Frosty’s Summer Bash offers variety of music

June 25--Don't try to generalize about the music offered at Frosty's Summer Bash.

Yes, it has some country. But there will also be some bluegrass, roots music, rock and Motown. One of the performers, guitarist Michael Whisler, even has a Frank Sinatra sound to his voice.

The South Dakota Snow Queen Festival, which is putting on Frosty's Summer Bash, doesn't want the event to be labeled as a country or a rock fest.

"I want the festival to reflect our girls, and our girls are so eclectic," said Georgia Smith, referring to the Snow Queen Festival competitors. Smith is the Snow Queen Festival treasurer and a member of the board.

The girls, by the way, are the reason for Frosty's Summer Bash. The event, which runs Saturday and Sunday at the Brown County Fairgrounds, is designed to raise money for the Snow Queen Festival and its scholarship program.

It costs a lot of money to put on the Snow Queen Festival and to send the two Snow Queens to festivals throughout the region, Smith said. Each year, the festival buys two gowns for both the Senior and Junior Snow Queen. Each girl who competes receives a gift. Hotel, food and insurance costs also add up, Smith said.

The festival would also like to increase both the size and number of scholarships it provides. Right now, the Snow Queen receives $3,000 in scholarship money and the Junior Snow Queen $1,500.

In addition to money, Frosty's Summer Bash is also meant to raise awareness about the Snow Queen Festival, which is held each winter.

Frosty's Summer Bash was held last summer, but in a much smaller fashion. The budget was raised this year in an attempt to make the event more successful.

Most of the musicians will perform on a stage set up on the north side of Centennial Village.

The Summer Bash has two headliners -- Love and Theft Saturday and Valerie Smith and the Carter Brothers Sunday.

Love and Theft, a country music duo, opened for Jake Owen at the Brown County Fair in 2010. Valerie Smith and her band, Liberty Pike, warmed up the Brown County Fair crowd for Chris Cagle in 2004.

Smith, a Missouri native, lives in Bellbuckle, Tenn. She is married to Frederick native Kraig Smith. Kraig's brother, Kurt, is Georgia's husband and the manager of the Brown County Fairgrounds.

Danny and Tim Carter are part of The Carter Family, the first family of country music. Their great-grandfather William Carter was a first cousin to A.P., a founding member of The Carter Family.

Organizers are also happy to have Aberdeen musician Darrren Geffre, who was won numerous awards. "I think we're just very fortunate to have him here in Aberdeen," Smith said.

Other good entertainers include Soul Drive and Thrillbilly, she said.

A wrist band is required to enter the music area. Admission to the Centennial Village will be free except for the activities taking place inside, such as the children's area or other activities.

There will be a tailgate cookoff Saturday. Registration is from 11:30 a.m. to noon. Prizes will be awarded for overall champion, best meat, best vegetable, best dessert and best cook site.

A kids' area will be offered both days, featuring inflatables, face painting, exhibits, a vegetable race and a pie plate stacking contest. A $5 wrist band gives kids admission all day.

A special activity will be offered from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday for kids in kindergarten though second grade. Kids taking part in the Princess Tea will be able to have their hair done, get a tiara and spend time with real Snow Queens. Knights of the Roundtable participants will receive a jousting stick, engage in archery and play a game called Storm the Castle. All kids will get a small meal, a gift bag and be entertained by Magic Joe Barnett. They'll also have their pictures taken by Bremer Photography. The cost is $25 per child.

The event will feature two beer gardens and three food vendors. One will be Lil' Orbit by Pat from Ellendale, N.D., which sells mini-doughnuts, onion-battered green beans, deep-fried pickles, cheese curds and sweet potato fries.

Also on hand will be Big J's Concessions, which sells caramel apple dessert wrap, Philly steak wraps and chicken wraps. The other vendor, North Country Bar-B-Q, sells two styles of ribs.

People may also enjoy pizza from Domino's and cotton candy made by Frederick students.

During the weekend, people will be able to guess how much water a snowman contains. In addition, they'll be able to guess when the snowman will melt.

Bingo runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. The children's area is open from noon to 5 p.m. both days.

Karaoke will be sung in Centennial Village beginning at midnight Saturday.

On Sunday, a pancake breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10 a.m. At 10 a.m., Ron Parker will provide the music at a nondenominational church service.

Chairs, blankets and umbrellas are allowed, but coolers and pets are not allowed.

Frosty's Summer Bash

Saturday: Centennial Village opens will be open Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. The music starts at 3 p.m.

Sunday: Centennal Village will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The music starts at 11 a.m. Bad Dawg starts playing at 6 p.m. in Centennial Village.

Music area: To gain access to the music area, a pass is $30 for both days or $20 for either of the days. The price is the same either in advance or at the door. In advance, tickets are available at Kessler's, all Ken's locations and Hitch'N Post Western Wear.

Music schedule

Saturday

3 p.m., Brain Trust

4:30 p.m., Nate Popiel and the Living Tree

6:30 p.m., Micah Small and Thrillbilly

8:30 p.m., Darren Geffre

10:30 p.m., Love and Theft

Sunday

11 a.m., Michael Whisler

12:30 p.m., Double S Duo

2:30 p.m., Ron Parker and SoulDrive

4:30 p.m., Valerie Smith and the Carter Brothers

6 p.m., Bad Dawg

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