Picton, ON – A little rain could not keep spirits down at Arkells’ spectacular “Campfire Nights” outdoor concert on Saturday night.
The debut of the new Parade Grounds at Base31 venue saw a capacity crowd of 2500. The concert was the first of its kind for Arkells – and the venue – showcasing a more intimate and acoustic side of the band. By no means a low-key affair, the band kept their fans on their feet and led them through two hours of sing-a-longs.
This unique event, curated by Arkells themselves, proved to be a memorable occasion for concert-goers. The band surprised all when they entered the sea of smiling faces, glowing lights in hand, to perform at a remote second stage in the midst of the field, surrounded by fans from all sides. When a pocket of rain opened up about 40 min into their set, fans were prepared and
unbothered by the drizzle. Lead singer Max Kerman waded into the crowd as everyone embraced the elements.
Belleville residents Mark and Kristy Thompson stood in the rain at the very front of the stage, celebrating their engagement from moments before. During “Nobody Gets Me Like You Do,” Kerman went silent, leaned over the microphone and asked the crowd, “She said yes?” After stepping toward the pit at the front of the stage, he returned to the mic to excitedly announce, “Ladies and gentlemen, Mark and Kristy just got engaged!”
The crowd roared with joy and embraced the night with enthusiasm, dancing and singing around the grounds. The show finished with a special cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’ featuring Claire, a young Swiftie, who was pulled up from the crowd to sing along.
“You always hope that every show will feel like a singular experience and a lasting memory for the band and the crowd, said Kerman. “That’s exactly what the first ever Campfire Nights was to us. A little rain was greeted by bigger smiles and harder dancing. One for the books.”
Tents were set up on the perimeter of the event grounds, and the licensed all ages site offered patio service and local food and beverage. The Drill Hall offered people respite from the weather pre-show, while fans eagerly awaited the show to start, snapping up merchandise and
discovering offerings from vendors: Shway Shway Cafe, The Canabrians, Cressy Mustard Cantina, Small Batch, Mishran, Pinched Pierogi, Champagne Hobo and Whisky Angels.
Special thank you to our event supporters: CanaPHEM, Integrity Investigative Solutions, Marquis Entertainment, Municipality of Prince Edward, OPP (Ontario Provincial Police), Production Service Industries, Sooks Productions, Steam Whistle Brewing, Tim Dainard Electric, Total Two-Way Radio, Vincent Tent Rentals and The Waring House.
SOURCE Base 31
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