July 2024

Summer Festivals & Events

After careful review and scoring of 63 incredible submissions from across Northwestern Ontario, our panel of judges for the 2024 Tbaytel For Good Community Fund have selected five winners and awarded a total of $30,000 in grant funding! Congratulations and thank you to all for your dedication to enhancing our neighbourhood!

Editor-in-chief

Adrian Lysenko

Senior Editor

Tiffany Jarva

Copy Editors

Amy Jones, Bonnie Schiedel

Creative Director

Sidney Ulakovic

Marketing & Sales Director

Alaina Linklater alaina@thewalleye.ca

Photographers

Jack Barten

Anna Buske

Ryan Hill

Chad Kirvan

Dave Koski

Shannon Lepere

Sarah McPherson

Lois Nuttall

Laura Paxton

Sidney Ulakovic

Art Directors

Steve Coghill, R.G.D.

Dave Koski, R.G.D.

Miranda van den Berg production@thewalleye.ca

Ad Designers

Dave Koski

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Miranda van den Berg

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Something of a Tradition

July is, without a doubt, my favourite month of the year. Is it a little juvenile to still have a designated favourite month of the year? Perhaps, but I can live with that. Lingering associations from childhood conflating summer and freedom aside, every year, July rolls around with its long, sunny days that feel just a little more alive than the rest of the year—like they could unfold in any which way. Part of the reason there’s so much possibility hanging in the air can certainly be attributed to the commencement of festival season, which is why, for our July issue, we’re revisiting what has become something of a tradition here at The Walleye: the summer festival guide. This year, we’re highlighting 18 festivals and events, most occurring locally and a handful that might encourage you to take that summer road trip you know you want to go on, that are sure to check a few items off your summer bucket list.

In keeping with the theme of our cover story, Kris Ketonen gets the inside scoop on who you can

From Our Instagram Feed

Featured Contributor

expect to see performing every Wednesday night at Live on the Waterfront, Kelsey Raynard finds all kinds of Stuff We Like for cowboys and cowgirls to help them get ready for Country on the Bay, featured contributor Sara Kae talks with Crossroad Music about their second summer concert series, and Taylor Onski gives us a preview of the upcoming Superior Theatre Festival summer season.

There’s always a buzz of excitement surrounding our long awaited summer, but there’s an extra special reason for some of that excitement at The Walleye this month. If you missed our announcement online a few weeks ago, full-time employees Adrian Lysenko, Alaina Linklater, and myself are the new owners of The Walleye. We not only look forward to embarking on this exciting new chapter, but also to connecting with you, our valued readers, every month. We can’t wait to share this journey with you.

-Sidney Ulakovic

Wyeth McCormick

On the Cover

Sara Kae

Sara Kae is a born-and-raised Thunder Bay local. She enjoys storytelling and connecting with people, which has led her down many paths that allow her to do so. When she’s not writing music or performing, she is working to find other ways to creatively fuel herself. She enjoys writing, reading, pow wow dancing, and running. Her mission is to encourage other Indigenous people, especially youth, to work towards their goals and dreams.

Read Sara’s story on the Crossroad Concert Series on page 67.

Summer Festivals & Events

Photo by Chad Kirvan

Special thanks to Loughlin and Captain Gregory Heroux of Sail Superior.

Darren McChristie

“My teacher helps me reach for the stars”

You belong here

Canada Day 1

July 1

Marina Park & Prince Arthur’s Landing

Our cultural understanding of Canada Day has evolved over the years, and so too has the programming being run by the City of Thunder Bay to celebrate this annual event. On July 1, head down to Marina Park & Prince Arthur’s Landing for an afternoon of culture, performances, arts and crafts, activities, food, and more. The event runs from 1 to 6 pm at Marina Park with free parking available all day long. Opening ceremonies will take place at 1 pm on the main stage in the festival area, followed by a number of community performances, dance groups, and small bands from 1:30 to 5:30 pm. The event will close out with a bang as Aysanabee will perform on the main stage. With food vendors, a splash pad, music and culture, this free event has something for everyone.

thunderbay.ca/en/recreation/events

2

BrewHa

July

5 & 6

Prince Arthur’s Landing

Beer lovers unite! Hosted by the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Itec, this year’s BrewHa will be bigger, better and beer-ier than ever. On July 5 and 6 from 4 to 9 pm, attendees can enjoy more than 15 breweries, nine local food vendors, a nightly beer and cheese pairing event (just make sure to add this on when you buy your tickets), local entertainment, and more. Tickets are $48.25 for general admission (without any add-ons), available on the festival website; each ticket comes with your very own custom sample glass and four sample tokens (but don’t worry—you can purchase more sample tokens online or during the event). Cheers to beer! brewhafestival.com

Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival 4

July 27 & 28

Bay & Algoma district

The

Great Rendezvous 3

July 12–14

Fort William Historical Park

Take a trip to the 19th century this summer at The Great Rendezvous hosted by Fort William Historical Park. Between July 12 and 14 from 10 am to 5 pm each day, more than a hundred historical reenactors will replicate the annual gathering of French-Canadian voyageurs, Indigenous fur traders, and Anglo-Scottish businesspeople who met at Fort William every summer during the height of the fur trade. This fun, family-friendly historic reenactment will include artisan workshops and demonstrations, contests, a grand canoe arrival, and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance through Fort William Historical Park’s website; prices are $12 for general admission, $10 for youth, students, and seniors, and children under five are free. For more information, visit fwhp.ca. fwhp.ca

The IX Women’s World Baseball Championship 5

Every year, the Bay & Algoma Buskers Festival transforms an entire neighborhood with art, culture, food, entertainment, and allaround merriment. On Saturday July 27 from 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday July 28 from 11 am to 5 pm, you can experience more than 30 performers on eight different busking stages, 50 craft vendors, two kids zones, and various local food vendors (not to mention all the locally owned shops and boutiques that inhabit Bay & Algoma all year long). Standout names at this year’s festival include street performers like Egemen Ustun and Sam Malcolm, as well as locally loved bands like The Bay Street Bastards and the Kaminari Wan Taiko Drummers. With approximately 5,000 people attending Buskers Festival each day, this is one (free!) summer event you do not want to miss. buskersfestival.ca

July 28–August 3

Port Arthur Stadium

Grab some peanuts and Cracker Jack, because one of the biggest baseball championships in the world is concluding right here in Thunder Bay. Between July 28 and August 3, the World Baseball Softball Confederation and Thunder Bay International Baseball Association will host six teams from around the world (including Canada!) to determine the women’s world champion. Opening ceremonies will be held on July 28 before the 7:30 pm game between Canada and Mexico. From July 28 to August 1, there will be three games held per day at 10 am, 2 pm and 7:30 pm; August 2 is set as a rain day and the final bronze medal and championship games will be held on August 3. Game day tickets will be sold for $15 per adult and $10 per child, and a tournament pass to see all 17 games is $85, available in advance online or at Port Arthur Stadium. wbwc2024.ca

Emily Turner

Emily Turner

“ Thunder Bay leads the way in Northwestern Ontario for public charging stations.”

Learn more about how the Thunder Bay CEDC is supporting EVs in Thunder Bay –

and join the growing network of sustainable conscious consumers by visiting gotothunderbay.ca/plugin

Summer Festivals & Events

Summers are the perfect time for making memories with family and friends, and fortunately there is a hefty lineup of festivals in Northwestern Ontario to help you do just that. Whether you want to eat something ridiculously delicious, get re-energized with live music, see something cool, or simply try something new, the festivals in our region and just across the border absolutely deliver. In this, our seventh Festival Guide, The Walleye features 18 fun and interesting events to make summer 2024 one of your best.

- Bonnie Schiedel

Wake the Giant Music Festival

Photo by Chad Kirvan

Bring on the Brews BrewHa Festival is Back

Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photos by Emily Turner

We’re just thrilled to be back,” says Charla Robinson, president of the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce, of this year’s BrewHa Festival, Thunder Bay's annual showcase of local and regional craft beer. This summer will mark the chamber’s second year organizing and hosting BrewHa, and Robinson says that, on top of having a little bit of everything that makes a festival at the waterfront great, this year festival-goers can expect more breweries, more servers, and more selection.

Robinson says that this year’s festival will have 40 unique beverage flavours from 17 different vendors, including samples from local favourites such as The Brew Pub, Crafty Elk Hard Juice, Dawson Trail, Lakehead Beer Co., and Sleeping Giant Brewing Company, adding that a lot of consideration was put into ensuring there is something for everyone with the inclusion of gluten-free and non-alcoholic options. Since it was such a hit last year, wine will be returning to the festival (this time along with chocolate!) courtesy of Cardinal Chocolate Co.

Speaking of food, BrewHa will have new and returning

When: July 5 & 6, 4–9 pm

Where: Prince Arthur’s Landing

food vendors, for a total of nine options on site including Beaux Daddy’s Can-Indian Restobar, BeaverTails Pastry, Prospector Burger Barn, Captain’s Coffee, Epic Cones, Fox Catering & Concessions, Misty Creek Homestead, and Red Lion Smokehouse. New to the festival this year is the beer pairing event, A Journey Through Beer and Cheese, presented by The Cheese Encounter and Sleeping Giant Brewing Company. This special add-on will occur once during both sessions and give festival-goers an opportunity to learn how beer and cheese can complement each other (not that anyone needs much convincing to check it out beyond, “there will be cheese”).

Otherwise, there will be live entertainment on both nights, activities, and shopping throughout the festival grounds. This year, BrewHa is sponsoring Thunder Bay Regional Food Distribution Association, and Robinson says they’re excited to support a good local cause over a weekend of fun. “You’ve got great food, you’ve got great beverages, and you’ve got wonderful friends,” Robinson says. “What more could you ask for?”

Headliners: Small Town Bad, Danny Johnson & 21 Gun Fun

Cost: General admission tickets are $48.25 per session; session add-ons are available at an additional cost; extra tokens will be available at the festival for $2.50 each

What not to miss: BrewHa’s first ever beer pairing event, presented by The Cheese Encounter and Sleeping Giant Brewing Company

The scene: Easy-going fun in the sun (fingers crossed!) for anyone 19+, with limited edition samples from local and regional craft breweries and a variety of local eats

Where to stay: Prince Arthur Waterfront Hotel, Delta Hotels Thunder Bay

Food: A variety of options including burgers and fries, Indian cuisine, or something sweet

Insider tip: Leave your keys behind—attendees can show their festival ticket/QR code to ride Thunder Bay Transit for free to and from the festival grounds each day

For more information, visit: brewhafestival.com

The Best of the Buskers

The Popular Bay & Algoma Festival Returns

By Bonnie Schiedel, Photos by Uriel Lubek

Jugglers, fire-eaters, musicians, a balloon artist, a human statue…the popular Buskers Festival is back in the Bay & Algoma neighbourhood for its ninth year, bigger and more colourful than ever. Co-organizer Uriel Lubek says it’s great to be bringing “something magical” to the Bay & Algoma neighbourhood once again. “For those two days, it’s more like a big-city vibe. It could almost be a snippet out of the Toronto downtown, here in our own little backyard.”

There will be 30+ acts and 50+ vendors at the festival, as well as the existing shops, services, and eateries offering sidewalk sales. As for buskers, the returning favourites include musician Arden Bruyere, living statue Creed Statuary, comedic juggler Sam Malcolm, fire breathing unicycle artist Egemen Ustun, and stilt walker The Kidd.

There are a few new updates this year, too. In addition to some new acts (watch the festival’s social media channels for updates), there will be a more adult nighttime fire artist show in Nook’s parking lot, says Lubek. The Kids Zone is expanded, with two face painters, a dunk tank, inflatables and science presentations by Let’s Talk Science, and Lubek says he’s also impressed with the quality and quantity of the local craft vendors.

Another change, says Lubek, is that upper Bay Street (in front of the former Finlandia) won’t be closed off. Instead, he explains festival goers will be able to roam “Algoma Street from Cornwall to Bay, and lower Bay from Algoma to Court Street.” And as he always says, “this is a sidewalk sale on steroids. Come prepared to have fun. Wear a smile: The dress code is smiles.”

When: July 27, 10 am–5 pm & July 28, 11 am–5 pm

Where: Bay & Algoma neighbourhood Cost: Free (but you’re encouraged to tip the performers)

What not to miss: The Kaminari Wan Taiko Drummers, who have several scheduled time slots

The scene: Family-friendly fun

Where to stay: The Courthouse Hotel and the Holiday Inn Express & Suites; check the festival website to get a discount code before you book

Food: A wide range of festival food from vendors including Epic Cones, BeaverTails, Cold Slate Creamery, Tastebuds Pit Stop, and some East Indian and African vendors, as well as the local Bay & Algoma eateries

Insider tip: Bring your loonies, toonies and small bills

For more information visit: buskersfestival.ca

 The Kaminari Wan Taiko Drummers

Vinyl Burns

 The Undead Newlyweds

Kickin’ it Country

Country on the Bay Brings in Biggest Headliners Yet

Story by Kelsey Raynard, Photos by Emily Turner

Grab your Daisy Dukes and your cowboy boots—Country on the Bay is returning for its biggest and best year yet.

From July 19 to 21, you can catch country superstars Blake Shelton, Dallas Smith, Trace Adkins, and more, set against the backdrop of the beautiful Kaministiquia River at Fort William Historical Park.

Dave Allen, co-producer of Country on the Bay, explains that this festival had very humble beginnings.

“We actually started with Murillo Countryfest a few years prior to COVID,” Allen says. “I think our first year was only three acts! Then, after partnering with Dauphin's Countryfest, we were able to bring in bigger acts every year.” This year, festival-goers can look forward to more than 15 acts with headliners and bands Thunder Bay has never seen before.

Allen remarks that there has been something of a country renaissance happening in popular culture, and the growing popularity of Country on the Bay is a reflection of that. However, nothing good ever comes easy. Hosting a festival of this size comes with its own unique logistical challenges; from flights in and out of Thunder Bay to tight

When: July 19–21

schedules of touring bands, finding a stage big enough to host the headliners, and securing hotel blocks for 30+ band members and roadies, the behind-the-scenes magic of Country on the Bay is worthy of applause too.

That being said, Allen is hopeful that with bigger acts will come bigger crowds. “We are hoping for somewhere between 8,000 to 10,000 people coming this year,” says Allen. “We have people in their 80s coming, and we have people bringing their five-year-old kids. Everybody is welcome here, and the artists have music everyone can enjoy,” says Allen. If the lineup isn’t sweet enough, the venue is the cherry on top. “Old Fort is just beautiful. All the bands love playing on the backdrop of the river—you’ve got the gradual hill so that everyone in the crowd can see. It’s really something.”

With a growing list of local food vendors, an upgraded VIP section, more security, more volunteers, and more music, Allen is hopeful that this year’s Country on the Bay will be one for the books. Shuttles will be available all day and all night throughout the festival, with drop-offs at five different locations around town.

Where: Fort William Historical Park

Headliners/main attraction: Blake Shelton, Dallas

Smith, Trace Adkins and more

Cost: $366 for a three-day pass

What not to miss: Saturday night’s lineup

The scene: A family-friendly, boot-stomping good time on the river

Where to stay: Campsites are available at the Thunder City Speedway and preferred hotels are available on the festival website

Food: Local food vendors selling everything from Italian to Indian food

Insider tip: Bring a lawn chair and a water bottle to keep yourself relaxed and hydrated

For more information, visit: countryonthebay.ca

The Great Rendezvous

When: July 12, 13, & 14, 10 am–5 pm

Where: Fort William Historical Park

Headliners/main attraction: The visiting reenactors make this the weekend with the most people in historic costume at the Fort Cost: Daily admission: $12 for adults; $10 for students, seniors, and youth; free for children 5 and under (the event is included for season pass holders)

What not to miss: Throughout the week leading up to Rendezvous, the park’s canoe builder will be using traditional Indigenous knowledge and technology to build a birch bark canoe, which will be launched for the first time during Rendezvous weekend

The scene: Hundreds of re-enactors from across North America converge to recreate the annual summer gathering held at Fort William over 200 years ago when it was the inland headquarters of the North West Company. Where to stay: Modern campsites are available at the Fort William Historical Park campground

Food: Cantine restaurant; samples of bread baked in our historic bake ovens available Insider tip: Capacity is limited for some workshops and contests—come early to sign up For more information, visit: fwhp.ca

Grand Marais Arts Festival

When: July 13–14

Where: Downtown Grand Marais, Minn.

Headliners/main attraction: 61 juried artists and live music

Cost: Free

What not to miss: For the second year in a row the Art Colony Studio 21 exhibition space and gallery store will be open on the Saturday of the festival (10 am–5 pm); don't miss the summer exhibition, Embodying the North Shore

The scene: The Grand Marais Arts Festival is celebrating its 33rd year and is a microcosm of the Midwest art scene

Where to stay: Check out our business and lodging partners at grandmaraisartcolony.org

Food: Several food trucks along with local restaurants

Insider tip: Minneapolis artist and influencer Kelsey Oseid will be our social media collaborator for the event

For more information, visit: grandmaraisartcolony.org

Live From the Rock Folk Festival

When: August 9–11

Where: Pull-a-Log Park, Red Rock, Ont.

Headliners/main attraction: Connie Kaldor, Noah Derksen, and The Pairs

Cost: Regular pricing (in effect July 1 to August 6): $105 for adults, $95 for seniors, $40 for youth 13–18, $20 for children 5–12, and free for children 4 and under; weekend passes at the gate: $120 for adults, $110 or seniors, $40 for youth 13–18, $20 for for children 5–12, and free for children 4 and under; camping passes: $25 for individuals 16+, free for individuals 15 and under (must be camping with an adult)

What not to miss: Daytime workshop stages, acoustic song circles, campfire jams, exploring Lake Superior, children’s parade, food court, artisan village, and the festival pub

The scene: Attendees are treated to a broad spectrum of talented folk musicians performing on multiple stages, while the scenic beauty of Lake Superior and the charm of the area enhance the experience

Where to stay: The campgrounds directly adjacent to the festival site

Food: Various food vendors will be on site offering everything from muffins to full meals, tasty snacks, and refreshing beverages

Insider tip: Bring a warm sleeping bag, clothes you can layer, rain gear, a water bottle, a flashlight, and cash to purchase performer and festival merchandise as well as raffle tickets

For more information, visit: livefromtherockfolkfestvial.com

Trout Forest Music Festival Westfort Street Fair

When: August 9–11

Where: Ear Falls, Ont.

