RIVER RATS FESTIVAL 2013

RIVER RATS FESTIVAL 2013

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River Rats Festival

Bringing Athabasca and surrounding communities together to enjoy music, local artisans, and many other family oriented activities. Come celebrate Canada Day weekend on the banks of the mighty Athabasca River.

Magnificent River Rats Festival History

The Magnificent River Rats Festival began on a shoestring budget and featured one of Alberta's country music favourites, Danny Hooper, in 1996. Organizers actually passed out a collection plate during the concert. But once the dust settled, the very first Magnificent River Rats festival paid it's bills — and a premier summer event was born. The 1997 installment brought popular country music recording artist Patricia Conroy. In 1998, event organizers brought Alberta's very own Duane Steele in for an energized, foot-stompin' performance.

In 1999, the Magnificent River Rats invited the Juno Award-winning band Prairie Oyster to headline the festival. By this time, the event swelled to about 7,000 attendees. The Magnificent River Rats Festival was on the map as a major summer event.

In 2003, the Magnificent River Rats Festival added a new dimension with a day dedicated to classic rock n' roll, headlined by the legendary Randy Bachman. Other headliners included Michelle Wright and Rick Tippe, and the festival also hosted a rare visit by the RCMP Musical Ride. In 2004, the Magnificent River Rats Festival welcomed Kim Mitchell, Aaron Lines and Gil Grand as headline acts.

While the festival has attracted some of the top acts in Canadian music, it is about more than outdoor concerts. There is an activity for every member of the family. There's a car show and shine, a bevy of cultural events on the Athabasca Riverfront Stage, amazing activites guaranteed to keep the kids occupied for hours, and timeless treasures can be found in the arts and crafts tent.

This year featuring:

Victoria Duffield

Platinum-selling recording artist Victoria Duffield will please fans of all ages when she performs songs from her Juno-nominated album SHUT UP AND DANCE.

Julian Austin

Julian Austin will entertain with his popular country sound. He has recorded five albums featuring hits such as “Little Ol Kisses.”

The Odds

The Odds are an integral part of the Canadian
Music Scene creating hits such as
“Eat My Brain” and “Someone Who’s Cool.”

Also featuring:
•The Cowpunchers
•Downbeat Daddy
•The Blazers
•The Whiskey Boyz
•Calvin Vollrath
•WAJJO
•Danita
•Whiteboy Slim
•Rene Boisvert
•Ty Hart
•Swingcat Orchestra
•Third Branch .

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During the COVID 19 pandemic, some restrictions may be put in place on live music and venues around you. These measures may force some or all events for a period of time to be canceled or postponed. Please check the venue website & their social media feeds before heading out!