Chris Hunsley
Northern News Services

Fort McPherson (Aug 08/05) - Three straight days of rain couldn't soak the sunny disposition or smiling faces of Midway Lake music lovers although it did force a change of venue.

The 20th annual Midway Lakes Music Festival, which was to take place at a campground 25 kilometres south of Fort McPherson July 29-Aug. 1, had to move into the community Sunday.

It was only the second time the concert moved from its original site.

Downpours and thick fog cancelled performances Friday and Saturday evening.

A short-lived break allowed fans to enjoy some acts Saturday afternoon.

"It just rained continuously so the decision was made to move it to the community complex in town," said organizer Hazel Nerysoo.

"I think that's the worst the weather has ever been."

Still good times

"If the weather was nicer I guess there would have been more people but it was still a good crowd," said spectator Liz Wright.

The Fort McPherson resident who's attended the drug and alcohol-free festival every year said the rain didn't dampen any spirits as those in attendance spent their time underneath tarps or in tents catching up with family and friends.

"And there was some great music Saturday," she said, noting all the bands were great and none stood out as favourites.

Performers from around the continent didn't miss their chance to entertain the audience, however, as the party lasted well into the night Sunday and Monday.

Held at the recreation complex, the Shania Twain tribute band was a treat for the kids, said Nerysoo. The dancing stopped just before 4 a.m.

Flying Feather from Nashville, Arvel Birdshow, the Native Pride Band from the Yukon and dozens of others rounded out the lineup of the more than 30 acts that contributed to the North's largest aboriginal music festival. It was partially broadcast live on CKLB and SHON FM.

Elder Robert Alexie wrapped up the event with an inspirational address to the youth pointing out that fun can be had without booze or drugs.

Only one incident occurred where audience members with alcohol were asked by the RCMP to leave the premises.

Unseasonal weather

"It's unfortunate, you haven't had much of a summer and the long weekend was rained out," said Yvonne Bilan-Wallace.

The meteorologist for Environment Canada said the area experienced approximately 50 per cent more rain last month than average with 49 millimetres of rain.

Nearly one-third of that fell over the long weekend.

"I guess it's my fault," said Jeff Pitre, of PIDO Productions which managed the sound stage.

"I can't remember one without rain."