Country music has always been strong in the Ottawa Valley but country music festivals, not so much. There have been a few attempts over the years including a personal favourite, Calabogie Country, at which we were first introduced to one of the headliners of the Valley’s newest country music festival, the Horton Hoedown, which announced its second annual lineup today featuring, headliner, Bobby Wills.
Owen Barney performs at the Algonquin Commons Theatre in Ottawa. Photo: Renée Doiron (@raw.ren)
The Horton Hoedown made its debut on the scene last summer with Jason Blaine and Kira Isabella and then nearly didn’t get the chance to celebrate a second birthday as the Township of Horton briefly considered pulling the plug early in the year. But in the end the festival prevailed and today they announced a lineup that, they hope, will bring country fans out to Horton this July.
Rainwater Whiskey performs at Sing Out for CHEO photo Corvidae Studios
After the township voted to give the Hoedown the green light for a 2nd year lead organizer, Tina Hunt. promised that the committee “is going to give 110 percent to the festival.” Organizers have “lots of great ideas of how to make this festival grow,” she said on the Save the Horton Hoedown page. “Let’s put this beautiful area we live in on the map and grow this festival bigger every year.”
The party in Horton kicks off on Friday July 19 with Bobby Wills, Owen Barney and our good friends Rainwater Whiskey
Tebey performs at TD Place in Ottawa – photo by Trina Stewart
Things kick into high gear on Saturday July 20 as performances by Ransom, Big City Lights and The Timber Line lead into the main entertainment which features Brea Lawrenson and headliner, newly minted Jayward Artist Group label boss, Tebey.
Tickets go on sale Friday March 29 and, until June 18th, you can get a weekend pass for ONLY $50. Day and VIP passes are also available. Prices go up on June 19th.
If you live in Eastern Ontario this will be the country festival of the summer and with it being held at a campground why not make a weekend out of it? For full details visit www.hortonhoedown.com, if you want to reserve camping visit www.koa.com
2 comments
You people should reconsider YOUR picks for the show. Local talent ud THERE and your not choosing them …. Will not be attending this or promoting it either ..very sad for you RENFREW……..
Hi Elizabeth
I totally understand your frustration. Unfortunately we’re simply a media outlet and not the organizers or promoters of this festival.
We’re all for supporting local talent and have always put local talent first at events we’ve organized.
We do encourage you to give your feedback to the festival so they hear your concern and consider adding local talent for future years.