Rockin' River 2022 (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

ECONOMIC IMPACT

Merritt businesses to feel the impact of cancelled Rockin’ River Fest

Jan 30, 2023 | 4:16 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — The Rockin’ River Music Festival in Merritt has been cancelled for 2023. Live Nation, the organization behind the event, blamed economic concerns for cancelling the 4-day party in the Nicola Valley. The cancellation is creating its own economic concerns for Merritt businesses which will now be feeling the loss.

“We do call it the second Christmas because it is exactly what it is. Some businesses will feel the hit, there is no two ways about it, they do gear up for this festival long before it gets here. So, yes they will feel the hit. It’s basically up to the community and tourism group to lessen that impact,” said Mayor Mike Goetz.

Goetz estimates the festival brings close to $1 million to the community every year. The brunt of that loss will be felt by local businesses.

“For many of our businesses, this ends up being one of the biggest weekends of the year. It kind of is marked on the calendars as when you can make some real gains in the tourism season,” said Merritt Chamber of Commerce Vice-Chair Sean Smith. “Depending on the nature of the business it will have a large impact. We are sad to see it go again, at least for this year.”

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History suggests that Rockin’ River could be revived in the future. After the original Merritt Mountain Music Festival shut down in 2011, Kenny Hess brought Rockin’ River to Merritt in 2015. That has left community members hopeful for another comeback.

“I have a feeling it may come back but I don’t think it will be for quite some time because of the way the economy is,” said Jim, a long-time resident of the community.

“I think that Kenny Hess has good relations here. I’m sure that he will be back,” added Herb another resident of the community.

While the Bass Coast Festival is still scheduled to come to Merritt in July, the Chamber is hoping to see some other events fill the hole left by Rockin’ River.

“We recognize that while we love, respect, and appreciate Rockin’ River and wish for them to be back, we have a fantastic venue just outside of the city of Merritt here that others will want to utilize. An opportunity will come knocking and we will be here to support it when it does,” said Smith.

As the community of Merritt works to rebuild after the 2021 floods, the latest economic setback is just one more hurdle on its path.

“It’s another kick, I’m not kidding. I’m hoping to one day give you guys a good news story because every time we talk it has been about some kind of situation like this,” said Goetz. “The good news stories are coming. It is just a matter of time getting there. But, it is Merritt receives another kick again. Like I’ve said before we are resilient and we will work through it.”