Headliners/main attraction: Begonia Duo, Valdy, Novillero, The Brent Parkin Band, Al Simmons, Shred Kelly, Slow Leaves, Andrina Turenne, Evangeline Gentle, and Tomas Kubinec

Cost: $20–85

What not to miss: A Novillero/Bloc Parents Extravaganza (August 10, 11:30 pm), and various workshops

The scene: Relaxing—have a swim and enjoy the finest of Canadian music in the finest of Canadian places

Where to stay: Cosy camping onsite for tents as well as RVs, with flush toilets and showers along with lots of porta-potties available; motels in Ear Falls and a variety of cabin rentals in the surrounding area

Food: Food trucks and stands vary from year to year, but typically has been barbecue, pizza, tacos, dogs, bannock burgers, cupcakes, and breakfast

Insider tip: Show up early on Friday to get the best camping spots and settle in for the best weekend of the summer

For more information, visit: troutfest.com

When: August 17

Where: Downtown Westfort Village (Frederica Street)

Headliners: Thunder Gun, Heartbeat Hot Pepper Eating Contest

Cost: Free

What not to miss: Thunder Bay’s longest running event of its kind: a full-day party filled with great shopping from neighbourhood businesses and local vendors, live music, festive food selections, beer gardens, games, prizes, and entertainment for the kids

The scene: Thousands take to the streets and downtown Westfort comes alive for a full day of fun for the whole family, so shop, eat, and be entertained the Westfort way

Where to stay: Valhalla Hotel & Conference Centre, Ramada by Wyndham Inn Thunder Bay

Airlane Hotel, Superior Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, Best Western Plus Nor’Wester Hotel & Conference Centre

Food: Westfort’s famous neighbourhood restaurants, plus many more local food vendors from all over the city

Insider tip: Show up early, bring cash, and wear comfy walking shoes!

For more information, visit: westfort.ca

Summer Matsuri

When: August 17

Where: Indoors and outdoors at West Thunder Community Centre, 915 Edward Street South Headliners/main attraction: Kaminari Wan Taiko, and Thunder Bay's only hand-curated collection of Asian entertainment and vendors

Cost: Free

What not to miss: The thunderous drumming of the Kaminari Wan Taiko Japanese drummers; there will also be traditional Japanese odori dancing, martial arts, and a mochi making demonstration

The scene: An unforgettable evening festival with a unique Asian flair, with something for the whole family

Food: Food vendors will be on hand selling both Asian foods as well as Canadian fare

Insider tip: Be sure to find the Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association’s booth inside the community centre and enter to win the door prize.

For more information, visit: Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association Facebook page, and @ljca.tbay on Instagram

Anishinaabe Keeshigun

When: August 17, 10 am–8 pm and August 18, 10 am–5 pm

Where: Fort William Historical Park

Headliners/main attraction: The pow wow

Cost: Free

What not to miss: Visit with artisans to learn about traditional skills, try Indigenous foods, and take part in contests and games

The scene: A celebration of Indigenous culture with lots of hands-on learning opportunities

Where to stay: Campsites are available at the Fort William Historical Park campground

Food: Cantine restaurant; bannock, wild rice, corn, and strawberry drink samples available

Insider tip: Don’t be afraid to engage and try new things

For more information, visit: fwhp.ca

23rd Annual Nipigon Blueberry Blast Festival

When: August 17–19

Where: Historic downtown Nipigon

Headliners/main attraction: Jim’n’I, The Boondocks, Mike Kivari, Shy-Anne Hovorka, and The Beatitudes Choir

Cost: Free, but donations gratefully accepted

What not to miss: Great food, vendors, music, and the Saturday morning blueberry pancake breakfast

The scene: The event is family-friendly on the Saturday and Sunday, with face painting for the kids, and a pleasant afternoon in the downtown core with downtown merchants open

Where to stay: Visit nipigon.net for recommendations

Food: Good variety at the event, with area restaurants open and ready to serve

Insider tip: Valuable info available on the area, with guidebooks for outdoor activities and maps of blueberry picking areas

For more information, visit: blueberryblast.ca

Ribfest

When: August 22, 5–9 pm (ribs take-out only), August 23–25, 11 am–8 pm

Where: Marina Park and Tai Chi Park

Headliners/main attraction: Kid Zone with daily themes, entertainment including community groups throughout the day, and bands in the evening (bands to be announced shortly); artisan Market in Tai Chi Park

Cost: Free

What not to miss: Ribs and other great food vendors

The scene: This year’s event will be held at a new location, and will be more child- and family-friendly with children’s activities, a picnic area, and live entertainment with net proceeds to Our Kids Count

Food: Ribs, chicken, pulled pork, fries, corn dogs, corn on the cob, ice cream, various salads, popcorn, cotton candy, Beaver Tails, hamburgers, cookies, fish tacos, potato tornados…just to name a few

Insider tip: There is entertainment for the whole family—and there is no fee for parking on Sunday

For more information, visit: ourkidscount.ca

Emily Turner

Emily Turner

Emily Turner

Tumblestone

When: August 23 & 24

Where: Lappe

Headliners/main attractions: Wax Mannequin, Hunt & Gather, Thirsty Monks, Forever Dead!, Femur, and many more

Cost: TBA

What not to miss: There will be so much talent, you won’t want to miss a thing, including plenty of surprises throughout the weekend

The scene: A festival curated by and for artists to celebrate creativity and assembly—and as such, it permits its contributors the benefit of being the target audience, and empowers its audience to peer behind the curtain and into the machinery of the creative community

Where to stay: Camping is recommended/ encouraged: tenting is free,RVs/trailers/vehicles will require a camping pass/arrangement (price based on size/space available); limited space for large units (please contact/first come, first served)

Food: TBA

Insider tip: Stay tuned for details about the event and its contents, tickets, and upcoming merch drive fundraiser/campaigns—the success(es) of the pre-festival campaigns/drives will dictate what might be possible, and organizers are currently working to bring back the second stage and have something special planned

For more information, visit: tumblestone.org

Moose N’ Fiddle

When: August 23 & 24

Where: Caliper Lake Provincial Park, Nestor Falls, Ont.

Headliners/main attraction: Red Moon Road and Pretty Archie

Cost: Friday day pass: $45; Saturday day pass: $50; two-day festival pass: $85

What not to miss: The always fun and irreverent Fu Fu Chi Chi Choir, plus Mimi O’Bonsawin, Adrian Sutherland, and The Stanley County Cut-Ups

The scene: This “cool little festival at the lake” is a little folk, a little bluegrass, a little indie and a whole lot of fun

Where to stay: Find a group site or a quiet, non-electrical camping spot at Caliper Lake Provincial Park

Food: Smash burgers, fries, wood-fired sourdough pizzas, buddha bowls and much more

Insider tip: Check out the Artisans Village, made by growers, carvers, and makers (think pickles and preserves), and this year, Mosswood Adventures are coming to the Moose n’ Fiddle with kayaks, canoes, and SUPs For more information, visit: moosenfiddle.ca

Celtic Day

When: August 25, 10 am–5 pm

Where: Fort William Historical Park

Headliners/main attraction: The local pipe and drum bands and highland dancers coming together for a mass performance

Cost: Free

What not to miss: The bagpipers, drummers, and highland dancers

The scene: The Scottish history of Fort William meets broader Celtic culture

Where to stay: Campsites are available at the Fort William Historical Park campground

Food: Cantine restaurant; shortbread samples available

Insider tip: Fort William was a primarily Scottish-run fur trade post as the inland headquarters of the North West Company, so enjoy the traditions

For more information, visit: fwhp.ca

Keegan Richard

Keegan Richard

Keegan Richard

Radio Waves Music Festival

When: September 6–8

Where: Grand Marais Recreation Area, 114 8th Avenue West, Grand Marais, Minn.

Headliners/main attraction: Rich Mattson and the Northstars, SaltyDog, Clearwater Hot Club, Annie Humphrey, Keith Secola, The Brothers Burn Mountain, John Ellison & The Carpenter Ants

Cost: Weekend passes: $50, daily passes: $20 (youth age 17 and under are free)

What not to miss: Dancing to the grooves of SaltyDog, experiencing the songs of Annie Humphrey, singing along with Keith Secola, and bearing witness on Sunday morning with John Ellison & The Carpenter Ants

The scene: A family-friendly community music festival that celebrates its 17th year in 2024 Organized and hosted by WTIP Community Radio, this three-day event is a festive, fun and friendly community get-together

Where to stay: Onsite camping in the Grand Marais Rec Park, or stay at one of the many great area hotels

Food: Food vendors onsite, including The Bad Seed Food Truck and the Crooked Spoon Food Truck

Insider tip: Bring your lawn chairs and a portable cooler, and get ready to spend your weekend in the park listening to great music in a beautiful setting; because Radio Waves is rain or shine, bring gear for all weather conditions, just in case For more information, visit: wtip.org/ event-calendar/radio-waves

Wake the Giant Music Festival

When: September 14

Where: Thunder Bay Waterfront

Headliners/main attraction: The Arkells, Galantis, Walk Off the Earth, DJ Shub, and Coleman Hell

Cost: General admission: $150–170 (tiered pricing) with limited VIP tickets left for $180; children 11 and under are free (general admission) but still need a general admission ticket to attend via the ticket site

What not to miss: Wake the Giant is so much more than a music festival: Throughout Wake the Giant history, many artists have participated in workshops with DFC students, leading to some very memorable moments on the festival stage

The scene: Wake the Giant Music Festival creates a positive vibe of community and inclusivity (a festival round dance could break out at any time) with songs that will keep you dancing from start to finish

Where to stay: Check out our partner hotels for exclusive Wake the Giant discounts at wakethegiant.ca

Food: Nosh on everything from bannock tacos, to a bunch of local family recipes, traditional festival faves, and northern ingredients—let your taste buds be your guide

Insider tips: As soon as you arrive on site, head right for the merch tent to scoop one of the official 2024 WTG Festival tees or hoodies, sustainably made by Ungalli Clothing Co. For more information, visit: wakethegiant.ca

Unplugged at North House Folk School

When: September 19–21

Where: North House Folk School, Grand Marais, Minn.

Headliners/main attraction: Thursday and Friday evening concerts featuring Great Lake Swimmers

Cost: Concert tickets start at $35 (family concert and crafts are free)

What not to miss: The Folk Artisan Marketplace features one-of-a-kind handmade items by North House’s talented community of artisan instructors; kids of all ages are invited to campus Saturday morning for a free family concert, hands-on crafts, and early-morning ice cream

The scene: A lively, lakeside festival featuring incredible concerts, great food, and unique craft experiences

Where to stay: Grand Marais has numerous lodging options, including hotels, B&Bs, and vacation rentals; the municipal campground is located next to the folk school and offers RV and tent camping

Food: A selection of local food trucks will be on the North House campus ahead of each evening’s concert; come early to enjoy great food, beverages, and tunes from local musicians before the concerts start

Insider tip: Fall is a perfect time to sail on North House’s traditionally rigged schooner, Hjørdis so book a two-hour sail on Lake Superior as part of your visit and experience the autumn colors from the water

For more information, visit: northhouse.org/ events/unplugged

Chad Kirvan

Chad Kirvan

THE GRINNING BELLY

Not Rachel Green’s Thanksgiving Trifle

By Chef Rachel Bayes

Remember the episode of Friends when Rachel Green mistakenly combined a trifle with shepherd’s pie? Poor Rachel had her recipe pages stuck together, resulting in a bizarre mashup of layered ladyfingers, jam, homemade custard, raspberries, bananas, whipped cream, and beef sautéed with peas and onions. Blech! And, of course, Joey, being Joey, was game to give it a go, nonchalantly reasoning, “Custard? Good. Jam? Good. Meat? GOOOOOOOOD!” Classic Joey. He snarfed it down without missing a beat, adding to the ridiculousness with his insatiable appetite and impeccable comedic timing.

“It's a trifle! You see, it’s got all of these layers…” Even if she veered a little off-course with the

English Summer Berry Trifle

Custard*

4 c whole milk

8 lg egg yolks

½ c granulated sugar

1½ tsp vanilla extract

½ c butter, cubed

9x13 white or yellow cake baked & cooled

½ c cream sherry

¼ c seedless raspberry jam or preserves

Fruit

3 c mixed berries

(sliced strawberries, blueberries, saskatoons, and raspberries)

1 T cream sherry

1 T sugar

Whipped Cream

1½ c heavy (35%)

whipping cream

meat and onions, Rachel knew what she was going for with the traditional English version of cake (with or without sherry), jam, fruit, custard, and whipped cream layered beautifully in a glass dish. And, as with most traditional recipes, there are as many versions of trifle as cooks who make them. Some use pudding, some use juice instead of booze, and some incorporate chocolate in a layer or two. Ideally, the trifle should be made a few hours before serving so the flavours and textures have time to marry, but not so long ahead that the whipped cream separates and turns into a soggy mess. There are a few steps to take care of before the assembly, so leave yourself enough time (and double-check that your recipe pages are not stuck together).

*If using Bird’s Custard Powder, skip this step, but make 4 cups (2 batches of the recipe on the can). Heat the milk over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until it just begins to simmer and steam rises from the surface. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks, sugar, and cornstarch until light and smooth. To temper the eggs: while whisking the egg yolk mixture constantly, dribble hot milk, a few drops at a time, into the yolks. Once you have dribbled about half, you can increase the amount of liquid you add, whisking continuously until all the milk has been added. Pour the contents of the mixer bowl into the saucepan and heat over medium, whisking constantly, until the mixture just comes to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, keep whisking, ensuring the milk mixture does not stick to the bottom of the pan, until thickened, about 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla. Let sit for 5 minutes, then whisk in butter. The custard will be thick and smooth. Pour into a shallow bowl and cover the top with plastic wrap so that the plastic touches the custard's surface. This will prevent a gross skin from forming on top. Cool in the refrigerator until chilled.

*You can also use an equal-ish amount of ladyfingers (sometimes called Savoiardi biscuits) Cut the entire 9x13 cake in half horizontally. Brush the cut sides of both cake halves with the cream sherry. Warm the raspberry jam, so it is easier to spread evenly over the sherry. Cut the cake halves into small squares (about 1–2 inches).

In a medium bowl, combine the berries, sherry, and sugar. Stir to coat and allow to macerate (which means the fruit softens and absorbs the flavours of the sugar and sherry). Keep it in the refrigerator until it is ready to assemble the trifle.

Combine the heavy whipping cream and the icing sugar in a large mixer bowl. Beat on high for 2 minutes or until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until ready to assemble.

1 tsp icing sugar

Assembling the trifle

Place 1/3 of the cake cubes in the bottom of the trifle dish (a large glass bowl), jam side up. Top the cake cubes with 1/3 of the fruit, 1/3 of the custard, and 1/3 of the whipped cream. Repeat layers two more times. Decorate the top with fresh fruit. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

PHILLIPS

Cake*

Story by Jeannie Dubois,

by Jack Barten

Alovely new introduction to the Port Arthur downtown scene is the tasteful and beautifully fragrant Coco Bay restaurant, self-appointed as the “delicious corner” (with waterfront views!), and aptly so. The menu features traditional Vietnamese dishes such as savoury ramen, perfectly spiced pho, and crisp salad rolls, as well as a variety of noodle bowls, and every dish and drink are made by owner Julie with a secret ingredient: love. No less so is their refreshing summer go-to drink, a Vietnamese Iced Coffee, which is a delicious blend of Robusta coffee powder, a hint of sugar, and a hearty splash of milk, all served over ice, with a delightful feathering of shaved dark chocolate. No question— one can quench their thirst all while tasting the love!

Photo

New Dealership NOW OPEN

Lock Up Your Hunger

The Paddy Wagon YQT

Review by Susan Pretty, Photos by Sidney Ulakovic

The Port Arthur Curling Club’s kitchen is open once again, and it’s hosting a brand new business. Jessie Wildeman, born in Humboldt, Sask., and raised in Saskatoon, moved to Thunder Bay in the spring of 2024 to share his passion for smash burgers in Ontario. The Paddy Wagon YQT, which boasts the slogan “Locking Up Your Hunger” features smash burgers, poutine, cheesesteaks, and hot dogs, all with clever naming conventions.

The Smash and Grab burger was a clear favourite on opening day. The combination of the two 3.5-ounce allbeef patties, lettuce, crispy onions, pickles, and the BOLO sauce (be on the lookout—clever, right?) was an absolute delight to the tastebuds. The table next to me had the same, and the lovely couple agreed that it was a delicious burger. And the fries! Hot, crispy, and crinkly, they were lightly seasoned and highly addictive.

Wildeman and his brother, Kyle Forrest, ran a very successful barbecue food truck in Regina, so he’s no stranger to making tastebuds

happy. It wasn’t uncommon for the duo to be roasting and smoking their meat for 15 hours, all the while inventing just the perfect sauces to serve with. The APB sauce (all-points bulletin – getting the gist now, right?) is an Alabama white sauce that comes with the Shawshank cheesesteak, and the Greek sauce that comes with the Greek fries is an elevated tzatziki like no other. The one and only dessert, “Bail Out Banana Dream,” made with homemade vanilla wafers, promises to be a dream come true.

Wildeman and his team will be making mouths water from Monday to Saturday, 11 am–8 pm.

“The people of Thunder Bay have just been incredible,” Wildeman enthuses. Catered private events are also an option, so don’t hesitate to get in touch for all your function needs. Drop by the Paddy Wagon at the Port Arthur Curling Club and lock up your hunger today.

For more information, find the Paddy Wagon YQT on Facebook and Instagram.

 Smash and grab burger combo

 Smash and grab burger with Greek fries

 Smash and grab burger

Putting on the Spritz!

Make Your Summer Sparkle

By Jeannie Dubois, Pommelier and Sommelier

One of the beauties of our remarkable city on the bay is that we get to experience four truly exquisite and distinct seasons each and every year. But my oh my, how fast those seasons go, and we have already crossed the summer solstice line with the next season in the proverbial wings to sooner—or hopefully later—usher in nature’s next phase. With that in mind, if you are like me, you take advantage of every shining summer moment to be out of doors, with bare feet immersed in grass, sand, water, or just plain propped up on the deck to take in the delightfully warm and sultry sun. If perchance your porch sitting requires a cool and refreshing bevvie, recall a classic to mind and look no further than the Aperol Spritz; an elegant and easy-to-make cocktail that is lovely to look at and delicious to drink.

