Summer Kickoff Music Festival in South Frontenac

May 24, 2023

“The weather looks good for Saturday. Crossing my fingers that it holds” said Amanda Pantry, Recreation and Events Coordinator with the township of South Frontenac when asked about the first ever Summer Kickoff festival for the township, and event she has been planning for the last few months.

The festival runs from 4pm-10pm in Harrowsmith Centennial Park. The music starts at 4pm, and features a stellar lineup of local and regional acts, food vendors and craft beer by three Frontenac County brewing companies, food vendors and a kids zone. And there is no admission fee at all.

“Last summer we put on a series of concerts at different locations in the township and they did really well. So this year, in addition to those we thought we would try putting on a larger event to kick off the season. We are running it in late May because we wanted to put something on for the residents, and we know how busy people get in the summer,” she said. “And when I went to council, they were supportive but were adamant that it should be a free event for the residents to enjoy.

Council put up about half of the necessary funds, and some local businesses came through as sponsors to cover the rest.

“We couldn’t have done it without the sponsors,” said Pantry. Frontenac Pools, a new business based in Harrowsmith provided the largest commitment, and other major sponsors include: Hartington Equipment, Revell Ford Lincoln, South Frontenac Rentals, and Ryan Rose Realtors, among others.

The performances kick off at 4pm with Jess Wedden, who started her career as a child fiddle whiz, and now performs on guitar in addition to fiddle, is a singer-songwriter. And she step dances as well.

At 5pm, Verona based singer -songwriter Mellow Lil, one of the stars from last summer’s series, will take the stage. At 6pm, veteran Kingston musician Jay Smith, formerly known as Smitty Kingston, is performing.

At 7pm, rockers Uncoded, a five-piece classic rock band, will take the energy level up a knotch. They will be followed by the legendary Still Standin’ at 8pm.

The headliner for the night is Jordy Jackson. Originally from Seeley’s Bay, Jordy Jackson and his band perform a cross Canada. He has played large venues such as the Havelock Country Jamboree and is currently supporting his original recordings, including the single “Where we are”.

For further information about Summer Kickoff, go to the South Frontenac Township Facebook Page or to Southfrontenac.net, click on Things to do and scroll to the bottom left to Summer Kickoff Music Festival.

Not to jinx anything, but the forecast for Saturday as of early this week is sunny and 22 degrees, with a 100% chance of mosquitoes in the evening.