as well, a bigger market. We have Frieson Bros catering as well for patrons to purchase food and drink,” he explained during set up on Friday. The grounds also include a “Honky Tonk” market featuring local vendors. Last year’s event was hailed by attendees and event managers as “summer’s last party” as September ushers in colder weather. Putnam says the goal of the festival is to bring everyone together under the sun once more. “Everybody has their day to day, whatever they’re going through, and I think these events take you to a present moment and help us … connect and celebrate as one community.” The festival begins Friday night and runs for much of Saturday and Sunday. More details can be found online.