OG Aperol Spritz

Ingredients:

1½ oz

Aperol

2½ oz

Prosecco

Soda water to fill

Orange slice

Ice

Method:

Fill a wine goblet with ice. Add the Aperol and then the Prosecco to the glass and gently stir. Top with soda to fill or to taste. Garnish with an orange slice.

Mellowmelon

Spritz

Ingredients:

1½ oz watermelon juice

1 oz blanco tequila

½ oz grenadine

1 oz sparkling rosé wine

4 oz lemon juice

Mint leaves

Ice

SUPERIOR SIP

Historically, the spritz had its start in Venice by way of a heavy Hapsburg influence in the area in the 1800s, the merchants and diplomats of which were unaccustomed to the heady regional wine. They would order their sparkling wine as spritzen, which was then diluted with water. It wasn’t until the 1920s that the addition of local bitters came about— the most common of which was Aperol, a brightly hued aperitif made from rhubarb, gentian, and cinchona, among other ingredients—as well as soda and ice being introduced to the mix. Commonly, it was made with still wine for quite some time, and only in the 1970s, when it came across the pond, was it popularly made with Prosecco. Now, one can find every variety of sparkling spritz—all one really needs to start is ice, soda, and a big ole glass, and then the sky's the limit!

Poolside Popsicle Spritz

Ingredients:

1½ c pineapple juice

½ c mango juice

2 oz vodka

1 lime, thinly sliced into rounds

1 750 ml bottle sparkling wine

Club soda

Ice

Method:

Add grenadine to the bottom of a wine goblet and swirl to coat. Fill with ice. Add watermelon juice, tequila, and lemon juice, and top with sparkling wine. Garnish with mint leaves.

Method:

(serves 6)

In a medium bowl or large measuring cup stir pineapple juice, mango juice, and vodka. Place 1 to 2 lime slices into 6 (4 oz) popsicle molds. Carefully fill each mold with juice mixture. Insert popsicle sticks and cover with popsicle bases. Freeze until solid—at least four hours, or overnight. To prepare, pour 4 oz of chilled sparkling wine into each wine glass. Top with a generous splash of club soda. Remove popsicles from mold and place in glass. Serve immediately.

Bicicletta Spritz

Ingredients:

2 oz Campari

2 oz white wine

Soda to fill Lemon wedge to garnish

Method:

Add Campari to a wine glass filled with ice. Add white wine. Top with soda to fill or taste. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Oaxaca Old Fashioned

Ingredients:

2 oz St.

Germain liqueur

3 oz sparkling wine

2 oz soda water

Celery rib and cucumber slice (lengthwise)

Ice

Method:

Fill a Collins glass with ice. Add St. Germain and stir to chill. Top with wine and then add soda. Stir gently to combine. Garnish with celery rib and length of cucumber.

Sugarplum Spritz

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp granulated sugar

4 oz plum wine (think Umeshu)

2 oz cherry syrup (think liquid from a jar of maraschino cherries)

1 oz fresh

squeezed lemon juice (keep wedges for rim)

Dash of bitters

8 oz Prosecco

2 plum slices

Method:

(serves 2)

Spread sugar on a shallow plate. After squeezing juice from the lemon wedges and reserving, run wedge around the lips of two tall glasses. Roll rims in sugar on a plate. In a cocktail shaker combine cherry syrup, lemon juice, plum wine, and dash of bitters. Fill a shaker with ice, cover, and vigorously shake until the outside of the shaker is frosty. Fill rimmed glasses with ice. Strain chilled mix into the two glasses. Top with Prosecco and garnish with plum slices.

Thunder Bay Repair Café

Saturday, July 20 @ 9:30 am - noon

Mary J.L. Black Library

Toss it? No Way!

Do you have a broken household item? Our volunteer Fixers will show you how to fix it for free! We accept small appliances, electronics, clothes, jewellery, computers and more. Thunder Bay Repair Café is always looking for Fixers to share their skills in helping to repair household items from the community.

Visit www.tbayrepaircafe.org to register and to volunteer.

Dawson General Store

Story and photo by Jack Barten

This great nation was built on the concept of the general store: one place where you can get everything you need to go out into the wilderness and make a name for yourself. And the best fuel for going out into the Canadian wilderness? Pizza. So it goes without saying the Dawson General pizza from the general store of the same name is a modern classic in the making.

First, this pizza is, in a genius way, inspired by Dawson General's own smash burger. With pizza sauce, mozzarella, ground beef, bacon, onion, pickles, aged cheddar, and a top-secret burger sauce, the pizza wonderfully emulates a smash burger while also carving out its own identity. When you are presented with the Dawson General pizza, you will be awestruck by the sheer magnitude

OFF THE MENU

of this pie. In the style of a New York pizza, it has large slices that folders will love, and crust enjoyers will savour. The crust brings a cornmeal bite and bready undertone that provides the perfect base for the discerning pizza aficionado. With the first bite, you’ll taste the secret burger sauce—a mythological secret at this point, the burger sauce is creamy, tangy, and just a bit addicting, uniting the flavours of every other topping and creating cohesion. The two cheeses present (cheddar and mozzarella) make this pie comfortfood certified, as the sharpness of the generously applied cheddar and the creaminess of the mozza reminds us what makes a good pizza: lots of cheese. The classic burger toppings—onion, pickles, bacon, and ground beef—echo the dish’s

origin, with the beef and bacon bringing a nice, hearty protein and bit of smokiness, and the onions and pickles bringing a freshness that cuts through some of the more decadent flavour combinations. With every topping, this pizza lives up to its namesake, perfectly echoing the smash burger for those of us who can’t decide what to have for dinner. Overall, the idea of a general store reminds us of a simpler time,

before innovation made everything just a bit more complicated. But what happens when a general store brings innovation to us? Well, you get the delicious fusion of pizza and burger that will have all of us driving up Dawson Road tonight.

Dawson General Store 3130 Dawson Road 807-767-8669

Growing Food and Community

By Kim McGibbon, Public Health Nutritionist, Thunder Bay District Health Unit

Have you ever watched a seed as it begins to sprout and taken the time to think about the possibilities of things to come? Seeds hold a lot of potential, both for growing food and for building community and food sovereignty. The Thunder Bay District Health Unit (TBDHU) has supported many Indigenous food sovereignty projects in recent years, notably through the Understanding Our Food Systems Project (UoFS).

Indigenous food sovereignty refers to the vision and practice of food systems that provide healthy, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable foods while ensuring communities can make decisions about how their food systems work. The ongoing impacts of settler colonialism have disrupted Indigenous food systems, contributing to the increased rates of food insecurity seen in Indigenous communities. The 2023 Community Food System Report Card, put together by the Thunder Bay + Area Food Strategy, recognizes that Indigenous food sovereignty is essential for the long-term health of our populations. Any solutions to address the root cause of food insecurity must go beyond charity and support Indigenous people to take back control of their food systems.

The UoFS project is a participatory, community-engaged, and action-focused project led by the TBDHU in partnership with 14 First Nations Communities in Northwestern Ontario. This project is part of the TBDHU’s efforts as a settler institution to support Indigenous people to lead the work that is meaningful to their communities, knowing that Indigenous food and seed sovereignty are necessary

conditions for healthy communities. The goal of the UoFS project is to support communities to determine their own food systems through community-led initiatives and projects. The present goals were developed through a community food sovereignty assessment in 2022, where over 150 community members—including traditional harvesters, fisher people, trappers, youth, elders, administrators, and

council members from nine of the 14 communities—gave their input on what would support their own food sovereignty work. Themes from this assessment included:

• Community workshops on food preparation

• Gardening and homesteading, including learning food preservation

• Education—opportunities for elementary and secondary students to gain knowledge on traditional foods and food sovereignty

• Community and youth involvement

Many of these objectives are further supported through a new project in our region. The Braiding Food Systems project, a collaboration between researchers from the University of Guelph and three First Nations communities in our district— Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert), Red Rock Indian Band, and Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay)—hopes to build and relocalize seed systems with a goal of promoting food security and food sovereignty. Working with seed producers, community growers, and university researchers, Indigenousproduced heritage and landrace seed varieties will be selected, grown, saved, and owned by communities, enhancing local capacity for food growing and processing.

Communities will build new raised garden beds, plant heritage and Indigenous seeds, and have the opportunity to learn and share about cooking and preserving the foods they grow with the help of the research team and a locally hired

 A group of University of Guelph researchers, community members, and Kim McGibbon building raised garden beds outside in Biinjitiwaabik Zaaging Anishinaabek (Rocky Bay)

 A group of University of Guelph researchers, community members, and Kim McGibbon building raised beds outside of their health centre in Netmizaaggamig Nishnaabeg (Pic Mobert)

garden steward. Project partners are excited to see the gardens growing and community members coming out to play in the soil, and to participate in cooking and preserving workshops alongside the hardworking gardeners.

The Understanding our Food Systems project is continuing to work on the themes from the community food sovereignty assessment and plans to roll out a curriculum document using the traditional harvesting resource (13 moons

calendar) for primary grade students in the fall. The UoFS team has also worked alongside a local artist Shelby Gagnon to create a colouring book highlighting foods from the land based on the 13 moons resource.

Tools will soon be available on the Understanding Our Food Systems website at understandingourfoodsystems. com.

2024 LINEUP

Aleksi Campagne, Connie Kaldor, Genevieve Racette, Ian Tamblyn, Irish Millie, JD Crosstown, Jada Siwak, John Muirhead, Just Prince, Lonesome Ace Stringband, Loughlin, Medusa, Noah Derksen, Sara Kae, Sophie Lukacs, The Bustle, The Janzen Boys, The Pairs

Weekend Passes

1 - Aug. 6

A Forager’s Walk

Boreal Museum Offers Guided Tours

Story and photos by Leah Morningstar

Recently I had the opportunity to join a lovely group of people for a guided tour through the woods and paths behind the former Lakehead Psychiatric Hospital (off Clarke Street). Our tour guide was Jason Feller, owner and proprietor of the Boreal Museum.

As a graduate of the biology and botany programs at Lakehead University, Feller learned so much about the natural world of Northwestern Ontario. During his studies, he learned a lot about edible plants, and he felt it was important to pass on that knowledge. During the pandemic, Feller began hosting foraging walks at the green space behind the LPH and the Tree Farm off 25th Side Road. The walks were initially well received and have only grown in popularity over the last few years.

When I arrived at Clarke Street with my date for the evening (hi Mom), we were greeted by Feller clutching his wicker basket full of foraging tools: scissors, a spade, and protective gloves. When the rest of the group arrived (about 15 people) Feller began the tour with a land acknowledgment followed by a brief talk about safety in the woods and how to sustainably harvest wild food. He told us that even though we’re beginners, we’ve likely already done some foraging, saying, “If you’ve picked a wild blueberry or raspberries from the back lane, then you’re already a forager!”

The walk itself took about an hour and we followed Feller along a path that cut through the fields and forested areas behind the LPH. It was a relatively easy hike (but possibly inaccessible to those with mobility issues) with frequent stops for Feller to point out plants and explain their names, origin, and uses. As someone who was born and raised in Thunder Bay, I wasn’t surprised to see crabapple trees, strawberry flowers, and plantain leaves, but there were

many fascinating surprises. For instance, I had no idea there was wild sarsaparilla growing in the area, and I had no idea the sarsaparilla root is where root beer comes from.

Feller is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic when speaking about edible plants in Northwestern Ontario—or as he calls it, “the breadbasket of the boreal forest.” It’s clear he’s passionate about the subject, and he encouraged everyone to ask a lot of questions. He’s tried just about every wild food imaginable and he relayed his personal experiences with harvesting and cooking foraged foods. He says his favourite wild foods to eat are porcini mushrooms (if he can find them before the bugs do), stinging nettle leaves (a good replacement for spinach but it must be cooked), and raspberry leaves (for making tea).

If being surrounded by nature and foraging for wild food is something that appeals to you, I’d recommend trying to get on board with one of Feller’s foraging walks. Wear long pants, long sleeves, and closed-toe shoes to protect yourself from ticks, don a hat to protect yourself from the sun, and bring bug spray. Ask lots of questions, take lots of pictures, and revel in the fact that you could potentially cook an entire meal from plants right in your own backyard. As Feller says, “There’s so much vitamin C in the boreal forest so there’s literally no excuse for getting scurvy.”

Foraging walks run until mid-September. Each walk is a little different as the plants all grow at different times. Follow Boreal Museum on Facebook or Instagram for upcoming tour dates and learn how to book tickets.

 Jason Feller, owner and proprietor of the Boreal Museum

 A wild strawberry plant

 Plantain leaves can be cooked like spinach or chard, but can also be used as a topical medicine for cuts and bites

A Farce and a Thriller

Grand Marais Summer Theatre Festival

By Taylor Onski

In 1971, a group of women wanted to start an initiative to help steer youth away from drugs and foster better connections between the youth and adults of Grand Marais. Today, their mentorship mission has blossomed into the Grand Marais Playhouse, now in its 52nd season producing community theatre.

“I’m passionate about theatre as an art form,” says Sue Hennessy, artistic and technical director of Grand Marais Playhouse. “It’s really fun to be in a darkened space and

connect with the story. Whether it’s a play or musical, it’s fun to share that with other people sitting around you.”

This summer, Hennessy chose the comedy Curtain Up! and the thriller I’ll Be Back Before Midnight from an in-town interest meeting in March. Curtain Up! is a comedy that follows five women who inherit an old theatre and try to save it, while navigating farcical chaos (and dance scenes) along the way. With four new faces to theatre as a whole,

this show promises laughter and hilarity, and unravels the true nature of how we can all be connected to just one person. I’ll Be Back Before Midnight is the story of Jan, who is staying at an old country farmhouse with her husband Greg following her nervous breakdown. But when George the farmer informs them that a ghost may or may not be lurking on the grounds, strange things begin to happen.

Run by volunteers and youth interns in all areas of theatre, the Summer Theatre Festival is truly a celebration of both theatre and the community that carries on the organization’s initial mission of building connections. “We have lots of fun both onstage and in the

audience,” says Hennessy. “That’s one of the benefits of community theatre. You may not be in the same social circles or whatever. But theatre is a nice way to get to know people in the community.”

Curtain Up! runs on July 18, 20, and 26 and August 1, 3, and 9 at 7 pm, and on July 28 and August 11 at 2 pm. I’ll Be Back Before Midnight runs July 21 at 2 pm, July 19, 25, and 27 and August 2, 8, and 10 at 7 pm, and August 4 at 3 pm. All performances are at the Arrowhead Center for the Arts. To purchase tickets, visit grandmaraisplayhouse.com.

gorgeous patio is ready for you!

55 South Cumberland Street (807) 344-6789

Open 7 days a week! Monday: 3pm - 9pm

Tuesday to Saturday: 12pm – 9pm Sunday: 12pm – 9pm

Our

 Shout! The Mod Musical

 Hamlet

Superior Theatre Festival

Planting the Seeds of Future Theatre

By Taylor Onski

While summer is often the season of festivals, this year Superior Theatre Festival got a head start in March, when they facilitated sold-out first looks of two original productions from Thunder Bay artists: Andrew Paulsen’s play You Paid For It; They’ll Pay For It, and Fae Alexander and Sara Kae’s musical Trading Places.

“It’s so valuable for the community to come together to support artists.

I love working with artists who are creating something new,” says Donna Marie Baratta, artistic and managing director of Superior Theatre Festival.

“Audiences were sticking around to chat after. They were excited by the prospect of these pieces moving onward and saying they were there when it was performed publicly for the first time.”

As for the summer, the festival will feature four singers performing songs

from Canadian songwriters such as Joni Mitchell and Sarah McLachlan in an intimate concert. Yet the positive reception of those original works by Thunder Bay artists inspired Baratta to find the festival’s niche and voice: help emerging artists create something new. Alongside the workshops featured at the festival, performing artists, musicians, singers, dancers, writers, and artists of all kinds are invited to the festival’s pitch event and ice cream social. The pitch event will offer the opportunity to have conversations with Superior Theatre Festival about an idea they are thinking of bringing to life and how to apply for money to do it.

The ice cream social will be another opportunity for artists to connect with one another and bounce ideas

off each other.

“We’re excited about new work and having the opportunity to help artists apply for money so they can be paid to do the creative work they need to do,” says Baretta. “The idea is to hopefully help support artists so their voices can get further past Thunder Bay and see their work be supported and nurtured in our community.”

Superior Theatre Festival runs from July 24–28 at various locations in Thunder Bay. To purchase tickets and for more information on the many events happening, visit superiortheatrefestival.com.

Canadian Films

By Michael Sobota

ATHE SECOND MOST PLEASURABLE THING WE DO IN THE DARK

A COLUMN ABOUT MOVIES

We don’t go to movies much anymore, do we, Grant? All those multiplexes showing American garbage.

Fiona (Julie Christie) to her husband Grant (Gordon Pinset) in Away From Her

t the end of May, the 2024 Canadian Screen Awards were given out, and one film—BlackBerry—won a record-breaking 14 awards. Also, in July we celebrate Canada Day, and however controversial it’s become, it is still our national holiday. So for this month’s column, I have curated a list of entirely Canadian movies. I started with 48 films to discuss and winnowed it down to what you see below, including that recent 14 Canadian Screen Award winner. Here are movies made by some of the most talented Canadian directors, writers, and actors (and a few of them are all three), all of them internationally renowned.

A History of Violence (2005)

David Cronenberg built his international career on creepy films full of sci-fi creatures, violence, and gore. In 2005, he transitioned to a realistic, family story, keeping a generous dose of violence throughout. The thing is, this is believable, grounded in both currency and relevance. Tom (Viggo Mortensen) and Edie (Maria Bello) are deeply loving parents with two kids. Tom has a dark past that we will gradually come to know. The villains in this story are Carl (a one-eyed Ed Harris) and Richie (William Hurt). Within the first 20 minutes of the film, Cronenberg ratchets up the tension and the anxiety (and violence) building toward a startling conclusion. The centrepiece in the story are two scenes between Mortensen and Bello, both taking place in the same stairwell in their home, one early in the film, the other nearer the end. The first is a mild encounter, the second is a brilliantly performed, intense, erotic scene of necessary release. I consider this one of Cronenberg’s best.

