'What just happened'

From Music to Fireworks, something could be found to entertain and delight the senses of all attending the 17th Annual What Fest.

Many forms of musical expression could be heard throughout the weekend. From bluegrass and folk music, to punk and metal. Attendees could find something for any taste. The mix of genres and their fans made for a unique blend of people coming together to enjoy a weekend of music and a general feeling of togetherness.

The lineup included many Wyoming and front range bands. Every band offered a different feel to the Festival, culminating in a well rounded experience for the audience.

Three stages were utilized in order to accommodate all of the artists and performers. Two main stages were used for the majority of the shows while a stage was set up near the camping area for the acoustic sets.

White Rose Motor Oil kicked off Saturday’s shows, Eryn DeSomer (lead vocalist) commented on how beautiful the area is and stated that she and her husband had honeymooned at the Saratoga Inn Resort 19 years earlier.

As the day progressed, the roped in area surrounding the main stages became more and more lively as people filed in for the evening shows. Among the crowd Lala and the Go-Goats could be found. Tina Trout is the owner of the traveling goat flock. Trout converted a bus to live in and pulls her goats behind in a livestock trailer.

The owner of the property Roger Burau could be seen rolling around in his side by side chatting with attendants and taking in the music. “Everyone has come up to me and thanked me, now I can thank everyone here. I Just enjoy seeing people happy.” Said Burau during his address to the crowd.

The Gem City Dolls put on a tantalizing yet elegant burlesque show while the headliners set up on the main stage.

Saturdays show was closed out with Redbusch putting on a show many will remember as one of their best.

Various vendors were on site offering food and beverages for the hungry and parched. Food was offered by The Firetruck and Salenas’, while beverages were handled by Bonds Brewing and Serenity Coffee. And rocks could be purchased from two young entrepreneurs Oskar and Boden.

The event has been held at many locations throughout the state, the latest two being held on Roger Buruas’ Property on the North Platte River north of Saratoga. The venue offers access to the North Platte for a cooling dip in the river during the hot afternoons and camping under the canopy of cottonwoods adjacent to the stages.

Buruas’ expressed his gratitude to the attendants for being respectful and treating his property with respect, and as long as that continues he would love for the event to return.