Rooftop Rock: The Flatbed Edition restart event coming to Prince George

Now that COVID-19 restrictions have eased a summer restart community event is coming to Exhibition Park next month. 

Rooftop Rock Flatbed Edition will take place Saturday August 7 and provide northern B.C. residents an opportunity to gather again within Phase 3 of the provincial government’s restart program.

The original iteration of Rooftop Rock was set to take place on Saturday, May 23, 2020 and was going to be a first-of-its-kind event in North America. The event was to be a Drive-In style concert where patrons stayed within their vehicle for the duration of the concert to ensure they were meeting the strict Covid-19 restrictions of the time. However, the event was forced to be canceled due to a last-minute change in the provincial health order which stated no more than 50 cars would be permitted to gather for a drive-in event.

Now, event organizers have re-introduced the ‘Rooftop Rock’ brand as a celebration of both the innovation that took place during the pandemic by many organizations, as well as to be a celebration of our community which truly is more than deserving of opportunities to gather in a fun, safe way after over 16 months of minimizing the spread by eliminating opportunity for social gatherings. However, this time the Rooftop Rock event will look a little bit different!

The event is called “Rooftop Rock: The Flatbed Edition” meaning, bands will be playing live from flatbed trailers instead of a smaller rooftop at Exhibition Park. The event will feature a slate of attractions for patrons to enjoy such as: live local entertainment with both music and comedy, over a dozen food trucks, an estimated of more than 75 vendors, a classic car show, a big rig truck show, the BC Railway Museum Mini-Train, face painting, and more.

The event is set to feature some of the city’s best in local talent including Studio 720, The Chris Goodwin Band, Rick Stavely, Friends of Jimmy, and comedian Mike McGuire. Additionally, fan-favourite food trucks will be in attendance like: Glazedm Smokey J’s, Lemon Heaven, The White Goose Gosling, Franco’s Gourmet Hot Dogs, Legendary John’s Spud Truck, Open Door Café, Mountain Air Kettle Corn, Chip Sticks & Mini Donuts, Teeny Tiny Taco Truck and Kusina Tasty Food.

Additionally, Northern Health Authority will be onsite for the duration of the event with their mobile Pop-Up Covid-19 Vaccination Clinic, allowing folks to drop in without an appointment to receive their vaccination if they so choose!

“We want this event to be not only fun, but a safe opportunity for people to gather again! So, when we were planning, we quickly realized that despite it being part of the name, having the bands perform on the roof would encourage tighter congregating of patrons and provided less room for people to space out from each other as desired. So, we’re happily moving forward with the “Flatbed Edition” knowing that it’s still the same great bones of an event, just a different stage surface!” said event producer Kyle Sampson.

“We are hoping people come, hang out, enjoy all that we have put together, but also that they feel comfortable. So, if you want to bring your own chair, space out and enjoy the live music apart from others, we’ve got space for you! And, if you want to sit around a table with your friends and enjoy the food trucks – you’re welcome to do that as well! Just come on down and participate at your comfort level and let this be an ice breaker for you with respect to gathering again.”

The event is free of charge but patrons will be encouraged to donate to the local cycling team, Wheelin’ Warriors of the North, who raise funds for the BC Cancer Foundation and have come onboard to support the event by being the onsite volunteers.

To date the team has raised over $1,000,000.00 dollars towards the fight against cancer, and 100% of that money they raise stays right here in Prince George and Northern BC. The goal is to bring in at least $10,000.00 through this event for the Wheelin’ Warriors and the BC Cancer Foundation.

Rooftop Rock: The Flatbed Edition takes place on Saturday Aug. 7 starting at 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Exhibition Park at CN Centre.

Rooftop Rock: The Flatbed Edition. By Kyle Sampson Productions