ORILLIA — Sex, drugs and country music are coming to Oro-Medonte this weekend, but the overall message is safety first.
The 2019 Boots and Hearts Music Festival kicked off Thursday night at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds with a loaded slate of musical acts set to hit the main stage over the next four days.
That will mean thousands of additional people on local highways and biways.
Local OPP officials say they have prepared for the influx of traffic, as well as for any incidences that may occur on site.
“We will have more officers working the event and out on Lines 7, 8 and 9,” said Orillia OPP Const. Martin Hill. “It’s going to be backed up and there will be congestion there, so residents should be aware of that.”
As this year marks the first Boots and Hearts since the legalization of cannabis in Canada, Solei, a recreational cannabis brand, will host an educational pop up - the Solei Discovery Centre - at the festivities to help attendees find the right strain for them.
“As every cannabis consumer is different – some with lots of experience, and some with little – we’re always looking for ways to connect with different groups of people to help them better understand how cannabis can fit into their lives,” said Dina Qahwaji, associate brand manager for Solei.
The centre provides Canadians with accessible and uncomplicated education on cannabis, how it works and how it can be incorporated into social experiences.
“While many people are aware of the lower energy and relaxation-driven moments associated with cannabis, there are many other ways – social moments – a user can have with cannabis. From balance and zen to gathering and socializing, to enjoying music and spending time with a partner,” said Qahwaji. “That’s why being at an event like Boots and Hearts is so interesting; it’s full of these moments.”
The Solei Discovery Centre will be running all weekend at the Porch Stage.
In the entertainment section, Trojan Condoms will be hosting the Trojan Experience.
Billed by organizers as the sexiest event at Boots and Hearts, the pop up offers three rooms to get attendees to push their limits.
The Sensations room will get attendees to have experience with all five senses. The Safety room will explore popular safe words and fetishes. The Self Love room will explore loving and accepting yourself.
The booth will be open all weekend.
Headliners at Boots and Hearts this year include Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Maren Morris and Cole Swindell.
For the full musical line up for Boots and Hearts 2019, click here.