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  • Brown dried trees and vegetation line one side of the Elk River bank and tall conifer pines trees are clustered on the other side with the backdrop of the snow capped Rocky Mountains far in the distance. The Elk River in Fernie, BC on a winter day with brown and dried vegetation, barren trees and sturdy pine trees at the river's banks and snowy Rocky Mountains in the distance.

Image by stevepb

Calling all fly fishermen and fisherwomen! Fernie’s third annual Gillbilly Festival is coming up fast. If you’ve never heard of a Gillbilly festival, it’s a unique combination of fly fishing love and old-time music appreciation. Happening September 28-30, the festival is sure to be a blast for everyone who has music and fishing in their hearts.

The Gillbilly Festival is hosted by Old Type Music Society and brings together a wide range of activities. Attendees can expect to see early and late night jam sessions, workshops, evening concerts, food, camaraderie, and of course… fishing. This all takes place with the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in the background. What else could you ask for?

The musical lineup for this year’s festival is truly impressive. The Juno award winning banjo duo, Pharis & Jason Romero, will be hitting the stage. Jason is particularly excited, as he loves fly fishing. Another musical duo who will be in attendance is Jim & Lynda McLennan; they too, have huge fly fishing ties. Also, one of the motivating forces behind the Gillbilly Festival, Chris Coole, will be here too to share his musical (and fishing) talents.

Festival attendees have a lot to look forward to. Tickets include access to: a welcome reception and Elk River primer, two full concerts, evening jam sessions, Saturday night taco feed, Sunday morning Toast & Jam, workshops on music and fly fishing and all the fun that comes with being around like-minded people in an unbelievable setting.

Tickets for the festival are available now. Earlybird passes for adults are $110 and $95 for youth (ages 13-18) and must be purchased before September 3. After that date, prices go to $120 for adults and $105 for youth.

If you’re going to be in town for the Gillbilly Festival or for any other reason and are looking for accomodation in Fernie, you’ll find everything you need and more at the Fernie Stanford Resort. We offer relaxing resort amenities in an alpine setting that’s sure to impress.