The Eagles to perch at Salmon Festival

The Eagles, Blue Rodeo, the Tragically Hip, Johnny Reid and the Matt Minglewood Band will be the featured performers at the Exploits Valley Salmon Festival concert in Grand Falls-Windsor in July.

"It hasn't been easy," said Grand Falls-Windsor mayor Al Hawkins, "but it's my pleasure today to officially announce The Eagles will be coming to Grand Falls-Windsor on July 13."

Rumours had been swirling for weeks that the Seventies classic rock band would be the headlining act at the day-long concert.

Within seconds of Hawkins' announcement, the thumbs of town staff were working furiously on mobile devices, getting the concert lineup out on social media.

Older lineup

The lineup has skewed towards older music acts more than it did in previous years, with acts such as Carly Rae Jepsen performing in 2012 and Down with Webster on the 2011 bill.

Hawkins said he thinks this year's bill will appeal to music fans of all ages.

"We've really covered just about everybody and we're pretty excited about that," said Hawkins. "And we feel younger people can get involved in this as well. We figure it's a concert for all age groups." 

Accommodations projected to be scarce

The mayor said anyone figuring there will be plenty of room at the Hotel California anywhere in central Newfoundland after Thursday's announcement would probably be out of luck.

"I would suspect after this announcement today, to try to get a hotel in Gander or anywhere between Gander and Springdale will be very, very difficult," said Hawkins.

Hawkins added that the town is in talks to land a big hotel chain, but those discussions are still in the early stages.

Early-bird Salmon Fest tickets will each cost $119 plus tax, with prices going as high as $220 for a 19-years-and-over VIP ticket.

The tickets will go on sale on Apr. 26.