Away From Her (2006)

Sarah Polley was just 27 when she adapted Alice Munro’s short story, “The Bear Came Over the Mountain,” into this film script. She then assembled a stellar acting ensemble, including Julie Christie, Gordon Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis, and Michael Murphy. The resulting film would bring Christie an Oscar nomination for her performance and Polley’s first Oscar nomination as a screenwriter. This is a nearly perfect film, from the writing and the acting to the cinematography (by Luc Montpellier), and features a soundtrack that includes Neil Young, k.d. Lang, and Bach. The story is about two couples, Grant (Pinsent) and Fiona (Christie), and Marian (Dukakis) and Aubrey (Murphy). Each has a partner that has found their way into a long-term care home, where they slowly slide into dementia. It is a multi-layered story about joys and sorrows, about courage and vulnerability, and at its core it is one of the deepest love stories I have ever experienced in film. Amongst so many fine cinematic gifts from Polley, this may be her masterpiece.

Laurence Anyways (2012)

Written and directed by Xavier Dolan 12 years ago, the film still feels fresh and current. The story is about Laurence (Melvil Poupaud) and Fred (Suzanne Clément), passionate, edgy, artistic, and intelligent lovers. When Laurence discloses to Fred (in a car, while in a car wash) that he thinks he might be a woman, Fred immediately thinks he is gay and she spurns him. Laurence protests—he feels his body is transitioning, but his love for her is as deep as it has ever been. They separate, and the movie follows their lives over the next decade, as they are never able to fully disengage nor reignite their intimacy. The film features bright cinematography by Yves Bélanger and a throbbing pop musical score by Noia. It is a deeply affecting love story for our time.

BlackBerry (2023)

This record-breaking Canadian Screen Award winner—directed by Matt Johnson from a script he co-wrote with Matthew Miller, adapted from a book by Jacqui McNish and Sean Silcoff—is the story of the greatest tech company ever to emerge in Canada, its clumsy, halting, soaring rise to international popularity, and its equally dramatic crash. Superior nerds Mike Lazaridis (Jay Baruchel) and Doug Fregin (Matt Johnson) pitch their idea for a “new” hand-held phone to Jim Balsillie (Glenn Howerton, in a towering, energetic performance). The three of them go on to develop what will become the BlackBerry, the most successful smartphone in Canada’s history. Internecine struggles eventually break the partnership and collapse the company. The movie’s pace is thrilling and comedic. Its ending is somber and wounding. The villain, of course, is Steve Jobs, and the introduction of the iPhone. This is a smart Canadian story, beautifully made and told.

And here are six more Canadian cinematic gems worthy of your attention: Moonstruck (directed by Norman Jewison, 1987), Jesus of Montreal (directed by Denys Arcand, 1989), Zero Patience (directed by John Greyson, 1993), Fire, Earth, and Water (comprising a trilogy I am crediting as one accomplishment by director Deepa Mehta, 1996, 1998, and 2005), The Sweet Hereafter (directed by Atom Egoyan, 1997), and Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (directed by Zacharias Kunuk, 2001). There are so many, many more!

A THOUSAND WORDS

The Storyteller

Wanda Kabel of Sioux Narrows Captures the Magic of Northwestern Life in Photos

Story by Bonnie Schiedel, Photos and captions by Wanda Kabel

“

Ihonestly can’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in photography,” says Wanda Kabel, a photographer in Sioux Narrows on Lake of the Woods. That early interest was furthered at her Kenora junior high school, where her teacher Mr. Gray taught the class how to use 35mm cameras with interchangeable lenses and manual settings, and how to develop black and white film. While she adopted digital photography shortly after it became available, those analog skills continue to be valuable, she says. “I really am fascinated with astrophotography and night photography, and you need to be able to navigate that manual and more complex world of settings that cameras have in order to best capture darker settings at night.”

Because of her schedule— her job is CAO for the Township of Sioux NarrowsNestor Falls—Kabel puts her attention on night photography, as well as her weekend excursions with her parents and son on the lands and waters around Lake of the Woods. “I like to think of my body of work as my visual story. It’s a distillation of my family, the chaos of a busy life, the community, the landscape, the environment that surrounds me that largely focuses on the lakes and the forest and the sky and the people of the Lake of the Woods region,” she says. “It helps bring me clarity and to

remember moments, events, places, and people in my life.”

Photography has also connected Kabel with other female science enthusiasts and photographers. “We’ve always been here but it’s really nice to see an increasing awareness and recognition of very lovely examples of photography taken by women. There’s a definite emergence of diversity in the field, and I think it’s really encouraging and inspiring.”

For Kabel, whose ancestry is Anishinaabe, Métis, and northern European, the universal language of photography is exciting as well. “There are fewer barriers to storytelling through imagery— there’s not a language barrier,” she says. She points out that nearly everyone has hundreds of images that they carry around on smartphones. “It speaks to accessibility and universality, and there are more photographers producing more work and sharing on more platforms than at any other time. The accessibility of that has created innovation and is creating more photographers and larger audiences. I feel that inspires and challenges me to create more work and things that are more unique.”

To view more of Wanda Kabel’s work, visit @wandak on Instagram or wandakabelphotography. square.site.

 A rare super blue moon rising

 A tiny flower crab spider (Misumena vatia) on a flower

 Sunset and the aurora borealis at the beginning of a severe solar storm

Tech Specs

 Photographer Wanda Kabel

 Self-portrait during a G5 geomagnetic solar storm

 The Big Dipper

 Star trails and the moon reflected

 Pink moccasin flower (Cypripedium acaule)

 Purple marshlocks (Comarum palustre), found on a cranberry bog

 An example of the interesting shapes manifested by the aurora borealis, reflected on the calm waters of the lake

 The Sioux Narrows Bridge and aurora borealis

Camera:

Body: Nikon D850

Tripod: Slik Pro 700

Lenses: Sigma 14mm f1.8 DG HSM Art, Nikon 50mm f1.8 G, Sigma 150-600mm 5-6.3 DG HSM OS

Keep Yourself Alive

Debut Solo Exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery

By Tiffany Jarva

Ojibwe Woodland artist Jim Oskineegish finds a way to balance big and heavy themes with fun and lightness in his debut exhibition at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. A nod to the song by Queen, Keep Yourself Alive , curated by Caitlyn Bird, features 13 large-scale portraits inspired by Oskineegish’s heroes over the years: from pop culture icons like Jimi Hendrix and Evel Knievel to more personal heroes like his older brother and the doctor who performed surgery on him.

“Jim has created a love letter for each of these paintings,” explains curator Penelope Smart. “The show is very autobiographical, and you get an immediate sense of him. Some of the paintings are big and loud like 80s rock, and you can feel the energy. There is also a lot of trauma and sadness alongside the spirit and joy.”

Oskineegish is from Eabametoong First Nation. He studied visual arts at Lakehead University in the early 1990s. He shares his stories through his paintings, like the moment his brother spun a Queen album and he heard Freddie Mercury’s voice for the first time, stressing how pivotal and comforting music was for him growing up as a foster child experiencing loneliness and racism during the 60s Scoop. The show also includes an emotionally poignant portrait of his brother, who died tragically in a car accident. The painting features Oskineegish looking up at his brother immortalized as part of the night sky, marking a much larger spiritual presence.

“The paintings are

beautiful. No one has seen this series before—they have been in storage waiting to bring love and healing to people who see it,” says Smart.

Ahnisnabae Art Gallery’s owner Louise Thomas wholeheartedly agrees. “When I saw the hero series and heard what Jim went through as part of the 60s Scoop, and the abuse he suffered in foster homes, I knew deep down it should be a show, so I pushed for it. That was in 2013.”

Over 10 years in the making, and with support from traditional healing, the much anticipated show has come to light. “I know that there are a lot of people who have gone through what he has gone through, and I think this series can be part of others’ healing as well,” says Thomas.

In the 1970s, Thomas says that in addition to music, Oskineegish would turn to his favourite TV shows (a painting of an actor from Bonanza is also included in the series) during dark times, which helped him stay connected on a day-to-day basis. “I think many of us can relate to this type of connection,” explains Thomas. When Thomas opened her gallery, Oskineegish was one of her first painters featured, and he continues to be one of her best-selling artists.

Jim Oskineegish: Keep Yourself Alive exhibition features a series of 13 paintings from his Hero Series, and is part of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery’s Under the Sun: Summer Party. The show runs June 21–September 15.

 My Fairy King - Freddie Mercury

 Power of Soul - Jimi Hendrix Courtesy of the Ahnisnabae

 The Suffering

 My Hero - Robert Kowalow

Courtesy of the Ahnisnabae

Courtesy of the Ahnisnabae Art Gallery

The Beauty Spectrum

Celebrating Culture Through Makeup

Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photos by Bianca Gascoigne

Ilike to consider people living, breathing works of art,” says local makeup designer, artist, and photographer Bianca Gascoigne. Having built a reputation locally for beauty makeup applications, Gascoigne wanted to reinvent what work would look like for her this year, prompting her to embark on a year-long creative project that would allow her to delve into more experimental works on her favourite canvas—the human body—captured in a series of creative photographs.

Gascoigne’s project, which she’s completing under the working title Spectrum, involves the participation of volunteer models from varying cultural backgrounds to explore and showcase beauty from around the world through creative makeup application. The project is a combination of her lifelong interests, heritage, and skills. “My mom, she was originally born in Italy, so growing up I was pretty keen on learning more about my Italian roots,” Gascoigne says. “I was just always obsessed with travel and culture.” Over the last few years, Gascoigne also developed an interest and skill in photography and saw an opportunity to connect all this with the project. “I get to combine so many of my passions,” Gascoigne says of Spectrum. “There’s art, culture, beauty, and I get to capture it all on camera to share with everyone.”

The project began with a call for models on social media in late November of last year, which quickly generated a lot of excitement with her followers. “I was surprised, and blown away, and super thankful,” Gascoigne says of the overwhelming response to her call for models. “I actually had to cap it.” As of midJune, Spectrum is expected to include just over 20 models local to Thunder Bay who are first- or

second-generation Canadians from around the globe—South Korea, Chile, Germany, France, the Urhobo tribe in Delta State Nigeria, Syria, Colombia, Tunisia, Scotland, Venezuela, Sri Lanka, Denmark, Guatemala, and Vietnam–and who will undergo a transformation that reflects their culture and experience as an immigrant.

Gascoigne is aiming to have completed each makeup application by the end of the year—an ambitious goal given the time, research, and preparation she says is required for each model. She says she will share some behind the scenes looks at Spectrum on social media, but she plans to unveil the completed project at a gallery showing, which she is tentatively looking at scheduling early in the new year. “Aside from [showcasing] the diversity, it’s to teach people that makeup isn’t just for getting glam,” Gascoigne says of her intentions with Spectrum. “I want people to see that makeup is a creative outlet and a form of expression.”

Ultimately, Gascoigne intends for the exhibit to be a platform for representation and hopes that school boards may be interested in bringing their classes to see it. “Sometimes racism [...] begins in school and there’s bullying,” Gascoigne says. “I want [students] to see beauty and diversity and gain an appreciation for it and create a more comfortable environment for younger people who have immigrated to Thunder Bay.” So far, Gascoigne says she’s been very inspired by the stories shared by the models and looks forward to representing them with Spectrum. “I’m so honoured.”

For updates on the exhibit and to see behind the scenes previews of Spectrum as Gascoigne releases them, follow @biancaartistry on Instagram.

 Bianca Gascoigne, makeup designer, artist, and photographer

Karson Blackwood

Rosa Carlino

Kaitlin Roka

Coats of Distinction I and II

By Penelope Smart, Curator, Thunder Bay Art Gallery

Artist: Cathi Charles Wherry

Title: Coats of Distinction I and II

Date: 1993

Medium: Acrylic, plastic raincoat

Collection of the Thunder Bay Art Gallery, purchased with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance Program

This summer, encounter the poetry of rhyme, rhyme, and repetition in how to write a poem, curated by collections manager Meaghan Eley. Coats of Distinction I and II are plastic raincoats covered with intricate patterns reminiscent

of Anishinaabe beadwork. These wearable garments are exceptional fashion pieces in the collection, and with the unending 90s style craze, have an air of ultra-cool festival season attire. These hand-painted coats would make a splash at any not-tobe-missed summer event, especially when the forecast includes possible rain and thunderstorms.

Cathi Charles Wherry is Anishinaabekwe and a member of the Rama Mnjikaning First Nation, where her father was born. In all of her work, she enjoys an ever-growing understanding of the Anishinaabe sensibility that resides in her

FROM THE THUNDER BAY ART GALLERY’S COLLECTION

memory and bones. “By engaging in these quiet acts with full intention something is created from nothing. This intense, maybe even obsessive activity invests materials and objects with life and meaning, while at the same time answering a need within me,” Wherry says.

In addition to her work as a visual artist and arts administrator, Wherry is an arts educator and emerging writer. She has supported Aboriginal and First Nations artists and cultural workers through the development and delivery of arts funding, provision of resources and training, and advocacy on a regional and national level.

The exhibit how to write a poem: rhyme, rhythm, and repetition in the permanent collection is on view until September 15.

With notes from Meaghan Eley, collections manager.

The Casque Isles Trail

Story

Cand

photos by Deana Renaud

asque Isles is a picturesque trail that winds along the rugged northern shore of Lake Superior and offers a breathtaking tapestry of natural beauty. Towering cliffs, serene beaches, and dense forest frame each step, promising an unforgettable adventure. But nature's beauty often comes with unpredictability, as we discovered on our epic quest. This is the story of an audacious attempt to conquer the 53 kilometre Casque Isles trail in a single day, when the awe-inspiring landscape and nature’s raw power left an indelible mark on our spirits.

The day started on a cool July morning at Terrace Bay beach. The world was mostly dark, with a faint glow of orange on the horizon. My friend Tania and I were filled with nervous anticipation as our hiking boots crossed the threshold of our first kilometre to conquer the Casque Isles trail. Leaving our hesitation at the trailhead and with our headlamps lighting the way, we set off.

The Lyda Bay segment was first to face and in the early morning light, she was absolutely glorious. We crossed over secluded beaches in periwinkle twilight and made it to Lyda Bay lookout to watch the sun rise 200 feet above the big lake. We made

quick work out of the first segment in the golden glow of early morning and we were soon faced with our crux, Death Valley.

I was anticipating the challenge of the Death Valley segment with memories of the long rocky scrambles and the steep inclines up the tall ridges of the shoreline hills. Aside from being challenging, I would gamble to say that Death Valley is the most beautiful section of trail in Ontario. It has everything: white sand beaches, glorious lookouts, interesting lakeside terrain, everything to feed an adventurous soul. So we hiked, and we rocked it in record time.

We stopped for lunch at the beautiful Worthington Bay. With toes in the sand, we made a game plan for the next segment, Mount Gwynne. This segment starts with a steep, two-kilometre ascent and an optional 500-metre scramble to the summit. You just can’t do this segment without seeing the view from the top, so we left our day packs at the trail crossing and reached the summit with wide smiles and grateful hearts. Mount Gwynne feels like the top of the world in Northwestern Ontario—a 360-degree reminder of everything beautiful in our region. After a few pictures and expressions of gratitude,

 Deana and Tania at the 27 km marker

 Lyda Bay

we continued.

By the time we reached Schreiber Beach, the clouds overhead had become thick, and the wind had picked up. The Schreiber Channel segment is where I first remember feeling the physical impact of the day. My pace was getting slower, a dull ache had started in my joints, and my wet shoes were causing some ferocious blisters. But it was hard to focus on discomfort while hiking this beautiful segment of the trail. The shoreline of Superior was so glorious and welcoming, so I set my attention to focus on the magnificence around me and powered on.

Coming into Rainbow Falls campground, we were able to shake off our discomfort. It was replaced by excitement, as we had reached McLeans segment and the final leg of our journey.

But by the time we reached the Rossport highlands, the sky was completely dark, casting an ominous shadow over the landscape. The quiet rumble in the distance had become a booming roar and dread surged through me as the trail transformed into a battleground of the elements. Jagged bolts of lightning split the sky, illuminating the world in electric flashes so close that we could see vibrant exploding colour and smell the crisp scent of ozone tinged with a hint of sulfur. The rain beat down in relentless sheets, each dropping a hammer against the earth, turning trail to torrent. It was so dark and the rain was so intense that it was hard to see two steps ahead. Fear surged through us. The storm was unrelenting and terrifying—we

needed to get out. We weren’t going to finish the Casque Isles.

We swallowed our fear and in the midst of the chaotic symphony, pushed on to escape the madness around us. It was only by sheer luck that we were able to find an access point and get off the trail via Sox Lake Road.

We stumbled off the Casque Isles trail and onto Highway 17. Even with my legs trembling from exhaustion and my heart pounding from the relentless pursuit of the storm, a profound sense of defeat passed over me. Soaked to the bone, each droplet on my skin felt like a cold acknowledgement of my failure. We ended up logging 50 kilometres in total that day, but never did reach our destination of Rossport. Yet, amidst the disappointment, there was an undeniable sense of accomplishment and a humbling respect for the forces that had chased us away.

Though we didn’t complete Casque Isles in a day, we had pushed our bodies for 17 hours over tough terrain. We had faced the wild and felt its fury. In this fierce encounter, we were able to experience the magnificence, thrill, and delight of the amazing Casque Isles. Despite not reaching our goal destination, we certainly were able to develop a deep reverence for the journey—making every step, every explosion of lightning, and every blister earned worthwhile.

Play Hard, Reward Yourself

Dawson Trail Craft Brewery

By Sidney Ulakovic

Your next adventure is brewing! Your post-hike R&R absolutely calls for an ice-cold drink and something delicious to eat, so if you’re looking to refuel and unwind, look no further than Dawson Trail Craft Brewery. Located at 1181 Golf Links Road, Dawson Trail is one part brewery, one part eatery, one part arcade, and all parts fun. Their beer is brewed right here in TBay with local grain, fresh hops, and most importantly, love and care. Dawson Trail always has a wide selection of beers currently on

tap, from cream ale to witbier, so you’re sure to find something that tickles your fancy. Station 22 restaurant by Daytona’s is also located in the brewery and serves up pizza, wings, nachos, pretzels, and hot dogs—pretty much anything you’d want to wash down with a cold pint. Insider tip: Dawson Trail is dog-friendly, so if your furry friend joined you on the hike, you don’t have to bring them home before you hit the town to reward yourself. Cheers! This feature is proudly sponsored by Visit Thunder Bay.

