By SALINA POST
Billed as an epic arts party, the 2021 Smoky Hill River Festival was officially introduced today.
Back after more than a year's hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic the 45th Smoky Hill River Festival is scheduled for Sept. 2-5 in Salina's Oakdale Park.
"Festival entertainment comes from the finest in the region, nation, and beyond. A wide variety of musical styles are represented, along with exciting headliner and roving performances ranging from the familiar to the unconventional. Festival-goers can find new favorites at four stages, with a special venue dedicated to hands-on entertainment plus Arty’s Stage for kids and families," according to information from festival organizers.
Admission to the river festival is by weekend wristband ($15 in advance or $20 at the gate) available in 21 cities statewide starting July 26, or by daily wristband ($10 and sold only at the gate). Children ages 11 and under will be admitted at no charge. See a list of all Salina-area and regional wristband retailers at riverfestival.com/participating-retailers/.
This year's headliners, who were announced in April, include Salina's own Sunset Sinners, as well as Cowboy Mouth, and the Phantom Blues Band.
READ: Sunset Sinners to headline at the Smoky Hill River Festival
Additionally, 18 other acts and entertainers are scheduled for throughout the weekend. Salina Post will highlight those later in the week.
All of that doesn't include Festival Jam, which kicks off the festival each year. According to Rick Hanson, CEO and president of SM Hanson Music, Inc., the organizer of Festival Jam, the final work is being done on this year's lineup, which will be released at a later date.
The Riverside area
New to the Smoky Hill River Festival this year is the Riverside area, formerly known as the Bravo Stage and area. Riverside chat will feature Cash Hollistah and Connie Burket, as they interview installation artists, performers, and special guests who reveal insights about their creative practices, according to festival organizers.
Additionally, "festival-goers of all ages can join the action by performing their music or poetry with Ad Astra’s poetry open mic or jam. Join the Game Show Party’s 'live studio audience' for the excitement of knowledge, skill, and chance. Learn to hula with Martika Daniels or hang out with the Hip-Hop Wagon and join the creation of freestyle hip-hop, drumming, and dancing," festival organizers noted.
Festival visual arts
More than 130 artists from 19 states will participate in the festival's Fine Arts & Craft Show, including 56 artists who are new to the festival.
Organizers also will commemorate the work of longtime festival art show volunteer Marie Chapman, who passed away in June 2018. The first Marie Chapman Award, a $700 cash prize, will be presented during the art show awards at the west side information tent at 2:45 p.m. Sept. 4.
Additionally, children ages 5 to 14 will once again have the opportunity to participate in the selection of the Kids Choice Award, given to the festival artist who receives the most votes by Sept. 4.
The art patron program returns as well with a variety of perks for those who purchase a $100 ticket, including the following.
• VIP Tent access Friday-Sunday
• A private Fine Art & Craft Show preview reception on Friday morning including a full hour of special shopping access
• An invitation to the exclusive Thursday night premiere cocktail party, during which artists and patrons mingle and connect.
Art Patron tickets are available through Aug. 31 or until sold out. For more information about the art patron program, click on the ART PATRON PROGRAM button under the PARTICIPATE drop-down menu at riverfestival.com.
READ: Homage to the prairie is the 2021 Smoky Hill River Festival print
READ: Local artist creates 45th anniversary river festival t-shirt
Additionally, more than 20 installation projects are placed throughout the festival grounds each year.
"These unique works of art will surprise and engage participants of all ages and provide opportunities for artists to work beyond the studio to create site-specific art," festival organizers noted.
New installations for the 2021 festival include the following.
Big Fan sculpture, Juniper ‘TJ’ Tangpuz, of Lawrence
World’s Largest Collection of World’s Smallest Versions of World’s Largest Things Sideshow Extravaganza, Erika Nelson, of Lucas
Standing Wave at the Tony’s Pizza Events Center Bridge, Mike Miller, of Wichita
Within the Art/Craft Demo tent, "the creative process of skillful artists and artisans can be observed as they demonstrate their art-making processes. These artists will be creating in a variety of materials such as ceramic, wood, mixed media, fiber and jewelry at various times all throughout Festival weekend!" organizers noted.
The artists include the following.
Julie Cates, Salina
Mixed media
Curt Krob, Salina
Mixed media
Ken Sims, West Des Moines, Iowa
Jewelry
Shawn Delker, Salina
Fiber
Layl McDill, Minneapolis, Minn.
Mixed media
Gary Hobbie and Ross VanderHamm, Salina
Wood
Tracy Musselwhite, Salina
Ceramics
Chelsea McKee, Lawrence
Glass
Artyopolis is a family-friendly festival location for children and their caregivers. Artyopolis areas include the following.
• Arty’s Stage – An exciting opportunity to watch, laugh, and participate with performing artists.
• Baby Station – a shady spot to change a diaper, feed your baby, or give your little ones a break from the sun.
• Button Boulevard – Cruise by and make a one-of-a-kind button to wear all weekend long.
• Creation Crossing – Make-and-take art projects for budding artists. Think markers, stickers, paint, and paper. Just bring your imagination!
• First Treasures – SATURDAY ONLY – Young art patrons ages four to 13, can select original artwork from River Festival artists, at affordable prices of $5 or less. Children can then meet their festival artist on-grounds.
• Game Street – Vibrant storefronts resembling a downtown Main Street. Challenge friends and family to take home the highest score. For the first time, Game Street will feature eight activities that are physically engaging and appealing to all ages, without a fee to participate.
• Ident-a-Kid – stop by to get a free child’s ID bracelet.
• Lego Lane – Unlock your imagination to build characters, animals, machines, and more!
• Mistical Oasis – A stop at the Oasis can be the perfect way to cool down, get a second wind, and extend your Festival stay.
• Paintchoo Plaza – Color Me Crazy! Face Painting will create temporary body art with their new airbrush tattoos. Little tikes aren’t the only ones who will want in on the fun – older kids and adults will also line up for one of these realistic airbrush tattoos.
• Sound Garden – Musical sculptures help children experiment with music and rhythm.
Noshing at the festival
Are you a festival foodie? More than 30 food vendors are scheduled for the festival, including seven new vendors.
New vendor foods include the following.
• Crawfish Boil
• Soft Pretzels
• Frog Legs
• Meatball Sliders
• Coconut Shrimp
• Bacon-wrapped sausage on-a-stick
• Deep-Fried Lasagna Sandwich
Other food vendor items include the following.
• Bourbon Chicken
• Chocolate-Covered Frozen Cheesecake
• Chicken & Waffles
• Buffalo Burgers
• Homemade Root Beer
• Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
• Kettle Corn
• Jumbo Chicken-Fried Steak Sandwich
• Indian Tacos
• Funnel Cake
• Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade
• Veggie Noodle Bowl
• Smothered Burritos
• Cajun Sausage
• NY-style Pizza
• Shaved Ice
• Dippin Dots Ice Cream
• Fish Tacos
• Sriracha Chicken Rice
• Cinnamon Roasted Nuts
• Polish or Italian Sausage
• Bierocks
• Pepperoni Roll
• Pineapple Bowls
• Chicken Cranberry Pecan Wrap
• Gyros