Ephrata's Sage-N-Sun Festival offers fun, education for all
Food vendors line the shady Ephrata street, waiting for the crowd of the Sage-N-Sun Festival to arrive on Friday.
EPHRATA - This weekend was Ephrata's Sage-N-Sun Festival, held on the grounds of the Grant County Courthouse. The festival featured live music and a variety of food, from elephant ears and corn dogs to Italian sausage and shaved ice. Vendor tents filled the courthouse lawn selling handmade jewelry and iron works, in addition to the novelty T-shirts and goods found at most open-air markets.
However, not every tent was filled with a vendor. Jackie Jones and Jennifer Pitt spent the weekend under the Grant County Multi-Agency Communication Center tent. Jones stated their purpose there was, "education; to tell people to know when to call 911. And don't hang up."
She wanted people to remember that 911 is for safety emergencies. If nobody is injured, it's not an emergency, and you can call a different agency. MACC includes Grant County law enforcement, EMS, the fire department, and six other agencies.
The stage at the foot of the Grant County Courthouse steps played host to local talents, including Rocklyn Road, Rylei Franks, and the Dimestore Prophets.
Bob Muchlansky of RBG Music & Karaoke has been providing the audio equipment for the festival for the last five years.
His favorite part of working at the festival is "the music. The young people; their talent. Local talent. Meeting the people. That kinda stuff," he said.
Muchlansky was most impressed with Rocklyn Road. "That girl is only 13 or so and she's up there. She's got some voice," said Muchlansky, referring to Danica Nolton, 15. Danica and Gary Johnstad are Rocklyn Road's two members. However, their Facebook page mentions they're looking for a bass player.
Michelle Clark, president of the Sage-N-Sun Festival said expectations for this year were exceeded. "Great local entertainment. Great weather, variety, family entertainment. Food. Turnout was fantastic. The people of Ephrata really came out. The parade was great, too," said Clark.
Her favorite part of the Festival? "Bouncy house," said Clark, referring to the inflatable castle set up just a few feet away from her tent.