Like the Fireweed itself, this year’s Fireweed Festival showed resilience

What began as a frightening and uncertain weekend for Fort Smith quickly became a powerful display of community at this year’s Fireweed Festival.

After a shooting early Saturday morning forced organizers to pause the festival and rethink Saturday’s plans, organizers made the decision to forge ahead with the support of those affected and guidance from the RCMP.

By Sunday, hundreds of residents had returned to Queen Elizabeth Park to support musicians, artists, food vendors and workshops — showing that the events of Friday night would not define the festival.

“After everything that happened Friday night, Saturday was obviously emotional. We had some, you know, difficult decisions to make, and our first concern was always the people who were hurt, their families, and the safety of our community!” said Melissa Johns, one of the event’s organizers.

“So, with the support and encouragement of those that were directly affected, and getting and or receiving information from the RCMP, we made the decision to continue. And man, did Fort Smith show up.”

Though the shelter in place order did obviously disrupt the festival’s schedule, there was support for people happening on Facebook amongst bands such as the Hughes while they waited for the order to be lifted.

Many checked in with one another ensure friends and family were safe and when the RCMP gave the notice the order had been lifted, organizers jumped to action to get the festival back on track.

“Fireweed became more than a festival. Fireweed is one of the first things that grows after the land has been disturbed or burned, and somehow that symbolism became very real for us this weekend. We were shaken, but we carried on, and we ended Fireweed Festival surrounded by the community that it was created for.” Said Melissa.

The decision to carry on did not come lightly or without proper consultation. During the shelter in place order, organizers had the time to assess and discuss with RCMP and musicians on next steps.

“I leaned quite heavily on some of the musicians, like Benji from Hughes and Shane Daniels music, like those guys know, and they just want a stage to do what they do, and so I listened to them and leaned on them for guidance”

Melissa gave praises not only to the community of Fort Smith but to all the people involved, to her, this event could not have pivoted as well without the support of the whole Fireweed community.

“Huge shout out to Jolene and Allison because they are all pieces of Fireweed. This cannot be done without those people and our sponsors and our volunteers and you know the vendors, the music, like everybody has a part to play in Fireweed Festival.”

Friday at Fireweed … a post-festival social post from the organizers:

“It has taken us a few days to come back to these photos.
“Friday began exactly the way we had hoped — with our community coming together, beautiful vintage vehicles rolling through Fort Smith, music filling the air, people dancing, laughing and celebrating the beginning of Fireweed Festival NT 2026.
“The Vintage Car Parade was something special. The vehicles, the drivers, the people along the route, the excitement — it was a beautiful way to start our weekend.
“And our Kickoff Party at Dirty O’Fergie’s began with that same energy. Musicians on stage. Friends together. People dancing. A community enjoying something that had been built for them.
“We all know that Friday night did not end the way any of us could have imagined.
“That does not erase the fear, hurt or seriousness of what happened. But it also does not erase the good that existed before it.
“These photographs capture some of that good.
“They capture our artists. Our volunteers. Our car enthusiasts. Our friends and neighbours. They capture a community showing up for one another and celebrating together.
“And three days later, we think those moments are still worth remembering.
“To everyone who was part of Friday — thank you.
“For community. By community. Always.”