HELIX — In its 16th year, Wheatstock Music Festival is setting the stage for its second two-day event Aug. 16-17 at Quantum 9 Arena. Prior to 2023, the American, folk and country music festival was only one day.

The Friday headliner is Treaty Oak Revival. Rooted in the Texas Red Dirt music scene, the band also draws influences from southern rock and punk. The event crescendos with Shane Smith and the Saints returning to Eastern Oregon — the Texas-based group has performed four times at Jackalope Jamboree in Pendleton — as the Saturday night headliners.

“They’ve got a pretty big following here in the Pacific Northwest,” Wheatstock President DeWayne Dunlap said. “We’re really excited because they are going into the stratosphere.”

Discounted two-day and VIP passes went on sale Feb. 9 via www.wheatstock.org. On March 10, prices will increase. The 2023 event marked the festival’s first sellout.

VIP amenities include access to a private area with an elevated viewing stage, air-conditioned restrooms, two complimentary beverages and a happy hour with hors d’oeuvres.

“The VIP area is really cool,” Dunlap said. “Last year we were swamped with people that wanted them.”

The lineup also includes Them Dirty Roses, Dolly Shine and Lowdown Drifters. Acts with local ties include Ty Lane of Walla Walla’s FrogHollow Band, Music Medicine — Scott Wilson of Little McKay Band’s latest project — as well as Tylor & the Train Robbers. Often referred to as the “house band,” the Idaho-based group includes Tylor Ketchum and his brothers, Jason and Tommy Bushman, who grew up in Helix.

During the festival’s early years, it primarily showcased local talent. After drawing larger crowds, the board began bringing bigger names to its stage but still honors its roots.

“We’re keeping the local vibe going as much as we can,” Dunlap said.

Festival grows, spreads impact

The event is dedicated to the memory of U.S. Army Warrant Officer Adrian Stump. The 2002 Pendleton High School graduate died in September 2005 in Afghanistan.

“It amazes me that we started this as a one-year thing and it has grown from one day to two days and we’re in our 16th year,” Dunlap said. “Every year has been good and we think, ‘Can we do better next year?’ And I think we’ve really hit a home run with this lineup.”

Wheatstock was established as a nonprofit event to benefit the Helix School District music program. As proceeds increased, donations also were shared with Divide Camp, a wilderness retreat for combat veterans in the Wallowa Mountains, and Cross the Divide, the reincorporated faith-based organization that offers opportunities for veterans and their families.

Also, several years ago a scholarship program was created for Helix students. And this year, Weston-McEwen High School seniors are eligible to apply.

The festival experience features camping, food vendors, a beer garden, merchandise sales and bouncy castles for the kids. Children 12 and under are free with an adult.

“It’s always going to be family-friendly,” Dunlap said.