Uwe stands by the Prairie Rose stage he and friends constructed to host this year s SpringtimeinAlberta.
One local man has constructed his dream in the form of a stage in a field.
Uwe has built it, will they come?
The Hayloft Acres, about five minutes outside of Sherwood Park, has hosted many music events over the years.
SpringtimeinAlberta, now in its seventh year, will be an outdoor show on Saturday, May 15, starting at 1 p.m., with the stage finished after eight years of construction.
Uwe said Nov. 2, 2002 was the start of the dream. A dry year, like this one, meant no one wanted to rent the pasture. He decided to turn the space to a stage.
He and his friends played every Tuesday and put their hard work into building the stage.
The headliner of SpringtimeinAlberta is Celtic Fusion Illusion, a 28-piece rock-Celtic group.
"It's going to be a huge show and really something for the County of Strathcona," he said. "I don't think we've ever had anything like this out here. They're the type of band that plays for the queen when she comes to town."
Uwe said they are the type of band you won't know the hit songs from, but it's more of a spectacle.
Joe Public, a rock group from Whitecourt; Scott Cook, a young up-and-coming artist; John Spearn, Canadiana musician, The HeartAcres, Uwe's band; Low Flying Planes, a group of young girls; Marv Machura; and Mandy McMillan will also play.
The Hayloft started in the mid-'80s as a recording studio.
"One thing leads to another and you start having parties and they start getting bigger and bigger and you meet some good people that are behind you and you just keep rolling with it," Uwe said.
Jam sessions in the 1990s turned into SpringtimeinAlberta seven years ago.
That led him to the largest musical festival he has ever put on. Construction of the stage started last year, but Uwe dug out the hillside and water body years ago.
"It's just been a waiting game," Uwe said. "It takes a lot of money, which acoustic guitar players don't have a lot of."
Previous SpringtimeinAlberta participants included local recording acts The Hootenannies, John Henry Band, and Junior Gone Wild.
Uwe said there have always been big turnouts for the festival, but the waves of people sometimes wane, requiring reinvention.
"You can only draw on the same crowd for so long," Uwe said.
Tickets are $25, or five for $100, in advance by calling 780-922-3968, or $30 at the gate. Hayloft Acres is located along Range Road 224 off of the Whitemud.
catherine@sherwoodparknews.com
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