It was a weekend for music lovers as the first edition of the Living Skies Music Festival in Yorkton was held on the weekend.
The two-day event – funded in part by the City of Yorkton – was a split affair focused on country music Friday and turning to rock Saturday.
Yorkton Mayor Aaron Kienle said while rain certainly impacted things for part of Friday, overall it was a solid first effort.
“You’re always hoping for a bit more,” he said, adding the weather especially Friday did the event no favours in terms of at the gate ticket sales.
Now it’s time to exhale for just a bit and then look ahead to 2027, said Kienle.
“We’re taking feedback,” he said, adding at this point it is just gratifying “… to get the first one out of the way, and then to build on that.”
While noting he has not sat down with organizers to know how the event did financially, Kienle said it was always looked at as an event which would take some time to build its base. In that regard the city’s five-year commitment of $250,000 was actually front-loaded so that $70,000 was dedicated to year one with its start-up costs.
Ultimately, Kienle said the city got involved to create something new for Yorkton which they hope will grow and become an annual affair where people simply mark their calendars in preparation to attend annually.
Friday, those attending enjoyed a full day of music ending with three headline acts in the evening; Darryl Anderson, Jess Moskaluke and Dallas Smith. Saskatchewan’s own Cooper Tropeau and local band Collective Assembly had started the day.
Saturday started with The Great Fuss, Matt Cory, and area group Blu Beach Band ahead of evening headliners Econoline Crush, Crash Test Dummies and Big Sugar.
