Family and Friends Festival (FAF) organizer, Amy Benjamin, said she’s had her eye on Minden as a festival town for quite a few years now. She said she used to work for another large festival company, where she gained experience in the industry.
She said she had often suggested Minden, “because of the space and the number of cottagers and tourism in the area” but her idea was never received.
When she left that company, she said Minden was “always on my list.” She is bringing a three-day festival to the Minden Fairgrounds Sept. 18-20.
Benjamin owns FAF and is the event organizer, a self-described “one woman show.” She does the vendor coordination, and administration. She started planning last September. “A lot of work.”
This is FAF’s only show this year. “I decided upon that just because I had heard about another festival coming in and it didn’t come to fruition, so I felt that Minden needed my full attention.”
A three-day Ohana Music Festival had been planned for August 2025 but was cancelled.
Next year, FAF has four locations: Owen Sound, Shelburne, hopefully Saugeen Shores, and then back to Minden.
Benjamin said FAF will start the Friday (Sept. 18) at 4 p.m. with DJ Sogrates kicking things off. They will also have Always in Boots collaborating with the band, Dixie Freight Train, for line dancing. It’s a country night theme. There will be a fun zone for all ages.
Benjamin said there will be a number of vendors, including people selling food.
“The priority is one in each specialty, hopefully, so right now we have seven food vendors, from Mexican to ice cream to burgers and fries and poutine etc.”
There will be a bar area with beer and coolers. She said it won’t be adult-only as they will have juice and freezies, pop and water for kids.
Benjamin said Saturday is a classic rock day. Joining DJ Sogrates and Dixie Freight Train are the Black Fly Band and Coming of Age. There will also be karaoke.
Sunday is a blended day with DJ Sogrates and Dixie Freight Train.
“Basically, you are going to come through the entrance and walk through vendor alley, then it’s wide open. You can walk around with your drink because we are fully fencing the entire area. So, there’s not just a dedicated beer garden. You will be able to walk within the fenced area all around the festival. And that’s a big bonus.”
She said she opted for that as beer gardens feel segregated at many festivals.
Benjamin thinks FAF will work locally.
“I’ve watched social media and the turn-out, but I don’t see a multi-day festival. I think by not having the multiday festival, people miss out on that. Because you’re restricted to one day. By having a multi-day festival, you can go about your day on Friday and Saturday, but still get in there on Sunday and not feel like you’ve missed it.”
Benjamin said the event is petfriendly (dogs on leash, and clean up after your pets). She also encourages people to use Hwy. 35 to Scotch Line Road to Bobcaygeon Road to get to the fairgrounds. She further emphasized it is not a bring your own alcohol event.
See faffestival.com for more.
