Perogies and Jam local musicians are dedicated, faithful and accommodating! This was the first day of summer and the weather turned out wetter than forecasted. The 20’x20’ tent provided by Flaman Rentals was put to the test, and thankfully kept us dry.

There were 32 street vendors (more than usual) eager to display their wares and the familiar Town of Vegreville blue tents were lined up along both sides of 50th Street. The annual Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast provided an ample portion of pancakes, sausages and coffee to attendees and visitors starting at 9 am. By 10 am, the vendors were ready and the musicians started playing.

The first performers were the Kirk sisters (Callina and Sariana) from Vegreville, playing fiddle duet tunes. Next were the Off Ramp Boys (Randy Kereliuk on rhythm guitar and lead vocals, Ralph Lange on upright bass, mandolin and vocals, Gordon Forbes on lead guitar and Rob Hughes on drums) playing a variety of country and popular favourites. Faith Swedgan came out with her electric guitar, and sang a number of original songs to a gathering appreciative audience. The Barter Trio (Malachi on fiddle, Micah on the ukelele and their father Mike on acoustic guitar) from Chipman sang, danced and played familiar fiddle tunes. Next up was Michael Nawrot on his acoustic guitar performing a set of cover songs.

The Off Ramp Boys came back and kept the music flowing until the town organizers advised that due to the continuing rain, the Street Market was going to officially close. We all packed up our gear and moved over to the warmth of the Vegreville Train Station and continued playing.

By the time we got there, Lorne Fill (on guitar and banjo) was already playing familiar folk songs. Beren Hollins (new Vegreville doctor) followed up with a variety of Scottish and English songs. Paul Fike from Holden was joined by his young daughter Chloe (on bongos) to perform several songs.

Ending the day, Debbie Fedoruk from Warwick and her vocal students (Jessica Clough, Tristan Neil, Ken Timanson, Barbara Rybchuk, Jennifer Young, Carissa Fedoruk, and Bailey Stefan) sang familiar tunes such as “One Tin Soldier”, “Black Velvet” and “Desperado”, and concluded with “How to be a Heart Breaker”. The music concluded at 4:15 pm and an “open mic” session followed, leading up to the supper hour.

Perogies and Jam appreciates the growing talent and dedication of local musicians, and thanks the Town of Vegreville and the Chamber of Commerce for the opportunity to contribute to the event today. We are assured that the next Street Market on July 19 will be a warm and sunny day!

Photo Gallery
Photography by Rob Hughes