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Hear the Music of the World in the Fraser Valley

Tucked away in the lush expanse of the Fraser Valley, Mission is the perfect destination for your next scenic British Columbia getaway. The town is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts featuring ample opportunities for fishing, boating, ATV riding, hiking, and more. Mission is also a hub for artists and culture, and visitors can see examples of unique artwork from all over the Fraser Valley at the Mission Art Gallery.

 

The Mission Folk Music Festival has been one of the Fraser Valley’s most popular music events since it began three decades ago. This year’s event will take place July 21-23, at Fraser River Heritage Park. The festival attracts thousands of attendees annually thanks in part to its natural surroundings and easy going ambiance. It features four stages presenting the finest folk, country, blues, world, and uncategorizable musicians on the planet, including headliners such as Jim Byrnes, the Marcus Mosely Chorale, Valdy, and local favorite the John Welsh Band. Attendees can also shop for unique artwork and handmade trinkets at an artisan marketplace, and community booths will sell various items as well as raising awareness for local causes. Patrons can find a variety of snacks and refreshments in the food vendor area, and kids will love the games and activities in the Wee Folk Area. We got the opportunity to interview Kat Wahamaa, publicist for the event, to learn more about this unique music experience.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

KW: An important part of the festival’s mandate is to bring artists and audiences together in a format that embraces the music, dance, traditions, and languages of many peoples and cultures from our region, across Canada and around the world, all while developing new audiences and exposing festival goers to new musical horizons.

 

RAL: How long has the event been running?

KW: 2017 is the 30th Anniversary of the Mission Folk Music Festival.

 

RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?

KW: The festival attracts between 5,000 to 7,000 attendees over the weekend.

 

RAL: What demographic does your event attract?

KW: This is an event for all ages. Some people have attended the festival annually since they were infants. The affordable pricing makes it accessible to everyone.

 

RAL: What makes this event unique?

KW: The rich musical diversity and stunning scenery are hallmarks of the event. It has a welcoming, small town atmosphere.  

 

RAL: Take me through a day at the event.

KW: The festival includes blues, folk, traditional, gospel, country, honky-tonk, Celtic, old time, and world music performances on four stages, over three days.

 

RAL: What activities will attendee find at the event?

KW: The event has four music stages, a Wee Folks area for kids, an art market for those looking for fill their collection, community booths, and more.

 

RAL: What dining options will attendees encounter?

KW:  You’ll find a variety of food and refreshment vendors and even a licensed bistro right onsite.  

 

RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?

KW: The festival offers onsite camping in the beautiful Fraser River Heritage Park – space is limited so get your passes early!

 

Mission and surrounding area also offer accommodations from lakeside camping to quaint B&B’s within a five to 30-minute drive of the festival site. Tourism Mission is a one-stop spot to find out about local activities and attractions.    

 

RAL: What does this event mean to the community?

KW: The MFMF society has played a significant role in the cultural transformation of Mission. We also produce the acclaimed Mission Folk Music Festival, Roots and Branches concert series, and other music-themed programs and initiatives in the community. The Mission Folk Music Festival has created a lasting legacy through the generations of citizens that have grown up with the festival.

 

RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?

KW: Yes, the festival has helped to establish Mission as a go-to destination. Our unique brand of entertainment attracts people from all over the world. Local businesses support the festival with sponsorships and donations, and festival goers add to the local economy shopping at stores, eating in restaurants, and by using accommodations.

 

RAL: Why should people come to your event?

KW: Our combination of great music and a fun environment creates a unique experience for attendees. We’re proud to have welcomed artists from six continents, many of whom return for the festival’s one-of-a-kind charm. It gives people the opportunity to see impressive performances, dance under the stars, and create memories that will last a lifetime.


For more information about the Mission Folk Music Festival, please visit the event website.