 Schreiber channel

 Schreiber channel

 The view from atop of Mount Gwynne

Stuff We Like For Cowpokes

By Kelsey Raynard

Howdy, partner. It’s time to giddy up, buttercup, and get saddled up for a rootin’ tootin’ good time! All stereotypical cowboy slang aside, summertime means many of us are looking forward to kicking our feet up and blasting some country music during our well-earned vacation. If you plan on attending country night at your local bar, have tickets for Country on the Bay, or are just looking to embrace your country roots, here is Stuff We Like for Cowpokes (and you only have to read this list with a touch of sarcasm). Yee-haw!

1 Cowboy Boot Earrings

North Shore Jewelry northshorejewelry.ca

Even cowgirls get the blues… but jewelry always helps! These adorable cowboy boot earrings are made by North Shore Jewelry and are the perfect accessory for a night out on the town. They are available for preorder in black, silver, or gold, and you can choose between earring hook or “huggies” style backings.

$30–32

2 Cowboy Boots

Kakabeka Depot Express

100 Arthur Street West

These boots were made for walkin’— and ridin’, and workin’, and more. Ariat is an American brand of Western footwear and apparel known for their innovative craftsmanship that combines the classic Western style of a cowboy boot with modern athletic shoe technology. Available in both men’s and women’s styles, in a variety of designs.

$Various

3 Flannel Shirt & Hot Sauce

Heartbeat Hot Sauce heartbeathotsauce.com

What’s a cowboy without his plaid uniform? Spice up your wardrobe and your food with this collaboration between DIXXON and Heartbeat Hot Sauce. This flannel features Heartbeat Hot Sauce buttons, a hidden orange microfibre cloth for cleaning glasses or devices, and each purchase comes with a custom labelled bottle of red habanero hot sauce.

$79.99

4 Line Dancing Lessons

Kickin’ It Country with Lady T @kickinitcountrywithladyt

Get ready to boot scootin’ boogie with line dancing lessons with Lady T. Tricia DePiero (better known as Lady T) hosts fun and interactive line dancing lessons that are open to dancers of all skill levels, genders and abilities. Check out her Facebook or Instagram page for pricing and schedule of classes.

$Various

5 Jean Shorts

J.B. Evans

122 Frederica Street West

Did you know Levi’s invented the jean short (or legend has it)? Country night just isn’t complete without a pair of Daisy Dukes, and J.B. Evans carries Levi’s 501 Original Shorts: an iconic, slightly distressed, high-waisted style that hugs you in all the right places. Available in a variety of sizes and washes.

$88

6 Outlaw Mug

Oat Milk Lady oatmilklady.com

For all you gender-bending cowfolk out there, sip your morning coffee (or your moonshine—we don’t judge) from this awesome outlaw mug by Oat Milk Lady. This style is also printed on tanks, T-shirts, hoodies, hats and even magnets through Oat Milk Lady’s website. When it comes to dismantling the gender binary…we ride at dawn.

$22

7 Horseback Trail Ride

Whispered Dreams Ranch wdranch.ca

Looking for a genuine country experience? Look no further. Situated in the beautiful wilderness of Shabaqua, Whispered Dreams Ranch has countless miles of trails to explore on horseback. From wide logging roads with panoramic views to narrow forest paths, this is one adventure you won’t soon forget. For more information on rates (including overnight packages), check out their website. 1.5 hours/$50

8 Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé Sunrise Records 1000 Fort William Road

In case you’ve been living under a rock, Beyoncé has recently released her first-ever country album Cowboy Carter to rave reviews (from myself included). With not one but two interludes from Willie Nelson, features from iconic guests like Dolly Parton and Post Malone, and a genrebending tracklist like no other, Cowboy Carter has something for all listeners. $49.99

Tomorrow’s Voices Today

Youth-led Climate Workshops to Run This Summer

Story and photo by Matt Prokopchuk

Climate change really scares me,” Madelaine Beauparlant says. “It’s something that’s really terrifying.” The St. Ignatius High School student was one of about 10 people who gathered at Lakehead University in early June to start planning a series of youth-led and youth-focused gatherings to take place this summer. The goal is to engage more young people in environmentalism—particularly around climate action.

The initiative is under the auspices of the Northwest Climate Gathering, a group of local citizens from widespread backgrounds who are concerned about the environment and climate change; they organized their first meeting in late 2023 with plans to continue community engagement and environmental advocacy. Reaching more youth, in particular, about climate change, Beauparlant says, is paramount. “For us in our future generations, it’s going to affect us—it’s affecting us now [and] it’s going to continue to affect us.”

Grey Moskotaywenene, another one of the youth leaders at June’s meeting, agrees, and wants to take an active role in safeguarding the future. “I want to help take care of

[the planet] the best that I can,” Moskotaywenene says. “This is one of the opportunities that came up, and I got really excited to come here because I can share my ideas and points of view.”

Beauparlant, Moskotaywenene, and other local youth are not alone in their concerns. A survey released in early 2023 by Learning for a Sustainable Future, a York Universitybased environmental charity, found that students were the respondent group most likely to report feeling “anxious” or “frightened” about climate change (educators, parents, and the “general public” were the other categories). Additionally, research by Aynsley Klassen at Lakehead University found that people aged 15–24 who are involved in climate action routinely experience feelings around anxiety, loss, and grief. “We know this is an issue for youth globally; we know that it’s an issue for youth regionally,” says Keira Essex, a member of the Northwest Climate Gathering who is running the Youth Climate Leadership Initiative. “We’re really looking at how we can help youth to become empowered to take action, but also be part of the broader discussion and solutions.”

While the specifics of what each

workshop will entail had yet to be finalized in early June (organizers say the Northwest Climate Gathering website will have up-to-date information), Essex says the overall goal is clear. “Really, we’re looking at having some kind of open space for youth to drop in and do some workshops from local climate action leaders, and envision the future they want to see in Thunder Bay—but also, just to have other youth around them who care about climate change, or care about topics that are related to climate change,” she says.

“This is an opportunity for youth […] to share their thoughts,” Moskotaywenene adds. “My whole future’s built upon the Earth and climate change and what’s going to happen.”

To stay up to date about the youth summer gatherings or to get involved, visit nwclimategathering.ca or email nwclimategathering@gmail.com.

Some of the participants at the early-June meeting to start planning this summer’s youth climate action workshops

Ukrainian Matrix

The Culture is Alive and Thriving

By Stefan Huzan, Ukrainian Matrix Co-coordinator

in

A new exhibit at The Thunder Bay Museum is timely because it lets us see the beautiful artifacts and history of Thunder Bay Ukrainians, whose identity, homeland, and culture are at grave risk, as well as highlights stories of those who have come to Thunder Bay and area in the last two years, in refuge from the current war in

Ukraine. The exhibit opened on April 10, with Mayor Ken Boshcoff, himself of Ukrainian descent, cutting the ribbon at an opening event featuring the Zhuravli Ukrainian Folk Ensemble.

Amongst the many items on display, such as bandura (a 67-string balladeer’s instrument), rizba (handcarved wooden items), korovai (wedding bread), and vyshyvky (intricately embroidered textiles), are dozens of pysanky, which are gorgeous hand-drawn Ukrainian Easter eggs. Pysanky continue to be made locally, using traditional regional patterns. The designs stem from Bukovinia in the Carpathian foothills, across the steppes, past Kyiv and the Dnipro River eastward to Poltava and Chakiv—cities being bombed today.

Pysanky vary regionally, using old and new techniques; the most common is called a “batik method” or “wax-resist method,” using beeswax on the egg to preserve each layer of colour as it is progressively dyed darker. Once the colours have been applied, the wax is melted to reveal the beauty of the

art. The particular group of pysanky pictured here were made by Mia Huzan, a third-generation UkrainianCanadian who has been making them for over 25 years, learning the technique at a young age from her busha, Anna Huk. She enjoys designs featuring intricate detail and symmetry, constantly seeking out new techniques, patterns, and types of eggs to use. Huzan has been selling these for the past few years to raise money for Ukrainian humanitarian aid.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime display, because these beautiful, precious items have been generously loaned by local families—taken off the walls of their homes, out of heirloom chests, and in some cases directly out of their active wardrobes—specially for this exhibit.

For more information visit thunderbaymuseum.com.

Flight History

Summer Events Feature Restored Aircraft with Connections to NWO

By Kat Lyzun

The Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre is hosting two events this summer in honour of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) Centennial. The first, on July 6 and 7, invites the public to check out a vintage PBY-5A Canso at the Wasaya Airways hangar at Thunder Bay International Airport.

“This bird was built in Quebec in 1943 and served with the RCAF out of Newfoundland. It was involved in submarine hunting in the North Atlantic during WWII. [Cansos] were used to patrol the coasts for suspicious activities and accompany convoys across the ocean,” explains board member George Holborn.

After the war, the aircraft served for decades as a freighter and water bomber. In 2001, it sank in a lake east of Inuvik and was abandoned on the

shore due to the area’s remoteness.

Seven years later, through incredible logistical manoeuvring, it was rescued by Don Wieben (son of well-known local aviator Orville Wieben) and the Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society in Alberta, where it underwent a nine-year restoration under the guidance of Kenora’s Rollie Hammerstedt, an aircraft mechanic who worked on WWII-era Canso

planes. The pilot and crew will be onsite from 11 am to 4:30 pm each day to talk about the Canso’s epic story.

The second event will be on August 10 and 11, from 10 am to 5 pm, featuring four iconic yellow Harvards that were heavily used for advanced pilot training by the RCAF. Approximately 550 were built here at Canada Car and Foundry. John

Hill, retired commercial pilot and organizer of the event, is passionate about “bringing the Harvard home” and thrilled that one of the Harvards coming was built here in Fort William. Another holds a personal connection.

“My dad flew them for years as an instructor. In fact, one of these aircraft from the Canadian Harvard Aircraft Association is in my dad’s logbook, fin #242, and I will be going up in that airplane, the same one my dad flew in 1964,” he said.

Harvard flights have already sold out, but the event promises to appeal to anyone interested in aviation history. The aircraft will be stationed at the Air Bravo ramp on the north side of the airport, accessed via Derek Burney Drive. There will be parking available, and transportation provided to the ramp. In honour of the planes’ vintage, the event will have a 1940s/50s theme featuring swing music and classic vehicles, and visitors are encouraged to dress for the era.

Admission to the Canso event is by voluntary donation; admission to the Harvard event is $2 per person, or $5 per family. Visit noahc.org for details and follow the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre on Facebook for up-to-date information, including rain date info for the August event.

Photos courtesy of the Northwestern Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre

Definitely Superior Art Galler y, exhibiting a grand and glitzy new exhibition, featuring a ferocity of art - regional | national | international and more... delving into the visually dynamic contemporar y world of multi-disciplinar y art, and the Happening. that is the 36th Anniversar y of DefSup, comprising of 115+ contemporar y artists | per formers | music | dance | wearable art |catered refreshments | underscore... summer wildness. Ever ything is changing... nothing will be the same! N-Gage Art.

CANNABIS CORNER

M

JULY 12 - AUGUST

Versus Black Cherry Rapid Seltzer

By Justin Allec

Product: Versus Black Cherry Rapid Seltzer

Brand: Valens Agritech

THC: 10 mg

CBD: 0.99 mg

Plant type: Blend

Price: $5.75/355 ml

It’s a summer thing: I check in with what’s happening with cannabisinfused beverages and come away impressed with the developments. This year’s winners are easysipping seltzers from Versus, with three flavours available: blueberry pomegranate, key lime, and black cherry.

For testing and preference, I’ve leaned toward the black cherry and its mild taste, though they’re all delicious when chilled. If you’re into seltzers or sparkling waters at all—White Claw being the easiest comparison—you’ll find the same kind of beverage experience here, albeit with a cannabis rush. Lighter and less sugary than a soft drink, I found Versus seltzers didn’t sit and slosh in my stomach, which tends to happen with a lot of other carbonated beverages on hot days. Nope, instead it's easy enough to drink that one Versus could easily follow another.

Versus, a brand of Valens Agritech, handles the seltzer part but outsources the extract portion.

The cannabis infusion is courtesy of SōRSE, an industry leader in cannabis emulsion technology. Cannabis can’t simply be dumped into an edible product or else you’ll get that awful grass taste. Instead, the cannabis oil must be extracted from the plant material so that it can be enveloped in a water-compatible compound. Once it reaches this stage, the emulsion can easily be blended with the other ingredients for a shelf-stable product that provides a consistent dose.

The claim of “rapid” by Versus isn’t wrong; if you’re taking your time with one of these, you’ll be feeling the effects before you even finish the can. It’s about 10 minutes from consumption to onset, with the full range of effects lasting about an hour overall. One can is probably sufficient if you’re still planning on getting through the barbecue, but a few in a row would be best enjoyed around a bonfire with nowhere to go. Sadly, they aren’t available in sixpacks just yet. One aspect that might slow you down is the protective tab, which necessitates careful reading of the instructions before opening; it’s probably the most awkward system I’ve encountered yet with cannabis beverages, though it does mean you can re-seal the can once opened. Of course, that’s not really a concern with a drink this delicious.

When the Alexander Henry Came Home

Story

and photo by Elle

Andra-Warner, Board of Directors Executive, Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay

Back in June 2016, the newly incorporated Lakehead Transportation Museum Society (LTMS)—a.k.a. the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay—had a dream: to create a transportation museum to showcase the rich transportation history of the area. But how to start making the dream come true?

Coincidentally, in September 2016, news came that the former Canadian Coast Guard icebreaker, the Alexander Henry to be scrapped or sunk. LTMS set their goal to save it for the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay, and their campaign’s rally cry, “Bring clear, and strongly supported in the community.

The 60-metre-long Henry was built locally in 1957–58 at the former Port Arthur Shipbuilding Co. Ltd. Launched in July 1958, the following year it entered service as an icebreaker and buoy tender for the Canadian Government’s Department of Transport (DOT) Marine Service and in 1962 transferred to the then recently formed Canadian

the Henry was moved to the Transportation Museum waterfront site at Pool 6 pier at Marina Park.

On July 18, 2018, the Alexander Henry made Canadian history when she was the first CCG vessel to be re-dedicated and re-christened. And last year, Parks Canada designated the Alexander Henry as a National Historic Site, officially recognizing her historic signifwicance to Canadian history.

The Alexander Henry and the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay are open each year from midMay to mid-September for public and group tours, meetings, special occasions including weddings, anniversaries, corporate gettogethers, and more. They also host events like the Canadian Coast Guard and Marine Days in July and, in partnership with Our Kids Count, the annual Haunted Harbour at the Alexander Henry.

For more information, find the Transportation Museum of Thunder Bay on Facebook, visit tmtb.ca, or call 807-935-8974.

Keeping the Circle Strong

Thrifting for the Right Reasons at Community Clothing Assistance

Story by Michelle McChristie, Photos by Sidney Ulakovic

It takes a community to assist the community,” says Vishesh Nayyar, the general manager of Community Clothing Assistance (CCA). Nayyar has seen first hand how the charity has helped people, from students and homeowners on a tight budget to those who are unhoused and struggling to meet their basic needs.

In 2006, Brian Scott, with help from Mary Sorenson and David Andrews, founded the charity after a man froze to death on the steps of what is now home to CCA because he did not have warm clothing. The building housed a food bank at the time and Scott, as the landlord, responded to the tragedy with empathy and action. Eighteen years

community-supported clothing assistance programs.

“As we are a charity, we look to the community to recognize our unique mission,” says Nayyar. Their thrift store on May Street is distinct from the big box thrift store because they don’t charge tax, their prices are low, and their staff are a mix of paid employees and volunteers. They also have a unique approach for showcasing brand name, vintage, and trendier items with separate “boutique areas” in the store, and posting items for sale online on their Facebook page and Facebook Marketplace.

The boutique areas are often where staff look to help those who

refer clients to pick out three sets of clothes for each season at no cost—they can pick whatever they want, which helps destigmatize the process. Over 6,000 pieces of clothing are donated to individuals in need per month through this program, so your donations have a good chance of being donated as opposed to sold for a profit by a company with hundreds of locations

For Nayyar it’s important for people to know that “in a time of financial difficulties, a store, a charity, and not-for-profit clothing bank is needed more than ever before.” Because CCA, like the International Covenant on Economic, Social and

Cultural Rights, considers clothing to be a basic need, they sell clothes and household items at symbolic prices, which helps everyone. Their staff personify the definition of charity—humanitarians helping our community, one member at a time.

If you’d like to donate clothing or household items to CCA or shop for deals, visit them at 404 May Street North, or online at clothingassistance.com. Follow them on social media to find out about fundraising campaigns, sales, and events.

With Andrew Appelle

As told to Matt Prokopchuk, Photo by David N. Morgado

Filmmaker Andrew Appelle has taken a lifelong passion for creativity and turned it into a busy and successful career. Originally from Thunder Bay, Appelle has credits on numerous productions, including the pro wrestling docuseries Dark Side of the Ring, Nirvana the Band the Show, and many others. He’s currently a cinematographer on a remake of a Roger Corman film, Deathstalker. The Walleye spoke with Appelle about how he knew he wanted to be a filmmaker, the last movie he saw, and his perfect start to a day off.

The Walleye: How did you get involved in filmmaking in the first place?

Andrew Appelle: I’m lucky in that I pretty much knew since I was in grade seven this is what I want to do. When I was young, I really wanted to be an actor, so I did a lot of Magnus Theatre stuff and youth theatre in Thunder Bay. Any time my school had any kind of drama program, I’d spend most of my time there. In grade seven, I watched Raiders of the Lost Ark—it’s one of my favourite movies—and at

the end of the VHS tape, there was a “making of” documentary, and that was the moment I was like, oh, this is so amazing to understand that there are people making this. Watching that “making of” documentary I kinda saw all the pieces come together and I was like this is what I want to do; this is so cool. My brother also showed me Clerks, Evil Dead II, and Memento—I saw all of those around the same time and my whole brain kind of just lit up.

TW: Our July issue is our summer festivals and events issue. Do you have a particular summer festival memory?

AA: That’s a great question. I have very fond memories as a child of all of the Summer in the Parks events— very fond memories. It used to be at Waverley Park, that’s what I remember. Benny Birch’s Birthday Party, that was always very fun. They used to do these free live shows down at Yonge and Dundas here—I’m in Toronto now—and when I first came out here, I remember there was a live show and it was The Flaming Lips and it

was incredible. It was one of the craziest experiences of my life as a young person in a bigger city. It really wowed me in the sense of seeing how many people came to watch this show, not even knowing who was going to come out, and when The Flaming Lips came out, everyone just went insane.

TW: You’re a movie guy, so I have to ask this: what’s the last movie you saw?

