LANGLEY — Unless you’re going to the show, stay away.
That’s the warning for drivers heading into Langley along Maxwelton Road this weekend. The first-ever Island Festival kicked-off yesterday at South Whidbey Community Park in Langley, and organizers of the three-day concert gala say that will mean a lot more traffic near the festival and on the ferries.
The festival will impact the Clinton ferry all weekend, but organizers said the Sunday evening ferry will be the hardest hit. Islanders are advised to avoid the Clinton ferry at that time.
Festival organizer Jacob Mosler said campers will be leaving as late as Monday and Tuesday on the ferry.
Mosler said “festibus” shuttles from the Clinton ferry dock will be busy all weekend and festival attendees are being encouraged to bike or carpool to the event.
Islanders are also reminded to avoid Maxwelton Road in and out of Langley all weekend, unless attending the festival.
Getting the park grounds ready for the festival started Tuesday.
Crews set up stages, lighting and saddlespan domes, brought in porta-potties and set up fencing on the site. The festival will run until midnight on Sunday, July 22.
Festival officials expect today’s headliners — especially Grammy nominee and “queen of the sitar” Anoushka Shankar — to really draw in the crowds.
“We think the Saturday ticket sales will be big for Anoushka Shankar,” said Mosler.
He encouraged people to get to the site earlier that day rather than later.
Island Festival is billed as a family-friendly event that boasts not only a line-up of eclectic acts, but also a venue that has play areas for kids, a skate park and tennis courts.
Musical headliners for Saturday include Shankar and Karsh Kale, the Karl Denson Trio and Delta Nove. On Sunday, Michelle Shocked takes the stage in addition to the One World Taiko drummers, Ganga Giri and Gypsy Moon. Many more bands will round out the musical line-up.
A healing arts area and an outlet for learning about solutions for sustainable living will be other highlights of the event.
A food court and a wine and beer garden is also set up on site.
Campers and RV enthusiasts are welcome to spend the weekend at the park.
Tickets are still available at the site box office or through the Island Festival Website at www.islandfestival.com.
The box office is open from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. today and from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. Adult single day tickets cost $45; tickets for children ages 8 through 12 are $20 and children under age 7 are admitted free. (Check the Website for camping and RV parking prices and music schedules.)
One-day parking for the event will be held in all three of the school lots and costs $5.
