$4500 was donated to the Okotoks Food Bank on Friday, all of which was raised at the second annual Okotoks Music Festival.

The event saw local artists and residents gather at Elk's Hall to enjoy Foothills music and to support the local charity.

Event organizer Wes Hall says the event raised a significantly larger amount of money than the first year, and that he has big aspirations for the next one.

"I'd like to see it become a two or three day outdoor festival where we can keep the charity aspect but also be able to charge admission and maybe get bands paid a little bit and get some exposure for everybody."

He says there was no shortage of musicians wanting to take part.

"One that I couldn't get in last year, I tried to get in this year. Even still, I had bands contacting me and had to turn away about 6 or 8 bands, just because I didn't have enough time and room for everybody to play."

Hall says he sees a lot of musical potential in the Foothills, which he'd like to tap into for future events.

"I'd like to make Okotoks a major spot to come to for music festivals. There's so much talent around here in the Foothills, between Okotoks, High River and the surrounding areas. An incredible amount of very talented musicians that I've personally met."

A big factor in the amount of money raised this year was the addition of a silent auction, thanks to Sara Bernier who organized the action, as well as the many corporate sponsors who donated the auction items.

 

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