For Charlotte Caron and Nicole Straznicky, the footwear of choice for Bluesfest's opening night was white cowboy boots. While the signature shin-high boots were popular among fans waiting for country star Cody Johnson, the bright white boots stood out against the muddy grounds at LeBreton Flats.
Muddy Conditions After Rain
A day of rain left the festival grounds muddy, with puddles forming along paved pathways and grass paths between stages. Despite the less-than-clean conditions, Caron and Straznicky were unfazed. “They’re cheap and they’re easy to wipe off,” Straznicky said, adding they weren’t avoiding the growing mud puddles.
Bronwyn Lambert opted for flip-flops, a calculated decision to avoid blisters while walking to the festival. However, after deciding to take an Uber instead, she forgot to change into rain boots. “A little bit,” she admitted when asked if she regretted her choice, after dodging mud puddles on her way to see hip-hop trio Digable Planets. Her friend Nadia Estoppa wore rain boots.
Weather Holds for Opening Night
Despite downpours throughout the day, the rain mostly held off once the music started, with only brief showers. Many festivalgoers arrived prepared with ponchos, rain jackets, and umbrellas. The festival’s website states the show goes on rain or shine, as stages and equipment are designed for wet weather.
“If you like the artist enough, you’ll go rain or shine,” Lambert said, pulling her poncho over her head as rain began to drizzle. Nikki Morry, also in flip-flops, agreed that bad weather wouldn’t keep her away.
