After months of guessing the line-up, debating whether to go and wondering what this festival will actually bring to the community, Live at Squamish is upon us.
As an anticipated 6,000 or more ticket holders descend on the Loggers Sports Grounds and its neighbouring properties, we're taking a moment to send a message out to each faction that will be making up the crowds, both in front and behind the scenes.
For the strangers to our borders, we'd like to extend a friendly welcome and hope you'll have the opportunity to wander further than the festival grounds.
Take advantage of the shuttles to downtown where a growing hub of cafés, art galleries and other unique shops will keep you entertained.
We also ask that you keep our much beloved Al McIntosh Loggers Sports Grounds in pristine shape.
It's been 25 years since a triumph of volunteerism helped build those grounds on a swampy seven-acre stretch of bush near Brennan Park. By bringing countless businesses and local trades people on board, the community managed to stretch a mere $25,000 to create a facility for the 53-year-old event that defines Squamish - and now, Live at Squamish.
We're known as a hospitable and friendly place, so hopefully we will make you feel welcome enough to come back next year and in between for biking, hiking, skiing, climbing and the countless other outdoor activities we have to offer.
To the Squamish residents -let's live up to that friendly moniker, shall we?
Yes, our small town will be overrun by festival goers, but they're also extending Squamish beyond the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada towards - believe it or not - an awesome venue for soon-to-be epic music festivals.
And to the festival organizers: we hope with all our hearts you will achieve that epic dream in your five-year plan.
One thing that's sure to be a hit with locals is your concerted effort to include one of Squamish'a largest demographics, young families. An on-site Kid's Zone and free admission to children 12 and under will surely get more grown ups buying tickets.
But there's still some work to be done.
Ticket prices are always a bone of contention, and there have been grumblings about Live at Squamish fees being too high.
In general, according to executive director Paul Runnals, the feedback is that the festival was priced appropriately but it still seems fitting lead backers don't expect to make money this first year.
"We need to convince everybody, and that includes residents and district staff and so on, that this is a good thing," said Runnals.
Another detail producers anticipate doing better next year is getting the word out. Announced in mid-June, there wasn't a lot of time to promote, but promoters have vowed to start on Live at Squamish 2011 this very month.
With everyone working together, success is sure to come.
- Sylvie Paillard