AA: Last night, I just watched Godzilla Minus One , which was so cool. It’s on Netflix right now, I missed it in the theatre. It is so good; it’s a Japanese Godzilla film, and it’s very emotional. I was very moved by the movie—it’s great. It’s a period piece, set just post-World War II in Japan. So good, like really really good. Loved it.

TW: What’s on your music playlist these days?

AA: Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of early Alice Cooper, like Love It to Death. I really love that album; it’s great. And then, for more modern music, I’m really into a Toronto-based punk band called the Imploders that I really like. I’ve also got to shout out a friend of mine— actually we work together, we’re shooting Deathstalker in Sudbury, and one of the guys who works on

the show has a really amazing punk band. There’s two, there’s Strange Attractor and Tommy and the Commies, and they’re really great. I highly recommend everybody check them out, because they’re just really fun, classic, kick-ass punk music.

TW: What’s the perfect start to a day off?

AA: I know this because I had one yesterday, so I can almost go through exactly what that was like. It was really nice; I slept in, that’s huge for me on a day off. I’m not a morning person, which I’ve heard is a genetic thing, and I stick by that [laughs]. I am definitely a night person. I feel that I come awake at like 8 pm. So I wake up later, and then I get breakfast somewhere I enjoy, a nice diner somewhere, and then probably go to the gym and not feel rushed, not feel like I only have 40 minutes there. I have time to hang out there and really do what I need to do. And then probably either read something or write—one or the other—because I do like writing a lot as well, scripts and whatnot. And then either go to the movies or watch a movie.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity. To hear more, find the expanded interview on our Eye To Eye podcast on Spotify, iHeartRadio, and more.

EYE TO EYE

Anishinaabe Keeshigun

The Education Team Leader

By Taylor Onski

After working for many years as a park interpreter with Ontario Parks in southern Ontario, Lesley Ng made her way north to take on the role of education team leader at Fort William Historical Park. In this role, Ng spends a large part of her time planning and creating ways to share history with others. Often at the historic site with visitors, Ng is a go-to person for the various school groups, day camps, and visitors to the park. When she is not on site, she facilitates a team of educators over the spring/summer season.

“We all work towards delivering programs and learning about the fur trade history in order to share it with others, hoping they will appreciate and care about Fort William Historical Park,” says Ng. “This is a unique place to work, learn, and build skills— from leatherwork, [to] trying historic recipes, to calligraphy.”

As for Ng’s summer at the park, she will be busy with several day camps—living in the fur trade, skills of the fur trade, and animal and garden camps—and a young interpreter program designed for 12- to 14-year-olds, who will be mentored by current staff to develop and appreciate the history the site has to offer. “It’s rewarding to watch

our students grow over the summer,” says Ng. “Building relationships with our young visitors is meaningful. We see them leaving with smiles and excited to share their experiences with others.”

Alongside mentoring, Ng will also be helping with the park’s special events, such as Canada Day, Rendezvous, and Keeshigan.

Nevertheless, Ng’s passion for mentoring young historians and inviting visitors to this “hidden

BRIDGING THE PAST

treasure of history in Thunder Bay’s backyard” will be part of the community for a long time.

“Having the opportunity to help create memories with people by relaying information to visitors is my favourite part of being an education team leader,” says Ng. “I enjoy learning, exploring, and the challenges of making history relevant, and hope it resonates and makes an impact.”

For more information, visit fwhp.ca

What’s Old is New Again

SECOND CHANCES

Upcycled Vintage Candles with Old Flames

By Kelsey Raynard

The term "old flame" usually refers to a past lover, but in the case of this month's Second Chances feature, it takes on a new meaning. Old Flames is a local business upcycling vintage vessels into trendy, aromatic candles, giving these heirlooms a new lease on life (something your ex could only wish for!)

Lisa Dampier, owner of Old Flames, explains that this venture began after the loss of her father. “We were going through my father’s possessions and came across some of my grandma’s beautiful pieces; I tried to pass them along to my kids, and they didn’t really have an interest in them. I thought it was such a shame that she has all these amazing pieces that hold such sentimental value, and they were going to collect dust in a cupboard,” she says. “I thought, what if we turn them into something young people do value and use, and

will actually appreciate? And so, I started turning them into candles.”

From there, Dampier teamed up with her business partner, Natacha Colin, and Old Flames was born. All candles from Old Flames use soy wax, which burns longer and cleaner than other wax alternatives, explains Dampier. Using essential oils (which are pet-friendly), Old Flames now has eight custom blends, including their popular warm woodland scent (with warm, earthy notes of cedar and wood) and tropical breeze (a bright and fruity scent with notes of peach, coconut and patchouli).

You can also choose between classic cotton wicks or wooden wicks, which create a nice, crackling fire sound as they burn.

This month, we are featuring three wonderful smelling candles, each in their own unique vintage vessel. On the left, we have a crystal Glade & Star pattern berry bowl with

a wooden wick, scented with Old Flames’ beach vibes blend ($30). In the middle, we have an Indiana Glass Kings Crown colony blue thumbprint goblet, scented with tropical breeze ($35). Lastly, we have a Royal Albert teacup and saucer, scented with warm woodland blend ($20).

While any of these vintage treasures would make a great addition to your candle collection, Dampier emphasizes that they are always open for personal commissions. “If you have something that you want to use and appreciate again, this is a great way,” she says.

Old Flames candles are now stocked at Oliver Paipoonge Heritage Park (formerly Founders’ Museum & Pioneer Village) on Highway 61. Otherwise, follow @oldflamestbay on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date on their next local market appearance.

Rocking the Rez

Crossroad Concert Series Returns

By Sara Kae

Fort William First Nation musician and business owner

Stephane Lalonde is living a dream.“Anytime we can promote First Nations musicians alongside the Thunder Bay musicians, I seize the opportunity,” he says. “I’m all about it.”

There hasn’t been a dull moment for Lalonde during his last 14 months of business as the managing director of Crossroad Music on City Road. This isn’t his first time running a business—he is also the owner of Spearhead Smoke Shop, a tobacco shop on Fort William First Nation. Lalonde’s experience as both an active musician in three bands and a business owner made him

intrigued about bringing those two worlds together. He did some research and to the best of his knowledge they’re the first music store located on any First Nation territory. Lalonde saw this as a good opportunity to get the conversation going surrounding music on First Nations.

As soon as he opened the music shop, he knew wanted to expand to host live shows as well. The Crossroad Concert Series is now in its second year, and the stage has undergone updates to be able to host events rain or shine, he says. The Crossroad Concert Series has hosted many bands, including both Indigenous musicians from all over the region and local Thunder Bay musicians. The beginning of July is jam-packed, with Tommy Horricks and Echo on July 6, and Petty Thieves and Straight Up on July 13. The shows begin at 11 am and run until 6 pm.

The events are always free for anyone to attend, which is an important initiative for Lalonde. However, he does look for sponsors

to support the concerts, which he believes are beneficial for the overall community of Fort William First Nation and Thunder Bay. Lalonde says he doesn’t know where this will go, but doesn’t want to put perimeters on a positive message. “Let’s see how many other First Nations community members we can get as musicians to give them a platform,” says Lalonde.

The Crossroad team looks forward to hosting a car show with a $10,000 prize on July 27. The event will also have live music from Tin Pan Alley and The Sensational Hot Rods, followed by fireworks in the evening, weather permitting. Lalonde is optimistic about the potential of Crossroad Music and shares that the store is always tax free, status or not.

For more information, visit rockingtherez.ca or find them on Facebook @crossroadmusic.

Hard Copy

Free Fallin

Tom Petty Tribute Band to Play Grand Portage

By Kris Ketonen

From the sound to the costumes, the members of Free Fallin, The Tom Petty Concert Experience work hard to keep everything authentic. “That’s what we've tried to portray with this band,” drummer and band manager Mark Larsen says. “If you come to a Free Fallin show, you swear to god you’re at a Tom Petty concert. [...] We get that all the time.”

The band has been performing together for nearly 20 years, Larsen says, and has built up a strong following recreating the songs of Petty, who passed away in 2017. The reason is simple, Larsen says: Petty’s music is universal.

“We're starting to see a younger demographic coming to our shows,” he says. “I go up to the merch table after the show and talk to people, and they go ‘my god, you know, I grew up listening to this. My mom had it on all the time, and I never got to see him live and I'm so glad you guys you're doing what you're doing.’”

Free Fallin has recreated the Tom Petty experience so well, in fact, the band played at a birthday celebration thrown

for Petty in Florida in 2018, the year after the singer’s death.

“We got invited down to be the spotlight performer,” Larsen says. “That was quite amazing—like 26,000 people showed up.”

The crowd included members of Mudcrutch, Petty’s band before the Heartbreakers, and some of Petty’s family members. And what about Petty himself? Did he ever check out a Free Fallin performance? “Early on, we played a Tom Petty concert post-party in Minneapolis,” Larsen says. “We got hired to play at an outdoor thing that was in the summertime, and apparently Tom came by to hear us.”

“He signed our guest book, or somebody [named Tom] signed our guest book,” he says. “I believe it was him.”

Free Fallin, The Tom Petty Concert Experience plays Grand Portage Lodge and Casino on July 6. For more information, visit freefallin.us.

Down with

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Four Great Summer Albums

By Gord Ellis

SBURNING TO THE SKY

ummer is a time to enjoy the finer things that Northwestern Ontario has to offer, including tenting, boating, fishing, and maybe some lazy days at camp around the fire. Summer is also a time when music plays a special role in creating memories. Here are four great albums that make summer a little better.

Bruce Springsteen Born in the USA

When Born in the USA was released on June 5,1984, Bruce Springsteen was already a bonafide star. He had Born to Run, Darkness on the Edge of Town, and his true breakout album, The River under his belt. Yet no one could have expected what a monster hit this album was going to be. It kicked off with “Dancing in the Dark,” a rocking dance track with a synth hook and significant production sheen. The video, which featured a smiling Springsteen dancing with a young Courtney Cox, played regularly on MTV. The album produced seven radio hits, including “Glory Days” and the anthemic title cut, and launched the Boss into superstardom. Born in the USA was the backdrop to many summer beach parties in the mid-1980s and still sounds good 40 years later.

The Killers Hot Fuss

Hot Fuss was released in June of 2004, and was launched by the incredibly successful single “Mr. Brightside.” The Killers is an American band, fronted by singer/ songwriter Brandon Flowers. The band and Flowers drew from a variety of punk and new wave influences, but also an equal dose of David Bowie, Queen and, yes, Bruce Springsteen. Hot Fuss is a perfect summer album, featuring well written rock/pop songs that jump out of a car or Bluetooth speaker. Besides “Mr. Brightside,” the other Hot Fuss hits include “Somebody Told Me,” “All These Things That I’ve Done,” and the euro-pop sounding “Smile Like You Mean It.” You could do worse than play this one at camp.

Liz Phair Exile in Guyville

Although this album is probably the least commercially successful of the albums on this list, the music has stood the test of time. Released in June of 1993 (do you see a pattern emerging?) Exile in Guyville was an instant critical darling, embraced by college radio, music critics, and disenfranchised rock lovers alike. There was something raw and real in Phair’s wavering, schoolgirl voice and bare-bones songwriting, and the album hung together seamlessly. Exile in Guyville also got a parental warning due to the sometimes graphic nature of Phair’s subject matter. Recorded with remarkably little studio shine, the album still pops out of the speakers and is a joy to listen to driving down a highway with the windows open. Standout cuts include “Divorce Song,” “StratfordOn-Guy,” and the nearly-hit “Never Said Nothing.”

Prince & the Revolution Purple Rain

If you need further proof that 1984 was a good year for summer music albums, consider that both Born in the USA and Purple Rain were released within weeks (June again!). Prince had already been making waves in the music industry by this time, and his album 1999 had been a hit. But Purple Rain was a whole other level. The soundtrack to his extraordinarily successful (and semi-autobiographical) movie of the same name, Purple Rain would become something of a greatest hits album for the Purple One. The album delivered the techno blues radio hit “When Doves Cry” but then blew the doors off with the funky jam “I Would Die 4 U,” the raunchy and sexy “Darling Nikki,” and the breakneck “Let’s Go Crazy.” However, time stood still when the title track came on. Part confession, part testimonial, “Purple Rain” stood out from everything and everyone with its gospel feel, soulful chord progression, and impassioned vocals. And to top it all off, the song ended with Prince showing off guitar chops that would have made Jimi Hendrix proud. It’s no wonder that Prince ended nearly every live show he ever did with this classic song. It’s hard to imagine a better summer album on a hot August evening than Purple Rain. It’s a timeless classic pop/rock classic.

Live on the Waterfront

Marina Park Concert Series Returns This Month

By Kris Ketonen

Thunder Bay’s popular free summer concert series will once again bring a mix of musical genres to the Marina Park stage this year. The 2024 edition of Live on the Waterfront debuts on July 17, with weekly performances running through to the end of August.

“It’s super fun and inviting,” says Louisa Costanzo, the city’s supervisor of cultural development, community programming, and events. “Everyone is welcome.”

There are three performances a night, with 6, 7 and 8 pm starts, but music isn’t all that’s on offer. “There’s a lot of community groups, activities, food vendors,” Costanzo says, adding the city tries to “bring in acts that will be engaging and diverse and have different genres of music. [...] It's basically a night out listening to music in a beautiful setting.”

This year’s lineup includes plenty of Thunder Bay talent, with performances by the Lockyer Boys, stardrop, the Sensational Hot Rods, Cold Lake Sun, Sara Kae, and

Chris Talarico on the schedule. But there are plenty of award-winning performers from elsewhere in Canada, as well, Costanzo says.

“Julian Taylor is going to be here this summer,” she says. “Boy Golden is going to be here this summer. The Pursuit of Happiness.”

Other Canadian performers include Daniel Romano’s Outfit, Jessica Sole, Jonny Lee, and Alysha Brilla. The summer concert series will wrap up with a performance by Choir Revolution, Costanzo says.

“It’s just about bringing people together,” she says. “That's what all these events are about. They’re just bringing people together being with each other again—especially after the last couple years—and just enjoying music.”

Costanzo states Live on the Waterfront—which is regularly named one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals—is also helping grow the city’s tourism sector. “It brings people to our community,” she says. “People who are visiting might stay longer, or come and check it out, so I think that has a positive economic impact

For more information, search Live on the Waterfront at thunderbay.ca. on the city as well. [...] So it's kind of a mix of everything.” Live on the Waterfront starts on July 17. Admission is free.

Theatre Romeo & Juliet

William Shakespeare’s

Directed by Andrew Cecon

Paint the Pub Pink

PINK IVY Debut at Black Pirates Pub

Story by Sidney Ulakovic, Photo courtesy of Hanna Koester

As a pillar of Thunder Bay’s alternative music scene, Black Pirates Pub is the place where many local artists got their start, which is why it just made sense for altpop artist PINK IVY to celebrate the release of her debut EP, Mourn Me, with her first-ever official performance on the pub’s stage this past June.

Dogget Experience, and V. Pop-punk act LYNXXY started things off with a loud, high-energy performance, breaking the ice and further sparking the electricity in the venue before The Dogget Experience took the stage for an acoustic set, both acts delivering introspective shows suiting the occasion. V’s pole dancing performance was incredibly acrobatic; the effortless combination of strength, flexibility, and artistry in their movement was highly impressive and evocative, resulting in a display equal parts sexy and sad—the perfect preface to PINK IVY.

PINK IVY’s set started at midnight, a befitting time to soak in an hour of confessional songs that go hand in hand with some late-night reflection. She opened with the song “Blurred,” its atmospheric instrumental introduction making for a grand welcoming to the stage that contrasted her being up there unaccompanied. PINK IVY played a mix of old, new, and even an unreleased song, “Waves,” which was

so well received by the crowd that she ended up performing it twice. Overall, PINK IVY’s performance had a relaxed, stripped-back vibe, which paid off in the sense of added sincerity to the lyrical content of her songs. The decision to forgo flashy visuals and the way she interacted with the crowd ultimately had the effect of feeling like you were hanging out with her, which simply put, was very cool.

The audience's enthusiasm continued to grow along with her comfort on stage, and as the crowd sang along to their favourite songs, you could tell that PINK IVY was having just as much fun as they were. The performance, both a celebration of her achievement and a chance to expand her aesthetics to the stage, was a success. I don’t think I’m alone in saying that I’m looking forward to future shows, and I’m humbly asking that “Waves” be released on streaming platforms ASAP so it can be my song of the summer. Pretty please.

SUPPORTING THEBLUES

Black Pirates made for an if you know, you know type of feeling as fans and friends settled close to the stage, tables filled up further into the pub, and a sense of anticipation built in the room to see this up-and-coming artist at work.

The evening included supporting performances from LYNXXY, The

Since 1998! THUNDERBAY

TIMELESS

Kaytranada

On this aptly titled third studio album, Kaytranada demonstrates his own timelessness with a celebration of music past, present, and future. Through an eclectic collection of samples primarily from the 70s, 80s, and early 2000s, TIMELESS honours these nostalgic textures without coming off as derivative or dated in the slightest. Instead, Kaytranada breathes new life into each reference with help from a stellar lineup of guest performers, including huge names like Childish Gambino and PinkPantheress. While some features complement the album’s nostalgic flair, others bring a contrasting energy that makes for some captivating juxtapositions— the most notable examples of each being Durand Bernarr’s soulful vocals on the disco-driven “Weird,” and Ravyn Lenae’s Y2Kreminiscent R&B vocal performance on the synthpop inspired “Video,” respectively. Although the album’s hour-and-three-minute runtime might feel tiring for some, if you’re anything like me and you adore a charismatic feature wrapped in a slick Kaytranada beat, then expect this release to feel truly timeless.

