After a two year wait, the countdown to Hoodstock is almost finished.

The newly-expanded music festival returns to the Columbia Valley this Saturday, and organizers say they’re hoping to see people from around the area celebrate its revival.

“Five hundred (people) would be terrific,” says Tracy Connery. “That’s what we’re looking at right now. If we get more than that, that would be great too.”

It’s a higher target than previous years, Connery says, but this year’s Hoodstock has an advantage compared to the festivals of 2008 and 2009. With Coy’s Par 3 now hosting the event, there’s quite a bit more space.

“It’s really big,” says Connery. “It’ll seem big probably this year, but we’re hoping for growth over the years and that this is a venue we can continue to use.”

While expansion is on the agenda, Connery says Hoodstock’s mix of pop and blues music and family-friendly activities is unchanged.

This year’s lineup includes Celtic-infused McCuaig, Kimberley metal band Elk Hunt and Cranbrook blues rocker Mighty Joe Young.

Depending on age, listeners relax between acts in either the beer gardens or the kids’ zone bouncy castle. An artisans’ market and food vendors are also on offer.

“There should be something for everyone,” says Connery. “We really want a family friendly festival atmosphere… we want it to be fun for parents and kids.”

While the festival’s organizers are Fairview-based, Connery says she’s hoping Hoodstock’s return will bring other music lovers in the valley out for the day.

“It’s a valley event,” she says. “The more people who come out, the bigger it gets and the better it gets.”

Hoodstock runs from 2 to 11:30 p.m. Saturday at Coy’s Par 3. Tickets are $25 and are available at the festival gates, as well as online at hoodstock.info.