Troy’s
Farm
Welcome to Farm Fresh Reggae, a vibrant celebration of music, community, and legacy held in the heart of Springville, IA. As we gear up for another fantastic festival, let's take a moment to share the story of the farm that brings us all together each year.
A Legacy Begins: The Thompson Family Farm
The Thompson family farm has been a cornerstone of the Springville community since 1963, when Don and Cindy Thompson moved in. The land has seen decades of love, laughter, and life, becoming more than just a piece of property—it's a living testament to the Thompson family's enduring spirit.
Donald (Don) Wayne Thompson was born in 1928 during the Great Depression. His life story is a remarkable tale of resilience and dedication. Don joined the Navy at just 16, serving in Guam during WWII. Upon returning home, he used the GI Bill to earn an engineering degree and spent 39 years at Rockwell Collins, contributing to top-secret projects like the instrument panels for the B2 bomber and F16 Tomcat. Don was not only a dedicated professional but also the life of any party, always ready with a joke and a smile. He passed away in 2009, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and joy.
His son, Troy, believes his father would be immensely proud of Farm Fresh Reggae. “He would have had a great time, he was always quite the ham, loved making people laugh and was the life of the party. Dad would definitely be really proud of me, yet again something my dad would've dreamed of happening on the property.”
Lucinda (Cindy) Ruth Thompson, who now shares the farm with Troy, Kelly, and their son Nico, is equally thrilled about the festival. “I love it, I can’t believe I get to have a party like this in my own yard.”
The Birth of Farm Fresh Reggae
The idea for Farm Fresh Reggae was born from a playful bet between Troy and his wife, Kelly. The couple attended Project Earth, where Kelly was star-struck by John Wayne from John Wayne and the Pain. In a bold move, Troy promised to bring John Wayne to perform at their farm. Kelly agreed to forgo Christmas and birthday presents if he succeeded. Not only did Troy fulfill his promise, but he also created a lasting tradition.
The first Farm Fresh Reggae featured John Wayne performing on a flatbed trailer, a humble beginning for what would become a significant event. The second year brought Reggae Rapids, and a meeting between Troy and Zakk from the band at Gabe's, a local venue.
By the fifth year, Farm Fresh Reggae had grown substantially, even overcoming last-minute challenges with the stage construction. Despite almost not happening due to a failed inspection, the community came together to ensure the festival's success, highlighting the essence of Farm Fresh Reggae—community.
Building a Community
When asked to describe Farm Fresh Reggae in one word, Troy didn't hesitate: “Community.” The festival thrives because of the collective effort of local musicians, planners, vendors, artists, and even neighbors who provide additional parking. It's a true testament to the power of community spirit.
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, Troy envisions continued growth and perhaps even bigger named acts. “There’s gonna be a max attendance, the popularity is going to grow. But really I don’t know. Maybe in 5 years we can hire bigger named acts. This has pushed me into the limelight.”
Farm Fresh Reggae has come a long way from its modest beginnings, and it’s poised for even greater things. Join us in celebrating not just music, but the story of a family, a farm, and a community coming together in harmony.
Stay tuned for more updates, and get ready to experience the magic of Farm Fresh Reggae this year!
