The Full Monte music festival expands to two days this year, adding a Christian rock element on Friday to go along with Saturday’s mixture of children’s music, pop, original music by local artists, and the return of a psychedelic rock act that garnered a lot of attention at last year’s event.
The Friday night concert, sponsored by the Montesano Church of God and the Garage Music and Arts Center, kicks off at 5 p.m. in Montesano’s Fleet Park with Ian Forster, followed by Nick Burgess and Emmanuel Simmons performing as With Roots Above at 6 p.m.
Saturday gets started at 9 a.m. with the final Saturday Morning Market of the season. Vendors of all types will be at the park, selling everything from organic vegetables to jewelry to handmade clothing and art.
The music begins at 10 a.m. with Conner and Friends hosting a Disney-themed sing-along. Kids are encouraged to dress up as their favorite Disney characters and sing along with the performers.
Charles Ahrens will take the stage at 1 p.m. with his style of easy-listening pop with an edge. Ahrens has been performing and promoting local artists around the region for many years.
Singer-songwriter Lisa Ramsauer comes on at 3 p.m. to perform her original music.
Returning this year is the Psychedelic Shadow Show, an Olympia-based band that plays some favorites and some lesser-known songs from bands from the mid-1960s to early ’70s such as Cream and Steppenwolf, complete with period costumes and go-go dancers.
There will be food vendors in the park both days. According to Montesano Mayor Vini Samuel, the Kiwanis Club will offer burgers and ice cream. On Saturday, there will be a bake sale, an ice cream vendor and food from Sgt. Brand’s BBQ.
Friday will feature an assortment of church and youth group informational booths.
On Saturday, informational booths will include the Friends of Schafer and Lake Sylvia Parks (FOSLS), the Spokebusters bicycle club, the City of Montesano, the Montesano city forestry program, and Run Forest Run — a 25K and 50K run at Lake Sylvia State Park sponsored by the Olympia Trail Runners. The inaugural Run Forest Run event took place last February.
Local musician and promoter Wil Russoul said he was pleased last year by the number of people who lingered despite the lack of on-scene food at last year’s festival. It’s hoped the extended lineup and the addition of food vendors will increase attendance and encourage people to stay for the duration of the performances.
The Full Monte is sponsored by the Montesano Chamber of Commerce and the City of Montesano. Samuel said at a recent City Council meeting she hopes it will continue to grow and eventually become a three-day event.
