24-hour sober fest set for Nowthen
The fourth annual 24-hour We Sober Fest will be held at the Nowthen Threshing Show grounds Sept. 18 – 19. The 100 percent sober event is geared toward those in recovery.
An estimated 350 people showed up for last year’s We Sober Fest. Some wore T-shirts reading “Sober Fest No ordinary whoopee party” — a reference to AA’s “Big Book.”
by Elizabeth Nelson
Staff writer
The fourth annual 24-hour We Sober Fest will be held at the Nowthen Threshing Show grounds Sept. 18 – 19.
The 100 percent sober event is geared toward those in recovery. {snippet instory}
From noon to noon, event goers can enjoy live music, AA guest speakers, food, fellowship and camping right on the grounds.
Peg, who started the event in 2006, said the message is that fun can still be had without drinking.
“One of the biggest fears for alcoholics when they sober is up is that they are never going to have fun again,” she said. “The message is yes, you can have fun and enjoy the company of others and listen to some good speakers and do a little dancing.”
Last year approximately 350 people attended We Sober Fest, and Peg is anticipating double this year.
“This word has really gone out,” she said.
An estimated 350 people showed up for last year’s We Sober Fest. Some wore T-shirts reading “Sober Fest No ordinary whoopee party” — a reference to AA’s “Big Book.”
AA guest speakers, including Peg and two others, will speak starting at 7 p.m. Afterward, around 9 p.m. Terry Dubois, who frequently plays at the Friendly Buffalo in Big Lake, will start performing.
In the past, DuBois was known for touring as a headliner for opening acts such as Ted Nugent and Molly Hatchet. At We Sober Fest he will be performing with The Mixx.
DuBois’ sound is described as rich and full using Electro Voice speakers and microphones, as well as a synth guitar and harmonica, which ends up producing a wide variety of sounds.
To learn more about Terry DuBois visit terrydubois.com .
The whoopee party saying refers to one of the chapters in the first part of the “Alcoholics Anonymous” book, known as “The Big Book,” where people are told that after first getting sober, and giving it some time, alcoholics will once again be able to attend bigger events, like weddings, without drinking. These parties are referred to as “whoopee parties.”
“My hope is that this is going to encourage newly sober people to come out and see that we have fun,” Peg said. “That it’s not about doom and gloom … it’s about having a good time when it’s clean and sober.”
Peg is also quick to point out that the “We” in We Fest has nothing to do with the country festival held every year in Detroit Lakes.
Rather, the “We” is a connection to AA referring to the 12 steps where the term “we” is used, not “I.”
The cost is $10. If anyone has questions, or a person is interested in going and is unable to pay, they should call Peg at 651-558-1075.
“I’m not going to turn people away if they can’t afford it,” she said, adding that the $10 is really a donation to help her cover the costs of the 24-hour fest.
