Song inspired by Summerland wildfires debuts at Langley RibFest

A song inspired by the Summerland-area wildfires made its debut Friday at the Rotary Clubs of Langley RibFest charitable fundraiser. Lyricist Robin McIntosh wrote and produced “The Summerland Song” after fellow Rotarian Jami Watson described travelling through the affected area the previous weekend.

Watson said heavy smoke near Penticton obscured Skaha Lake and that evacuated families and trailers had filled city streets while ash and cinders fell. She said the anxiety was striking, but so was the concern residents showed one another.

Watson, who was to emcee RibFest, shared her account with the event committee and urged that the disaster be acknowledged. McIntosh said he completed the song in just over an hour and used a digital voice for the recording because the intended singer was temporarily unavailable.

Watson introduced the track before it played over the main-stage speakers. McIntosh said the debut was emotional and that the song resonated because many listeners know Summerland.