A popular La Ronge music festival will be held online this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Napatak Ramble usually brings in musicians from all over Canada and sometimes the United States.
Colin Jolly is the founder and arts director for the Ramble.
He said he couldn’t let a year go by without holding the annual music festival in some way, but also wanted to ensure the safety of festivalgoers at the same time.
“We decided that it would be best to go with the way the world was going and keep everyone safe,” Jolly said. “The second I made that decision (to cancel), I knew that I wasn’t happy with that decision, but I knew it was the right one. But I just couldn’t let a year go.”
The online festival will be streamed on the Ramble’s Facebook page at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The feed won’t be live but will consist of previously recorded videos sent in by artists and vendors.
Some of the artists in this year’s line up include local talents Dara Schindelka and Andria Roberts, as well as Bombargo, Shred Kelly and the Dead South.
There will also be videos from local vendors on the feed.
Jolly said the difference between this year and others is people in the audience won’t be able to connect with other community members or the artists.
“A big part of the reason that we started the Ramble is to get people together, get the community involved. So, I guess that’s the main difference. We’re not going to be able to see everyone out at the site smiling, having fun, reconnecting with friends and family.”
Jolly is encouraging viewers to get together with friends, watch and comment on the feed.
He said he wants people to provide any memories they have of past festivals in the comments section.