Crowds gathered around Edward E. Haley Community Park with lawn chairs in hand this weekend for the return of Ottawa’s Haleystock festival.
Previously, Haleystock was a four-day event, but due to the amount of other local Ottawa events scheduled and in order to make the event more accessible to kids and families,
Haleystock packed all of its performances into a one-day festival complete with kid’s activities such as a dart throwing game and ring tossing as well as Boy Scout food vendors.
Tracey Wade, vice president of Ottawa Main Street’s promotions committee, hopes Haleystock promotes a local appreciation for the musical talent in the area.
“We’re trying to create an awareness of the Main Street program, and to support our local talent.” Wade said, “The amount of talent around here is astonishing. It’s terrific.”
Much of that talent was provided by performances from Travis Marvin, Bailey Kate & the Bluegills, Phantom of the Opry, Rusty Rierson, The Saylers and Frankie Diamond spanning the entire day.
Bob Atkin, also known as Cowboy Bob, emceed the event and showcased some of his writings and poetry throughout.
Atkin retired from performing musically after touring the world for several years and settled in Ottawa about five years ago. He sees events like Haleystock as productive outlets for the community.
“I encourage it because they’re trying to do something for downtown Ottawa, and the proceeds are all going to good causes, ” Atkin said.
Ottawa University students also were among the audience members gathered around Haleystock.
Patrick Rockers, senior, was not aware of the event taking place on Main Street, but could hear country music all the way from the OU campus.
“I was curious about what was going on,” Rockers said. “It was pretty good music to wake up to on a Saturday morning and the kids here look like they’re enjoying it.”