South Country Fair

06/17/2024

Tia of The Painted Antler Company creates beautiful authentic indigenous wearable works of art.

Check out her booth at the Fair and take home your own one of a kind creation.

Tickets —> https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

06/12/2024

Did you hear Ellen Froese is joining us at the Fair!

The rich and imaginative sounds of this prolific artist will float through the forest in the day and draw you to the stage at night…

Get tickets for the whole family (children under 12 are free with a responsible adult) here —> https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

Photo by Darnell Stewart

06/10/2024

Festival season is coming and Om B***y will be joining us with all the best in festival fashions.

Join us - https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

06/05/2024

Look who is back! If you missed Benj Rowland in 2022 you missed out. Make it right by joining us this year!

Limited tickets left —> https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

06/03/2024

The Vendor lineup is shaping up and we will begin sharing next week.

We are still looking for food and other vendors.

Tag your favourite food trucks and vendors for the fair here and they can…

…Check out how to apply here - http://southcountryfair.com/getinvolved/ and EMAIL your applications to [email protected].

05/29/2024

The lineup is HERE!

Your ticket is here —> https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

05/27/2024

Mark those calendars!
The full Fair lineup drops Wednesday!

05/22/2024

ARTIST SNEEK PEAK - We are so excited for...
Deep
Dark
Woods

Originally from Saskatchewan and now based on the east coast of Canada, The Deep Dark Woods take up a deep tradition of forlorn storytelling, drawing lines from Celtic folksongs to country blues, John Fahey to Shirley Collins. Lush and devastating, Boldt’s gothic surrealism is stark in detail and full of emotion, a murder balladeer for our time.

Get your tickets: http://southcountryfair.com/fair-info/

Photo by Rima Sater

05/15/2024

ARTIST SNEEK PEAK!
Antidoping is a Mexican band originally from Coyoacán, Mexico City, founded by the brothers Manuel and Pedro Apodaca in 1992. Considered a reference of reggae in Mexico and one of the most important groups of the genre in Latin America.

The fact of living in the Caribbean gave them the opportunity to feel the mystical magic and social commitment of rasta music that for about four years they practiced and were recreated with covers of the best Jamaican reggae groups in projects from different places in the town and organically gave rise to what we know today as Antidoping.

Join the party: http://southcountryfair.com/fair-info/

05/08/2024

ARTIST SNEEK PEAK ~ Peter and the Wolves return!

Howlin' Pete Cormier brings the band with rhythm at the roots, and the purpose of creating a hoppin' dance floor at every show. He writes his songs in the style of the great rock n' rollers from the 1950s like Little Richard, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly.

Join us at the Fair: https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

📷 Byron Lee .eye

05/01/2024

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT -Welcome Back ~ L’omelette!

L'omelette weaves threads of jazz, soul, funk and punk into colourful, emotionally honest tapestries. The Calgary art-rockers dart between progressive and new wave rock rhythms and synth-led dance pop, tied together by commanding, current concepts and melodies.

Join us at the Fair: https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

04/24/2024

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - Starpainter is a folk rock band from Lethbridge, Alberta. They wear their influences on their sleeves, showcasing old-school songwriting craftsmanship and an affinity for gently psychedelic alt-twang tones.

Join us at the Fair: https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

04/17/2024

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT - Emerging from the majestic landscapes of the Canadian Rockies, Shred Kelly is a powerhouse band that seamlessly blends elements of alternative, folk, and rock music. With a captivating live act that leaves audiences in awe, they have become a mainstay in the Canadian music scene. But it's not just their energetic performances that set them apart—Shred Kelly's heartfelt songwriting strikes a chord with listeners, connecting deeply as each band member brings their eclectic musical influences to the table, shaping the group's unique musical direction. The band has shared stages with esteemed acts such as The Dead South, Elliott Brood, and The Cave Singers, leading to their reputation as a dynamic live act whose show is described as a joyous celebration of life.

Join us at the Fair: https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca

04/15/2024

It's happening!

See you Wednesday!

04/03/2024

Please say hello and welcome to our new Artistic Director ~

Steven William Foord, a versatile artist and community advocate, wears many hats in the vibrant world of the arts and music in Southern Alberta. His journey with the South Country Fair began as an enthusiastic attendee, eventually leading him to perform on its stages and serve as an emcee, you might have met him around a South Country Fair campfire after dark. Steven’s commitment extended to nurturing emerging songwriters through the Songwriting Competition and assisting with Shaela Millers’ Youth Songwriting Retreat. As a part-owner and booker of the Owl Acoustic Lounge, he has curated a diverse lineup of local and touring musicians for 13+ years and now functions in a new role with the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge as their Manager of Engagement.

