"It's almost like a family coming together," says Kelly Inglis, director of the Hank Snow Hometown Museum.
Whether you have been coming for years, or are coming for the first time, you will be welcomed, she says.
Charlotte White, co-chair of the tribute organization committee, says it grew out of the RV culture.
The tribute started in Summerville, but in its second year moved to the Queens County Fair Grounds. It proved so popular that the RV's had to be packed into the grounds.
"You almost had to get to know your neighbour," says White
Also RV'ers have a culture all to their own, of getting to know your neighbour and welcoming others, she says. After the shows are done, you'll find the campers jamming in all hours of the night as well.
However that doesn't mean you have to have an RV to be part of the tribute.
When Inglis became manager of the museum three years ago, she says it was amazing how friendly everyone was at the tribute. They kept in touch in between tributes, and always greet her when they return. That warm welcome is extended to anyone who comes to the tribute.
"I've never heard somebody say they're never coming back," she says.
Keeping it fresh
Each year they try to get new acts on the stage, to give local musicians a broader audience and attract new people to the tribute, as well as the old favourites. The Rainbow Ranch Boys, the surviving members of Snow's band, have been a fixture on the stage for many years.
This year the headline act is Carroll Baker, who grew up in Port Medway, and she is being joined by rising star Ryan Cook from Yarmouth.
Many of the key events will return to the tribute. Open Mic night, the Songwriter's Circle, the Guitar Pickin' contest and the Gospel Show will all be back this year.
Bringing Hank home
The organizers knew they were in for a challenge by bringing it back to Queens County. The number one concern was the distance between the venue and the RV parking. At the exhibition grounds in Bridgewater the RV parking was next to the concert venue, but in Liverpool it will be next to the museum.
To address this, the organizers will have shuttles going back and forth between Queens Place and the museum. The road next to the museum has also been paved to accommodate the traffic.
They are touting the advantages of moving back to Liverpool as well. Queens Place has air conditioning as well as washrooms all under the same roof.
Early bird weekend tickets are on sale now for $50, and only 1,000 will be sold. The tickets give people fast track access to the shows, as well as saving people $15 off the daily passes. The deadline for early bird tickets is Aug. 1.
The tribute runs from Aug. 15 to 18.
