Large, COVID-safe crowd expected for Summer Solstice Festival North
Anyone on Manitoulin Island or in the vicinity of Little Current on Saturday may want to check out the Flat Rock Entertainment Centre for what promises to be an amazing celebration.
The Summer Solstice Festival North is all stated to get underway on June 19 in Anishinabek Territory with host nation Aundeck Omni Kaning welcoming people from across the region.
Staff have worked quickly to ensure it remains a COVID-safe event with a limited capacity of 250 cars being permitted to attend.
"This is an alcohol-free event, we're here to celebrate the Summer Solstice," said Indigenous Tourism Ontario's Kevin Eshkawkogan.
"We're calling it a pop-up event, but it's one that was in the works for quite some time. It's still being adjusted because of the global pandemic but it's a celebration of Indigenous culture."
It's been going on for a few days, but the big event is slated to be the drive-in event Saturday.
COVID-safe event
"Behind me we're going to have vehicles lined up, in a COVID safe manner," said Eshkawkogan. "There's a giant screen up there, so we're going to be streaming some Indigenous artists from across the country, Indigenous artists from all parts of Canada and they're going to be showcased.
"And to wrap up the show, we're going to have the first of its kind: a very large, Indigenous-themed drone show."
The show will tell the story of Indigenous Ontario, lighting up the sky with more than 200 drones.
There will also be singing and dancing. World renowned hoop dancer Nimkii from Wikwemikoong will perform. Pre-ordered food is also available for purchase from Hiawatha Osawamick catering.
"This is 100 per cent a COVID-safe event," Eshkawkogan stressed.
"We've incorporated our host community -- the Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation. They've been involved with the planning, we've had the health district involved with the planning, we've talked to the province -- everything we're doing is extremely safe for everyone."
"We're very pleased that Indigenous Tourism Ontario has chosen Little Current and Manitoulin for the world premiere of their drone show and this inaugural northern Ontario event," said Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands Mayor Al McNevin. "Celebrating alongside our friends is long overdue."
Tickets are still available. For more information head to their website here.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
2 military horses that broke free and ran loose across London are in serious condition
Two military horses that bolted and ran miles through the streets of London after being spooked by construction noise and tossing their riders were in a serious condition and required operations, a British government official said Thursday.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.