South Country Fair is 100% volunteer run organization and we are grateful to everyone who chooses to give their time to create this amazing festival.

03/27/2024

Seeking Awareness Presenters!
A huge part of what makes South Country Fair amazing is the variety of participatory workshops we offer throughout the weekend.
From community group presentations to yoga and everything in between - if you feel you or your group can contribute to the magic, let us know by contacting Patti at [email protected]. Find out more by visiting our website and clicking ‘Get Involved’.

03/20/2024

Because you have been asking!
CAMPING INFORMATION
What’s the same:
⛺️ camping is still included with your weekend pass
⛺️ vehicle access to the campground is still $30 (but - see below…)
⛺️ camping access for non-volunteers opens Friday and you need to be out by Sunday afternoon
What’s changing:
⛺️ vehicle re-entry will not be permitted after Saturday morning. This will help us greatly reduce the number of volunteers needed to run the festival AND help keep our campers safe
⛺️ we won’t be using the upper camp area. This helps greatly reduce our costs (less fencing). There will still be limited space for folks with larger rigs where the vendors camp used to be - limited space is the key there. With reduced tickets available, there is plenary of room for everyone in the lower camp area (don’t worry!)

Now - who is excited for Fair!?!?

03/07/2024

Alberta Music is now accepting applications for their Black Music Mentorship Program.

Eight participants will be selected by a jury based on applications and partnered with two mentors in the music industry. Virtual calls will be set up by Alberta Music throughout the month of March with each mentor for a one on one 45 minute call to help foster meaningful connections. Successful applicants can expect to be partnered with influential industry members including Michelle Allman-Esdaille, Roy Hamilton, Rich Kidd, and more. The program will also include a small group keynote scheduled for the end of March.

To be considered for this opportunity, you must:
- Be actively working in Black Music as an artist or industry professional
- Be ready to be working with national contacts
- Have access to reliable internet for calls
- Have availability in March to participate

This is an equal opportunity showcase for gender diversity and BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ voices.

Deadline to submit EXTENDED to Friday, March 8 at 11:59PM MST.

Thanks to Factor and the Government of Alberta for their support in this initiative.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdki-AkQ3Z0Fx2Gfx0ynph9OOjUNPq0lqsQteQTE2of6bqYNw/viewform

03/06/2024

Hey there Volunteer Fair Family we have an important announcement!
We have restructured so there is a limited amount of volunteer opportunities this year. We want to make sure our lovely and amazing network of existing volunteers are able to secure shifts before we open to new applicants.
Please reach out to your coordinators to book shifts ASAP.
Once you have your shifts secured you will be given a discount code for your tickets. If you have already purchased your tickets, let your coordinator know and we will issue a refund.

Volunteer opportunities for any remaining spots will open May 1st.

02/28/2024

We are seeking vendors!
· FOOD TRUCKS-
We will need trucks that are able to produce a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu. When you apply, please indicate how you will accommodate this need and submit a menu for the fair.
· ARTISANS-
We will be curating our vendors to ensure there is no overlap in services. When you apply, please let us know what products or services you offer.
Please fill out this form here (scroll down!): http://southcountryfair.com/getinvolved/
and email the completed document to [email protected]

02/21/2024

Sheesh! The spammers were out in full force trying to “sell” all their extra tickets… be safe folks.
If you are not purchasing tickets from us directly please make sure you are purchasing a legit ticket in a safe and secure way. Our website has more detail here - https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca/help and scroll down.
PS. You can also go get your tickets at that link 🤩

02/20/2024

Tickets! Get your tickets now!
Visit https://southcountryfair.tickit.ca/events/23356 to pick up your weekend pass and get ready for the best little music festival southern Alberta has to offer!
Tickets are $145 per person. Children under 12 are free with a responsible adult.
Only 500 passes available, sold in advance, via the website only (no sales at the gate).

