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
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
New analysis of Beethoven's hair reveals possible cause of mysterious ailments, scientists say
High levels of lead detected in authenticated locks of Ludwig van Beethoven's hair suggest that the composer had lead poisoning, which may have contributed to ailments he endured over the course of his life, including deafness, according to new research.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
B.C. man used Bobcat as 'weapon' while chasing away homeless people, judge says
A B.C. man has been convicted of assault with a weapon after using a skid-steer Bobcat to chase two homeless people from his lawn, injuring one of them in the process.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Flat tire on a highway? Here's why you shouldn't try to fix it
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
Miss Teen USA steps down just days after Miss USA's resignation
Miss Teen USA resigned Wednesday, sending further shock waves through the pageant community just days after Miss USA said she would relinquish her crown.