-Melanie Larson

Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now

Donovan Woods

If you’re looking for an album to help you chill out and unwind this summer, look no further. Canadian singer-songwriter Donovan Woods has released his seventh studio album, Things Were Never Good If They’re Not Good Now. This album is a wonderfully mellow blend of indie, folk, and country, and his lyrics offer an intimate, honest, and unflinching look into the universal experience of returning to one’s hometown. If you haven’t heard of Woods, imagine the vulnerable storytelling of City and Colour crossed with the soft acoustic musings of John Mayer. Opening track “Rosemary,” featuring Connor Seidel, sets the tone for this emotive and gentle album, while later tracks like “It's Been Like That For a While” and “Back for the Funeral” offer a more melancholic vibe. Lyrics “I arrive with all the trappings of myself” showcase exactly what this album does: provides listeners with a delicate introspection of life, loss, and the liminal spaces in between

-Kelsey Raynard

Born in the Wild Tems

There’s a number of emerging artists that have signaled a mass appetite for Afropop never seen before in the mainstream. The easy, smooth, catchy sound of Afropop gives a cold generation a warmer place to escape to, and Lagos-born Tems certainly meets the criteria with her sound. After “Essence” became the first Nigerian song in history to chart on the Billboard Hot 100, Tems’s impact felt inevitable. Her talent as a vocalist is undeniable, and her brand of Afropop seems to support her star power. Her debut album, Born in the Wild, checks yet another box in the making of a global pop star. Steered by lead single “Love Me JeJe,” there’s a breeziness to the album that bridges the gap between listener and this world-class talent. Tems may not be a finished product, and Born in the Wild isn’t the best she will have to offer. But it’s certainly an impressive debut for an artist who only started making music full time in 2018.

-Michael Charlebois

Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra

Joe Bonamassa

Joe Bonamassa is among the most malleable of contemporary artists, and his latest musical excursion is a gutbucket gig captured vividly on Live at the Hollywood Bowl with Orchestra. The combination of a four-piece band and a 40-piece orchestra supporting a blues-rock master meshes surprisingly well. Ranging from hefty to heavenly, the orchestral arrangements add tonal depth and dynamic majesty without cramping Bonamassa’s wide-ranging style. The result brings a welcomed freshness that elevates fan-favorites like “Ball Peen Hammer” and “If Heartaches Were Nickels.” For me, the two standout tracks are covers, both dating from 1978. Originally sung by Barbra Streisand, “Prisoner” is the poignant outpouring of someone under the spell and thrall of another. Bonamassa’s fretwork here is riveting, one of his best solos ever. On “Sloe Gin”, the concert closer, Bonamassa and company nail the emotional anguish of Tim Curry’s masterpiece of heartache and loneliness. This is another tour-de-force performance from Joe Bonamassa.

-Ken Wright

Kam Theatre Lab: The Old Same Story

Paula Thiessen

It’s said that a good documentary goes beyond a topic to tell a story, and Kam Theatre Lab: The Old Same Story does just that. Based in Thunder Bay, the Kam Theatre Lab was a touring theatre collective from 1974 to 1989 that combined performance with social commentary. With B-roll consisting of rich archival footage and photos juxtaposed with candid interviews from former members, the documentary chronicles the theatre collective’s inception to its disbandment. One of the most compelling elements of Kam Theatre Lab: The Old Same Story is that it doesn’t just tell the story of the collective and its members, but it also insightfully explores the artistic scene and political climate in Northwestern Ontario during this period. Compelling and impactful, Kam Theatre Lab: The Old Same Story will resonate not only with NWO residents or those involved in theatre, but with a wider audience as well.

-Adrian Lysenko

Wild Boys

Sam Mullins

It’s summer of 2003 in the unassuming city of Vernon, B.C. when two mysterious and decidedly thin boys appeared from the bush with no parents, no identification, and only a keen interest in going to the local store to buy lots of fruit. Quite naturally, the people of Vernon, although puzzled, rallied together with food, clothing, and accommodation to help these boys feel more welcome—especially after hearing that they were kicked out of their off-the-grid home by parents who refused any further contact. Or did they? Mullins (who was a teen in Vernon at the time) is an outstanding storyteller and reporter who cleverly manages to keep the nonsensical chatter at bay. As the story quickly begins to unravel, listeners learn of an eating disorder, strange conspiracies, and a privileged lifestyle that produced the complicated undercurrent that swept these boys away. A fascinating eye-opener, this podcast is a must-listen.

-Andrea Lysenko

Legends and Lattes

Travis Baldree

A light summer read I’ve been looking forward to for a while now has been Travis Baldree’s Legends and Lattes. You can borrow it on CloudLibrary—it’s perfect for loading up on your e-reader and heading to camp. Though the book came out in 2022 and its prequel in 2023, my to-read list is long and I’m just getting around to it. The novel is a delightful look into the life of an orc named Viv, and her departure from the world of adventure and violence. Viv puts down her blade in favour of coffee beans and a simple life. The book screams “Dungeons and Dragons NPC backstory” with low-stakes conflict, interesting characters of all kinds, and a budding romance. For fantasy lovers, this may be a welcome break from tension-filled narratives with maps, complicated names, and difficult-to-pronounce spells. I’m looking forward to reading the prequel next!

-Nicole Koroscil

Big Mall

Kate Black

It’s not surprising that the author of Big Mall, who grew up in the shadow of the West Edmonton Mall when it was the largest in the world, would eventually write this book. She imagined it would be fun to chronicle her childhood experience, but her research led to a deeper dive into the story of the rise and fall of shopping malls. The concept of the shopping mall was the dream of creator and socialist Victor Gruen, who imagined how it would free people from the chore of shopping as a new place of leisure and camaraderie. Black traces the history of the shopping mall from the glory days in the 80s to the current, sad YouTube video tours depicting empty, decaying spaces. She posits that the rise and fall of the mall is “not just a metaphor for the neo-liberal American dream—it is a manifestation of its policies,” and points out that Gruen himself disowned his utopian dream. The book takes you through fascinating side stories about wild animals who lived in malls, as well as crime, drug use, and vandalism, and the Vegas-like excesses of indoor ski hills in a mall in Dubai and West Edmonton’s World Waterpark and roller coasters. Big Mall is a compelling postmortem on the mall experience, packed with quotes from sociologists and artists and evincing deep research, while still maintaining a conversational tone marked by personal memories, warmth, and humour. It’s a unique book on a rarely covered topic.

-Angela Meady

The Lodge at Red Rock

By Courtney Turner

In 1936, the Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Company purchased a plot of land in Red Rock, Ontario. The company had ambitious plans to clear and develop the land for a pulp and paper mill. Not only did Lake Sulphite Pulp and Paper Company aim to build a mill, but plans were also drawn up to develop a bustling town centre and the services needed to support the mill operations. In 1937, construction started with bunkhouses, which were used as

temporary housing for the workers.

That same year, local timbers were harvested for the erection of a log cabin dubbed the Quebec Lodge.

The Quebec Lodge was established to serve as a private corporate retreat and as accommodations for company officials for the pulp and paper mill.

The original construction cost of the lodge was reportedly $50,000 (which is roughly the equivalent of $1 million dollars today). When the Lake Sulphite

Pulp and Paper Company entered receivership in 1938, construction on the mill and the town came to a grinding halt. It was not until the mid-1940s that construction of the mill was completed under new ownership.

For many years, the Quebec Lodge remained an operational private facility, then a bed and breakfast and fishing lodge open to the public. When it was purchased by new owners in January 2024 it got a new name: The Lodge. The log cabin has seen a few updates, including a modern kitchen, but the charm and structure of the building

remain firmly intact.

Situated on Nipigon Bay, The Lodge is nestled on the hillside among the trees above Lake Superior, offering quick access to spectacular views, hiking, birdwatching, and fishing. The log cabin boasts an impressive 4,000 square feet, with several unique rooms for guests to enjoy during their stay. One of the most eyecatching features is the massive stone fireplace that can be found in the central living room. I wonder how many tales of the fish that got away have been told sitting in front of that fireplace?

Courtney Turner is a member of the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises city council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites, and resources, and their integration into development. For more information on the city’s heritage resources, visit thunderbay.ca.

A Family of Firefighters

Story by Leah Morningstar, Photos courtesy of Wendy Ligate

Tattoo by Kaylie Matson of Next Level Tattoos and Alyssa Hay of Temptress Tattoo

While growing up, Wendy Ligate heard many stories about her great-grandfather the firefighter. He was one of the very first firefighters in Port Arthur, back when pumper cars were pulled by horses. Ligate was proud of her great-grandfather, knowing how hard he worked for his city. At the time, however, she had no idea just how important the firefighting legacy would become to her or that she’d one day be honouring that legacy with a tattoo. Fast-forward from childhood to 2010. Ligate was a busy single mom when she met her now husband, Kris Ligate. She was surprised when she learned that not only was he a firefighter, but his father and greatgrandfather were firefighters too. What’s more, Kris’s great-grandfather was one of the first firefighters in Fort William. Kris actually followed in his father’s and great-grandfather’s footsteps at a very young age: he started volunteering for the Neebing Fire/Rescue Association when he was only 12 years old, and he’s been there ever since.

Shortly before their 2012 wedding, Wendy decided to join Kris as a volunteer firefighter. “Kris was so busy with his work at the fire hall and I was so busy with my full-time job and my kids. I realized that if I wanted to spend more time with him, I was going to have to just get involved.” And get involved she did. Over the

last dozen years, she has dedicated herself to working hard for the Neebing Fire/Rescue Association. She’s worked in many capacities as a volunteer, including driving the first response vehicles, putting out fires, and working as a trainer and facilitator, passing on her knowledge to new volunteers and firefighters.

Shortly after joining the Neebing Fire/Rescue Association, Wendy decided to add to her growing tattoo collection with something honouring the firefighters in her life. The tattoo shop where she went doesn’t exist anymore, but the artists who worked on her back were Kaylie Matson, now of Next Level Tattoos, and Alyssa Hay, now of Temptress Tattoo. “I wanted to honour my great-grandfather and his early contributions to Port Arthur, but this tattoo also honours my husband and his relatives. And it shows the pride I take in what I do and how hard I work.”

Wendy acknowledges that the life of a firefighter isn’t for everyone. The hours are long, the work can be exhausting and dangerous, and sometimes it’s really hard to be at the fire hall away from family and friends. But it’s incredibly rewarding to give your time to an organization dedicated to helping others. Small communities often depend on volunteers, and she and her husband have given so much back to their community and have no plans of retiring any time soon. This tattoo is a daily reminder of hard work, dedication, and the joining of two families with a powerful legacy.

FRIDAYS

June

Wendy Ligate and her grandson Leon

70 Years of Conservation

Lakehead Region Conservation Authority Celebrates Milestone

Story by Adrian Lysenko, Photos courtesy of Ryan Mackett, Lakehead Region Conservation Authority

This year, the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority (LRCA) is celebrating a huge milestone as the community-based environmental agency turns 70. Originally established as the Neebing Valley Conservation Authority, the LRCA delivers programs and services that further the conservation, restoration, development, and management of natural resources in the Lakehead Watershed.

“It's not an easy answer to say, ‘oh, conservation authorities do this because there’s so many things we do,’” says Ryan Mackett, communications manager for LRCA. “You might know of us because you go to Cascades [...] you might not know that we also have the ability to maybe tell you you can or can’t build your house where you want to on your property. And so you’ve got this whole other demographic of people who only know about conservation authorities because of some type of regulations-based function of what we do.”

Since its inception, one of the crowning achievements of the LRCA has been the construction of the Neebing-McIntyre Floodway, which provides flood protection to the Lower Neebing River and Intercity area. “The term ‘engineering marvel’ has been thrown around for several years, decades, even in terms of what it is, what its function is, and what it does,” Mackett says. The floodway was completed in 1984 by the Lakehead Region Conservation Authority with a final cost of $15 million. “So the project came in early and under budget, which never happens.”

“In terms of other sorts of milestones or real achievements that we're proud of, I mean, our conservation areas are the feather in our caps, if you will,” he says. “Depending on how you want to

look at it, Cascades is probably the most well-used conservation area and well-known conservation area. Mission Island Marsh as well.”

Other than Cascades and Mission Island Marsh, LRCA’s conservation areas include Cedar Falls, Hazelwood Lake, Hurkett Cove, Little Trout Bay, MacKenzie Point, Mills Block Forest, Silver Harbour, and Wishart.

As for what the next 70 years hold for LRCA, Mackett says they must continue to adapt. “Climate change is a big factor in how we pivot and adjust and continue forward. Having a vision and a mission like we do, it's very clear that our organization is committed to ensuring that our region, that our watershed is protected and conserved and around for people to enjoy,” he says. “We take for granted up here how much green space we have around us and that’s a huge difference between us and some of the southern authorities.”

To celebrate its 70th anniversary, on July 18 from 3 to 8 pm, LRCA will hold a birthday party at its office and grounds, where Science North, Ontario Nature, EcoSuperior, Thunder Bay Field Naturalists, and other organizations will be in attendance.

“We're going to have a falconry demonstration from the Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue, cupcakes, and a food truck—I think Beefcakes Burgers food truck is scheduled to be here— and just all kinds of different activities,” Mackett says. “We’re really excited about celebrating with like-minded organizations that have been there for us over the years and who share in our vision and mission.”

For more information, visit lakeheadca.com.

 Sleeping Giant at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area

 Roaring waters at Cascades Conservation Area

 Young deer at Mission Island Marsh Conservation Area

Innovate and Inspire

The Power of Going Green at Your Festival

By Amy Ryan, Communications Coordinator, EcoSuperior

Imagine hosting a festival where every element, from the stage to the food, celebrates not only the joy of the event but also the beauty and preservation of our planet. Embracing sustainability in your festivals and events is more than a trend—it's an important step toward ensuring that the environments we cherish remain vibrant and healthy for generations to come. Going green can enhance the experience for everyone involved, making your event an inspirational example of how fun and responsibility can go hand in hand.

The impact of festivals on the environment can be substantial, but with a few thoughtful adjustments, you can turn your event into a model of sustainability. Start with waste management by encouraging recycling. Providing clearly labelled bins for different types of waste helps attendees dispose of items correctly, significantly reducing what ends up in the landfill. Consider partnering with vendors who use compostable or reusable materials, which can drastically cut down on waste. Take this a step further by requesting a menu with a wide variety of finger foods to reduce the need for packaging and utensils. Serving condiments in bulk dispensers also reduces small pieces of trash that are easily littered.

Water conservation is another important consideration. Installing water refill stations can discourage the use of single-use plastic, encouraging guests to bring their own reusable water bottles. This small change can significantly cut down on plastic waste.

Did you know that cigarette waste is the number one piece of litter worldwide? Reducing cigarette waste at festivals is crucial for environmental sustainability and enhancing the overall experience for attendees. Littered cigarette butts leach toxic chemicals and microplastics into the water and soil, creating a substantial negative environmental impact. An important step is to implement designated smoking areas that are equipped with ample ashtrays and cigarette butt bins to contain waste effectively. Providing portable pocket ashtrays is another step that makes disposing of cigarette waste for individuals more convenient. Making festivals more eco-friendly

by going paperless in ticketing and opting for reusable signage can significantly reduce their environmental footprint. Transitioning to digital ticketing systems not only eliminates the need for paper but also streamlines the entry process, reducing wait times and enhancing the attendee experience. Additionally, investing in durable, reusable signage without dates for annual events minimizes waste and lowers long-term costs.

Transportation to and from your event offers another opportunity to go green. Promoting public transportation, carpooling, or biking not only reduces emissions but also makes travel easier and more enjoyable for attendees. Providing incentives for those who choose eco-friendly travel options can encourage more people to leave their cars at home.

Sourcing from local and sustainable vendors adds another layer of environmental responsibility. When you choose organic, fair trade, and locally produced food and products, you support sustainable practices and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation. This also adds a unique, local flavour to your event, making it even more special for attendees.

By embracing sustainability, you can create events that are not only unforgettable, but a stepping stone to building a healthier future for people and the planet. It's an exciting journey that transforms how we think about celebration and responsibility. Going green at your festival is a fantastic way to show that fun and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, leaving behind both cherished memories and a healthier planet.

Looking to green your event? Find more information at ecosuperior.org.

LOCAL FOOD FOOD VENDORS!

The Healing Power of Drumming

By Gina Fata, Cultural Communications Specialist, Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre

Summer in Thunder Bay is a great time to be outdoors and enjoy the beauty of Northwestern Ontario with our friends and family. Events are happening throughout the season that cater to everyone from food enthusiasts to music lovers. You might encounter people drumming at these events. The strong, captivating beat of the drum fills the air with positivity and attracts people, sometimes even giving you goosebumps.

Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre (TBRHSC) is committed to creating a more culturally safe and compassionate health care environment to ensure equity for all throughout our hospital. Many patients, their families, and caregivers who access care at the TBRHSC practice traditional ceremonies, including drumming, as a part of the healing process. Drumming is available to patients, families and staff at TBRHSC. “Drumming is very healing and we are very happy to be able to provide this traditional medicine to our patients,” said Annette Klement, cultural safety educator at TBRHSC.

Drumming is a sacred practice in Indigenous culture, tradition, and teachings. According to teachings passed down through Drum Carriers, each drum, like humans, has its own voice and spirit. While songs and teachings about the drum vary across Turtle Island, the significance of the drum remains constant. It serves as a means to connect with our ancestors and acts as a bridge between the Spirit and Earth worlds. Drumming provides a tool for us to send out our prayers.

The drum symbolizes the heartbeat of Mother Earth and serves as a reminder of our responsibility to preserve and care for Mother Earth. Our attraction to the beat of the drum stems from the fact that the first sound we hear in our mother’s womb is her heartbeat.

Drums are created by stretching an animal hide over a wooden frame that can be held by an individual or be large enough to accommodate a

six-member host drum. The shape of the drum holds symbolism; in many Indigenous teachings, the circle represents life, the cycle of the seasons, as well as the sun and moon. The circle is often used to represent balance, equality, and connection in drum teachings.

In many communities, the drum is treated as if it were alive. It is seen as a sacred item and to give a drum its voice, it may need to be “birthed” in a sacred ceremony. If practicing this ceremony, a drum should not be used until this has taken place. During this ceremony, the drum is connected to the drummer’s voice.

Drumming holds a significant presence in a variety of situations. Drums are used to commence important work, to start a safe journey for those travelling and hunting, and even to give strength during a hard time. Some songs are meant to welcome the public, while others are more private and only sung by the owner.

The rhythm that comes from the drum aids in promoting healing and aligning our physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional well-being. The beautiful sound of the drum can increase energy levels and help release tension. Individuals who partake in drumming, whether by listening, dancing, or singing along to the songs, can find a sense of emotional relief and centre themselves.

One thing to remember, while

enjoying drumming, it is important to understand and respect the practice. According to teachings, individuals can only touch or use another person’s drum if they are given permission to do so.

Patients can request drumming as a part of their healing journey through the Indigenous Care Coordinators, Spiritual Care, or the Cultural Safety Educator.

