With a new team bringing it to life, Creston Valley Fest returns for a fifth year from July 22-24, when the music festival rocks Mountain Park Resort.

“It’s a new group and a new direction,” said president John Imanse.

Along with his wife, Pam Robertson, and Rod and Carol Bergdahl — who make up the Creston and Area Music Fest Society’s new board — and the help of House of Rock’s Rick and Jan Potyok, Imanse has brought new life to the festival, with this year’s lineup offering nothing less than top-notch entertainment.

The Thursday acts kick off at 6 p.m., and includes Creston’s Howling Wannabes, followed by Nightshade and McRorie, a one-man band.

“It’s incredible what he does with parts of his body to make music,” said Imanse.

At noon on Friday, the annual battle of the bands will be held, featuring under- and over-18 groups from around the Kootenays competing for $300, $200 and $100 prizes. The junior and senior winners will each play a set after the battle, and last year’s winner, Speak of the Unknown, will return to perform the next day.

On Friday evening, the Gnarly Narwhals will open for the headlining Hip Show, a Tragically Hip cover band.

“The Hip Show is fast becoming established as the most authentic looking, sounding, and entertaining Tragically Hip tribute band in Canada,” said Hip Show’s website.

On Saturday, Dan Major and Company, the Rippin’ Rattlers and the Halfsacks will take to the stage starting at noon. Know Tomorrow will follow, opening for headliner Satori Life.

“It’s violin rock at its best,” said Imanse. “In two or three years, we won’t be able to afford them.”

Satori Life is sponsored by Alberta’s Big Rock Brewery — which will be hosting the beer garden at the venue — and has been promoting the festival all over Calgary TV and radio.

Imanse and his team were happy to take over Creston Valley Fest for the previous group of organizers, and hope to turn the festival’s fortunes around in the hope of one day bringing in some better-known performers.

“Nothing would please me more than somehow, someday to bring a big-name act to Creston,” he said.

For now, though, nothing should stop locals from checking out this year’s event.

“It’s a lot of fun,” Imanse said. “More than anything, you can count on that.”

Tickets are $10 for Thursday, $25 for Friday and $30 for Saturday; a weekend pass is $60. Call 250-428-2954 or visit www.mountainprk.com and click on “Events” for more information.