01/31/2024

Here it is folks!
The announcement you have been waiting for!
Check the images for a summary or read more below.
-REIMAGINING: We are still working hard to create a South Country Fair that is sustainable to best support and grow a vibrant healthy arts community. Important decisions cannot be made hastily so as we search for a new home we will present a more intimate version of The Fair in Fort MacLeod at the Fish and Game Park. This year will look a different but your help. it will feel the same (or better!)
- TICKETS: Sales will open February 20th, 2024. We have capped tickets at 500 weekend passes (no single day or evening passes, this number includes volunteer passes). All passes will be sold in advance, online (no tickets available at the gate). This change will help reduce the complexity of ticket sales, gate checks and the need for box-office volunteers throughout the weekend.
- CAMPING: We understand that camping is an important part of The Fair experience, and we are pleased to offer this once again. This year camping will have a smaller footprint to reduce the amount of fencing and volunteers needed. All camping will now be in the "lower" campground.
-MUSIC & COMMUNITY OFFERINGS: It gets HOT in July in Fort Macleod, so we are working to modify when and where some of our activities take place so that you don't necessarily need to come out of the cool(er) forest to participate in all the great things SCF has to offer.
- VOLUNTEERING: We are still sorting how many volunteers are needed in our reduced footprint. Volunteer registration will open May 1.
- VENDORS: It wouldn't be SCF without an amazing group of diverse vendors. If you offer products or services that you want to share with our community, please email [email protected] for details.
Thanks for sticking with us on this VERY lengthy announcement. Help us get the word out. Tell your friends, share the post, tell us what you are most looking forward to this year at SCF, get excited!

01/11/2024

Big news to come!
For now - mark your calendars and stay tuned for more information about South Country Fair Reimagined!

09/05/2023

We are still finding things in the forest 😂.
If this watch is yours OR you are missing something else after the festival, please let us know! Send us a note.

08/25/2023

Our friends at Fort Macleod Pride are celebrating tomorrow.

If you are in the area, bring your love and join the party.

South Country Fair stands in solidarity of those who stand for inclusion, diversity and creating space for humans to be their authentic selves.

08/24/2023

Calling all music industry workers!

Make some noise about Alberta’s music industry! Participate in West Anthem’s brief survey and help them communicate industry challenges, trends, and opportunities to government, regulatory and funding bodies—they’re writing music city strategies for Edmonton and Calgary and preparing a toolkit for smaller jurisdictions. Your expertise and insights are invaluable.

Fill in the survey and be entered for your shot at some great PRIZES! https://forms.gle/Ayh1pYAQjbanX6ih7

For all updates about West Anthem’s Music City Strategies, visit https://www.westanthem.com/musiccitystrategies/

07/26/2023

Now that the Fair is done for the year some things to note:

1. SCF is not ending, but it is changing.
2. We are restructuring and looking at options for a new festival site. Although we love the place we have called home for 25 years, the challenges are real, and it’s time for a new chapter.
3. We are doing this in the name of sustainability. It is important to us that the Fair babies of now have a festival for years to come. So, we’re working to create a strong foundation for the next era and the future generations.
4. We have been focusing on getting SCF 2023 under our belts before digging into the round table of what the next chapter will look like. Once the dust has settled we’ll be in full swing towards the future. Once we have an update rest assured we’ll send word on that wild southern Alberta wind.
5. If you want to be more involved, reach out! There is always room for engaged, reliable humans that want to be part of this intentional community year-round.

Thank you all for a spectacular weekend. Everyone who participated helped make this one of the best years ever.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you!

https://globalnews.ca/news/9849329/alberta-south-country-fair-folk-music/?utm_medium=Facebook&utm_source=globallethbridge&fbclid=IwAR34Y1KJkNEl7p9LbMHf9B6uYZ6HzGAEHUgXrxitEXr1qw4VRW1PrN-Jy7I_aem_Ae_zhMTR66ad1PnlXmQK31C64DaqjxSS3g43NEjRPietdxvIKEYLbMr_FDZolOtytXk

On Friday, the South Country Fair started to welcome visitors from all over Alberta for its 37th year. “I come here, and I feel such a part of this place."

07/25/2023

FOUND at the fair…

If you lost any of these items at SCF please email [email protected] to arrange to get it back.

Items not claimed in the next week will be donated, recycled, trashed as appropriate.

07/24/2023

The last day! And what a day it was.

Our heartfelt and sincere thank you to all who made this one of the most wonderful fairs in memory.

More to come (photos of the weekend, specific thanks, info on what’s next and so on) - but for now - enjoy these snaps from SCF35, July 23, 2023.