A brand new event is set to go for for a July weekend at the Wycliffe Exhibition Grounds.

Last week, Just Music of Cranbrook and the Wycliffe Exhibition Association announced they will be holding the inaugural Canadian Rockies Country Music Festival, July 23 and 24.

“We hope to make this an annual event and grow it next year to a three day event,” said Lowell Threinen of Just Music. “The response from the public has been awesome so we know that people have been wanting such a festival close to home.”

The event will include the main stage in the area, with seating under the covered grand stands. Featured artists are Craig Moritz on Friday, Kenny Hess on Saturday and Barry Mathers — formerly of the Cruzeros — as opening act with his wife and his new band. There will be beer gardens in the main building with live music and a jam session featuring the Bookends and Diamond Back.

The Wycliffe Exhibition Association will host concessions, vendors, and a pancake breakfast on Saturday. There will be also be local bands on the main stage Saturday afternoon with Ben Plaza Singing and playing guitar in the concession area.

Camping is free. Tickets are $75.00 with kids under 12 free and are available at Just Music.

“We have many local sponsors supporting our efforts and the Wycliffe Exhibition Association will benefit for hosting the concessions and the beer gardens,” Threinen said. “There will only be one thousand tickets sold so people need to get tickets early to avoid missing out.”