Hundreds of people converged on a family farm outside of MacDowell, Saskatchewan to enjoy live music and support the youth of Ranch Ehrlo.

More than 450 people took part in the third annual Sunset Music Festival, an evening dedicated to talented artists and raising funds to support and inspire youth in their musical development.

The evening featured Saskatchewan musicians Morgan Desjardins, Brett Down, Aiden Edwards & East Side of Second, Mercy Glover, and headliner Josh Stumpf.

“One of our biggest highlights was the turnout,” said Mercy Glover, festival co-organizer. “We more than doubled our attendance. Seeing the support, and just how much people enjoyed themselves throughout the night, was incredible.”

Mercy and co-organizer Josh Stumpf are optimistic funds raised for Ranch Ehrlo will total an estimated $8,000. The funds raised will go toward the purchase of musical instruments and booklets for Ranch programs and youth in the north. 

“They did an amazing job,” said Josh’s mother and longtime Ranch employee, Rachelle Lavoie-Stumpf. “Each year just gets better and better.” 

“When choosing a cause for this year’s event, they wanted to inspire young kids to find a passion in music. When they asked me about Ranch Ehrlo it filled my heart that they thought of us and our kids,” said Rachelle. “To say I am so proud of their generosity, hard work, and determination is an understatement.”

Prior to the Sunset Music Festival, Josh and Mercy made the trip to Buckland campus and performed for the youth at Alex Guy House. They talked to the kids and shared news of the festival, explaining how the proceeds would directly benefit them and their peers.

“The kids were fascinated and asked for autographs and showed their appreciation with hugs and applause,” said Rachelle. “Josh and Mercy loved meeting the kids.”

Organizers extended their appreciation to this year’s festival sponsors and supporters, most notably platinum sponsor Prince Albert Alarms and gold sponsors Fitness for 10 and the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority.

“We’d also like to thank all of our family and friends for all the hard work and help, and for showing up every year to help without hesitation,” said Mercy.  “We’d like to thank Greg and Lisette Boruch for their generosity and hard work in having the festival take place on their farm and, lastly, we’d like to thank everyone who showed up, supported the festival, and helped along the way. We’re so grateful and so excited for next year.”

This donation to music programming at Ranch Ehrlo is in addition to the generous funds granted to the agency by the National Music Centre.