The enormous crowds which generally mark the start of each year’s Wheatland Music Festival won’t be seen this year due to coronavirus concerns. However, festival organizers are presenting an online “virtual festival” beginning today and running through Sunday. — Submitted photo
REMUS — For the past 47 years, the typically tranquil town of Remus has — for three days each September — filled with revelers anxious to experience traditional roots music at the Wheatland Music Festival.
Over the decades, the event has grown in both size and stature, gaining an enormous following whose early autumns revolve around the festival. For many, it is more than simply a concert series; it’s a lifestyle.
The children of children who attended the first Wheatland Festival all those years ago now show up each year to hear world-class acts, peruse the artisan booths, eat the food and most importantly, to take part in the warm, communal experience which has defined the festival from its earliest days.
So it’s no surprise the decision on the part of the Wheatland board to cancel much of the festival this year due to coronavirus concerns has been cause for some disappointment among fans.
There will be no gathering of thousands of campers, no live music on the many stages scattered around the grounds, nothing that could help spread the virus. And hardest for festival organizers, no ticket sales.
According to Wheatland spokesperson Lola Tyler, the sale of those tickets is critical not only to the festival but to the host of other activities the organization sponsors throughout the year.
“Wheatland Festival ticket sales are the primary source of revenue that supports year-round Wheatland programming, including the festival,” Tyler said.
That’s why organizers are hoping Wheatland fans will be generous with donations during this year’s “online festival,” which runs today through Sunday. The online version of the festival features many great acts via new videos as well as archival footage.
The three-day event is presented free of charge, but organizers are counting on participants to come through with financial support.
“As you watch, please consider donating to preserve Wheatland for your family for generations to come,” Tyler said.
Tyler added it’s natural many fans feel let down by this year’s cancellation, but the response to the online version has been largely positive.
“While many have expressed their disappointment in not having an in-person festival, the online festival is creating a lot of excitement and anticipation among our festival attendees,” Tyler noted. “Many are planning mini-Wheatlands in their backyards or at campgrounds, with friends. On the plus side, the groups that were hired for this year have agreed to come next year.”
The move to an online concert doesn’t mean the Wheatland organization is just sitting on its hands, however. Though the festival is its biggest moneymaker each year, the organization also sponsors dozens of other activities, many of which are still going on.
These include things like virtual music lessons, the archiving committee which seeks to preserve the festival’s history, scholarships, the usual maintenance of the property and buildings, and of course, planning for 2021’s festival.
“We are hoping to be able to return to an in-person festival next year,” Tyler said. “The safety and well-being of our attendees, performers, vendors and volunteers is of the utmost importance to us and will be taken into consideration when making that decision. For this year, though, enjoy the online festival and be sure to send us your feedback.”
Former board member and longtime Wheatland attendee Kim Croy is doing her best to stay upbeat about this year’s festival limitations. But like a lot of fans, this year promises to be a bittersweet occasion.
“It’s all been so challenging,” Croy said. “Today is my day to set up Wheatland camp. I had no idea how much I would miss it.”
More information on how to view the online concerts and donate to the organization is available at wheatlandmusic.org and on the group’s Facebook page.
For now, the organization is looking forward to next year and doing their best to make the online experience every bit as memorable as actually being there in person.
“We wish everyone a Happy Wheatland, no matter where or how they celebrate,” Tyler said.