II provides support to adults with developmental

s in all aspects of daily

Requirements: Secondary Education, Developmental Service Worker

Diploma, Social Services Worker, Child and Youth Worker, or an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Casual positions are expected to work a flexible schedule which includes: weekdays, weekends and statutory holiday coverage. Casuals may apply for internal positions upon hire. For more information: www.avenueii.com

Please submit a cover letter and resumé to: humanresources@avenueii.com

(L–R) Charlene Bourdeau Waboose, Celina Reitberger, Natalie Hache, and Annette Klement of the All My Relations Drum Group at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre’s Anti-Stigma Pledge Event

Avenue II Community Program Services (Thunder Bay) Inc.

EV RoadTripping with Two Kids and a Trailer

By Megan Seargeant

Are we stopping to eat soon?” our four-year-old calls from the back seat. Our baby is also starting to get restless and looking to nurse again. Luckily, we are pulling up to a charging station that has had good—and, more importantly, recent—reviews.

When my sister got married on Vancouver Island, we decided it would be fun to camp our way home across the country. The kids and I flew to Vancouver Island and my husband, Martin, met us with our trailer and Ioniq 5 electric car. With the popularity of electric vehicles skyrocketing, more people are starting to think about the

feasibility of going on family road trips with EVs. As a couple who enjoys extreme sports, this trip was fun, but probably not for everyone. The infrastructure is very new and anything but uniform, and there are many different apps, companies, and charger speeds, so navigating this

can be a challenge

At this point in the journey we choose the correct app, the charger boots up right away, and we are charging in no time. Thankfully, we haul our own rest station in the form of a 1974 Trillium trailer behind the car. I feed the baby, Martin makes us sandwiches, and, because it’s a medium-fast charger, we still have time for a short walk around the tiny prairie town before the charging is done.

The most challenging part of travelling across the country in an EV is the relatively new infrastructure of chargers. A user-based app called ChargeHub helped us to locate the most recently working charge stations, but the information was not always accurate. The prairie provinces are a particular challenge. Towing the trailer decreases our battery range by roughly one third, so although our car usually stores enough charge to last 480 kilometres, it was down to 320 kilometres with the trailer. Usually this was not a problem, but occasionally we had to go on some epic missions to find working chargers.

The worst of these missions was when we decided to avoid a large city and take the scenic route in Saskatchewan. There was a charger listed at a beautiful campground, so that’s where we headed. It was late at night when we arrived, so we decided to charge in the morning. After a good night’s sleep, we packed up and drove to the site of the charger on the campground map. To our horror, we saw that the charger had been removed. We had very little charge left, so our only recourse was to drive

very slowly on the side of the road to maximize the distance we could travel on our small charge. We finally made it to the small village of Fort Qu’Appelle. Mercifully, the small, level one (read: extra slow) charger behind the Scotiabank was working. It took us double the time to get there and had to charge for five hours to get a full charge. We lost almost a day of travel, but we did get to check out a great little farmers market and spend some time at a beach with miraculously green water.

Other than the Fort Qu’Appelle adventure, charging was mostly not an issue. Sometimes chargers weren’t working, or were slow, but usually there was an alternative close by. Having to stop regularly was a necessity with two small children anyway, so it was not too much of an inconvenience. We got to explore some small towns, villages, and beautiful rest stops we would not have otherwise checked out, and always had a kitchen where we could make lunch or supper while we charged. However, it was a slow trek across the country, and it will be nice when chargers are more reliable and fewer apps are needed to use them.

Overall, we loved our cross-country EV-plus-trailer road trip, but certainly the EV added another level of difficulty and required more patience. As the infrastructure grows and becomes more reliable and streamlined, this will be a good option for families. But right now, I would only recommend it for people who don’t mind many small (and some large) inconveniences along the way.

JulyEventsGuide

July 1, 1 pm

Canada Day on the Waterfront Marina Park

Canada Day on the Waterfront is an opportunity to come together and celebrate our culturally diverse community over an afternoon of music, dance, arts, crafts, games, food, and more. See this month’s Top Five section for more info. thunderbay.ca

July 1, 3:30 pm

Canada Day Persian Eating Contest

Red Lion Smokehouse

Ten persians, ten minutes, one winner. Come down to Red Lion Smokehouse to celebrate Canada Day Thunder Bay-style with their annual persian eating contest. Register by email. hello@redlion smokehouse.ca

July 1–3, 8–10, 15–17, & 29–31, 9 am Pierogi Days

Polish Combatants Branch No. 1

Head over to the Polish Combatants Branch No.

1 every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday to buy perogies, cabbage rolls, vegan beet soup, and more. Pre-order, e-transfer. 807-345-1861

July 1–6 & 12–17

Thunder Bay Border Cats

Port Arthur Stadium

The sport of the summer is back for another season. The Thunder Bay Border Cats will continue a summer of baseball following their return to the ballpark last year. Tickets available online. northwoodsleague.com

July 1, 12, 13, 27, & 28

Foragers Walk

Various Locations

Join the Boreal Museum on a guided tour to discover the amazing breadbasket that is our forests. Tickets are $22.63 and available online. See this month’s Food section for more info. borealmuseum.com

July 2, 7 pm

Exhibit Opening: Sheila Burnford &

Susan

Ross

Thunder Bay Museum

The long-awaited exhibit on the stories of Sheila Burnford and Susan Ross will showcase a collection of artwork and artifacts, bringing to life the stories of these two fascinating women, their friendship, and the impacts they left on the communities they visited.

thunderbaymuseum.com

July 2 & 16, 8 pm

Tuesday Trivia

Lakehead Beer Company

Trivia buffs, prepare to prove yourselves at Lakehead Beer Company’s trivia night. Up to six people per team. Prizes for the winning team. No tickets required. lakeheadbeer.ca

July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 11 am

Lil Wednesdays

Goods & Co. Market

Goods & Co Market is happy to offer a safe and comfortable area for kids of all ages. Parents and guardians can come in, order a coffee and a snack, and catch up with friends while the kids have some fun.

goodscomarket.ca

July 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31, 6:30 pm

Wednesday Night Races

Thunder City Speedway

The dirt track is back for Wednesday Night Races at Thunder City Speedway. General admission is $20. Cash only.

thundercityspeedway.ca

July 3, 6:30 pm

Cornhole League

Red Lion Smokehouse

Summer Cornhole League starts this June at Red Lion Smokehouse. Register your team and join them Wednesday nights on the patio for Cornhole Night. Teams of two (plus one alternate). $20 per team for the season. Book your place at Red Lion Smokehouse or through Eventbrite.

facebook.com/redlion smokehouse

July 4, 11, 15, 21, & 31

Youth Climate Leadership Initiative

Various Locations

A series of youth-led and youth-focused gatherings where young people can learn and talk about climate change in Northwestern Ontario. The goal is to connect youth who are passionate about environmental and social issues. Registration is required. See this month’s City Scene section for more info. nwclimategathering.ca

July 4 & 18, 9 pm

Open Mic Comedy

Thursdays

The Foundry Come to The Foundry for Open Mic Comedy Thursdays to either perform or watch local touring comedians work on material. Pros, amateurs, and first-timers are all welcome. No cover. facebook.com/ foundrytbay

July 5–7, 11 am

Northwestern

Ontario Aviation Heritage Centre Presents:

PBY 5A Canso

Wasaya Airlines Terminal

In celebration of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force this year, the NOAHC will be hosting a PBY-5A Canso that served as a patrol on the Atlantic coast looking for German submarines. See this month’s City Scene section for more info. noahc.org

July 5 & 6, 4 pm

BrewHa Festival

Marina Park

Experience the ultimate weekend of craft beer, delicious food, music, and more on the shores of Lake Superior. BrewHa is back for round two with more breweries, more servers, and more selection. See this month’s Top Five and Cover Story for more info. brewhafestival.com

July 6, 11 am

Pawsome Market

Vickers Park

Shop Local TBay has been supporting local animal rescues since 2021 and looks forward to continuing to do so at their third annual Pawsome Market. The day will include artisan wares, food vendors, kids’ activities, prizes, and more. Free to attend but donations appreciated. facebook.com/ shoplocaltbay

July 6, 9, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20–23, 25, 27, 28, & 30, 11 am

Thunder Bay Museum Presents: Walking Tours

Various Locations

Throughout the summer, the Thunder Bay Museum will be hosting walking tours of Court Street, Westfort, the East End, and more where you can learn more about the history of these areas on these 90-minute tours. Registration and more details available online.

thunderbaymuseum.com

July 6, noon

Fandom Fair

Keskus Court

Phantastic Plushies presents Fandom Fair, a market for fans of video games, anime, sci-fi, and fantasy, featuring several local artists and vendors. Cosplay is encouraged; all cosplayers can enter a free draw to win door prizes. facebook.com/ phantasticplushies

July 7, 14, 21, & 28, 10 am

Sunday Skate

Cinema 5 Skatepark

The Female Skateboard Collective is hosting Sunday Skates for anyone who identifies as female and the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. All ages and abilities are welcome. A $5 donation is required to join.

facebook.com/female skateboardcollective

July 8, 7:30 am

Adult & Teen Challenge

NorthWest Ontario Golf Tournament

Whitewater Golf Course

Get ready to tee up for the golf event of the year in support of Adult & Teen Challenge. This day of birdies, eagles, and a whole lot of fun on the greens will help towards providing freedom from addiction in Northwestern Ontario. Registration is $200 and available online. teenchallenge.tc

July 8 & 15, 6 pm Beginner Bellydance with Choreography

Thai Healing Centre

Learn the foundations of bellydance through the medium of choreography. In this fun and playful class, you’ll learn how to isolate different parts of the body and sync up with rhythm and melody. Drop-in fee is $20.

thaihealingcenter.ca

July 9, 11 am

Teddy Bears Picnic

Vickers Park

The Teddy Bears Picnic is a beloved annual event that brings joy to children and their furry friends at Vickers Park. Children, parents, and teddy bears are invited to enjoy an afternoon of free crafts, activities, and entertainment.

thunderbay.ca

July 12–14, 10 am

The Great Rendezvous

Fort William Historical Park

Hundreds of re-enactors from across North America converge to re-create the annual summer gathering held at Fort William over 200 years ago when it was the inland headquarters of the North West Company. See this month’s Top Five and Cover Story for more info.

fwhp.ca

July 13, 8 am

For Paws

Vendor Market

CLE Heritage Building

Come shop from over 60 local vendors to shop in support of a good cause. All funds raised from the raffle and 50/50 draws will be donated to Northern Reach Network to help animals in need. facebook.com/ atomeconic

July 13, 2:30 pm

Movie Matinee

West Thunder Community Centre

You’re invited to an immersive movie experience during a screening of Ghostbusters where audience participation is encouraged. There will also be moviethemed bingo, crafts, colouring, and a photo booth. Donations of cash or canned food items are appreciated. facebook.com/ westthunder communitycentre

July 13, 10 am

Ozzy 8 Relay

Kinsmen Park

The Ozzy 8 Relay is a race, a group ride, and bike festival all rolled into one. The event, presented by KBM Outdoors, takes place over a eight-hour

time frame on a 7.5 km loop course. The object is to complete the greatest number of laps before the end of the event either solo or as part of a relay team. blacksheepmtb.com

July 13, noon

Thunder Bay

Witches Walk Mini Market

193 Lakeshore Drive

Take a drive and get a sneak peek at some of the wares vendors will offer at this year’s Thunder Bay Witches Walk. Learn a few new ways that you can use some of the weeds and herbs naturally found in your backyard. Vendors are welcome to apply. thunderbaywitcheswalk. square.site

July 13 & 14

Grand Marais Arts Festival

Grand Marais, Minnesota

Celebrating 33 years on the shore of Lake Superior, the Grand Marais Arts Festival is a celebration of fine art, attracting over 8,000 visitors, and will host 60 juried artists. See this month’s Cover Story for more info. grandmaraisartcolony.org

July 14, 11 am Wine Down Sundays

Red Lion Smokehouse

Let go of the week’s stress and treat yourself to a peaceful experience surrounded by good company. Whether you’re a yoga enthusiast, a wine lover, or a beginner of both, this event is the perfect way to end your weekend on a high note. Tickets are $55.66 and available online. facebook.com/ redlionsmokehouse

July 15, 2 pm Big Trucks

Mary J.L. Black Library

If you’re interested in mighty machines, you’ll want to stop by to tour a transport truck, dump truck, and delivery van with Thunder Bay Truck Centre. All ages. No registration required. tbpl.ca

July 17, 1 pm

Sleeping Giant Exotics Reptile Show

Waverley Resource Library

Head over to Waverley Library for presentations and up close interactive viewing of turtles, snakes, lizards and more. Presentations will be held at 1 and 2 pm with interactive viewing to follow. Free tickets are available for pick-up starting July 3 at 9:30 am in the children’s area.

tbpl.ca

July 17, 5:30 pm

EcoSuperior

Presents: Family Bike Event

Mary J.L. Black Library

Come join EcoSuperior at the Mary J.L. Black Library for a helmet and bike safety presentation, followed by outdoor bike drills and games to help kids (and their adults!) feel more confident riding this summer. tbpl.ca

July 17, 24 & 31, 6 pm

Live on the Waterfront

Marina Park

Come down for a variety of local and out-of-town musical artists. This year’s local talent is set to include the Lockyer Boys, stardrop, the Sensational Hot Rods, Cold Lake Sun, Sara Kae, and Chris Talarico. Free to attend and all are welcome. See this month’s Music section for more info. thunderbay.ca

Starting July 18

Grand Marais

Playhouse

Presents: Summer Theater Festival

Arrowhead Center for the Arts

The Grand Marais Playhouse, now in its 52nd season producing community theatre, is back for another summer season. This summer, theatre goers can see Curtain Up! or I’ll Be Back Before Midnight. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info. grandmarais playhouse.com

July 19, 10 am

Port Days Market

Goods & Co. Market

In honour of both the Viking Octantis and the Viking Polaris ships arriving in our port, Goods & Co. will host a special pop-up artisans market for a day of one-stop shopping for locals and the hundreds of tourists visiting the city. goodscomarket.ca

July 20 & 21

Festival of India & Festival of Colours

Marina Park

Experience the sights, sounds and taste of India right here in Thunder Bay. Festival of India is Thunder Bay’s happiest and largest annual celebration of culture, arts, music and food. Free to attend. Donations are welcome at the door. indianfestival.ca

July 23, 10 am

Tour a Fire Truck County Park Library

Join County Park Library for a free, fun and educational day where children can tour a pumper truck and meet the heroes who keep them safe. No registration required. Suitable for children of all ages. Meet inside the library first. tbpl.ca

July 24–28

Superior Theatre Festival

Various Locations

Superior Theatre Festival facilitates collaborations between artists from Thunder Bay and other parts of Canada to advance the appreciation of the arts by showcasing high-calibre contemporary work. See this month’s Film & Theatre section for more info. superiortheatre festival.com

July 27 & 28

Buskers Festival Bay & Algoma Neighbourhood

A two-day street festival in Thunder Bay’s historic Bay & Algoma neighbourhood featuring buskers, performers, food vendors, and crafters. See this month’s Cover Story for more info. buskersfestival.ca

July 27, 2:30 pm

Story Time with Drag Queens

Waverley Resource Library

Join the always delightful Lady Fantasia La Premiere and Mz Molly Poppinz for a fun-filled and inclusive storytime.

tbpl.ca

July 28, 10 am

Thunder Bay Art Gallery Garden Tour

Various Locations

Spend the day with your friends and family marvelling at the flora and foliage as you venture from one side of our city to another exploring gardens lovingly grown by our community and hand picked by our Master Gardeners. Tickets are $35 and available online. theag.ca

July 28–31 WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup

Port Arthur Stadium

This international tournament will feature six national teams from around the world, including Canada and United States, competing for the World Cup title. The other four teams are from Japan, Chinese Taipei, Mexico and Venezuela. See this month’s Top Five for more info. wbsc.org

July 30, 10:30 am Construction World

Waverley Resource Library

It’s construction season in Thunder Bay. “Loader” your kids in the car to dig into a good book and construct a craft then before heading out for a demonstration of a miniexcavator or articulate loader from ITEC. All ages. No registration required. tbpl.ca

Until August 17 Definitely Superior Art Gallery Presents: 36th Anniversary Members Exhibition

Definitely Superior Art Gallery

This diverse annual exhibition, opening July 12, always draws out the best and most vibrant, eclectic, experimental, and multidisciplinary contemporary regional art. This year’s exhibit will showcase the work of over 100 new generation, emerging and established professional artists. definitelysuperior.com

Until August 29 Legacy of Hope Foundation Presents Indian Day Schools in Canada

Thunder Bay Museum

The Indian Day School travelling exhibition seeks to educate and raise awareness among Canadians on the subject of Indian Day Schools to support healing and reconciliation. thunderbaymuseum.com

Until September 8 Ukrainian Matrix

Thunder Bay Museum

This community-led exhibit showcases physical expressions of Ukrainian culture and traditions, and highlights their roots. Alongside the exhibit will be a variety of programming reflecting different aspects of Ukrainian culture. See this month’s Past & Present for more info. thunderbaymuseum.com

Until September 15 Jim Oskineegish: Keep Yourself Alive

Thunder Bay

Art Gallery

The debut exhibition by Jim Oskineegish, a secondgeneration Woodland Style artist from Eabametoong First Nation (Fort Hope), fuses personal stories with Woodland, surrealism, and pop art. This exhibition of 13 portraits is a love letter to his heroes. See this month’s Art section for more info. theag.ca

July Behind the Business Feature

Angus McCrady Jr. Mitigoog Solutions Inc.

Meet Angus McCrady Jr., founder of Mitigoog Solutions Inc., a recently established enterprise dedicated to arboriculture, forestry, and training services. As a distinguished Indigenous entrepreneur, McCrady brings a unique perspective and a deep commitment to sustainable practices. The company’s name, “Mitigoog,” translates to “trees” in Oji-Cree, perfectly encapsulating their business ethos and commitment to nature.

Their motto, “Starting at the Roots,” underlines their approach to all projects and training initiatives. Whether it’s managing forests or offering specialized training programs, Mitigoog Solutions begins at the fundamental core of each issue, ensuring that their solutions are thorough, comprehensive, and sustainable. McCrady’s leadership and vision aim to foster growth and development in both the environment and the community.

Visit their website: mitigoogsolutions.ca

Q&A with Angus

What product/service do you provide?

At Mitigoog Solutions Inc., we proudly offer a comprehensive range of professional services designed to meet diverse arboriculture and forestry needs.

Our expertise encompasses tree removal, trimming, and pruning, ensuring the health and safety of your trees and surrounding environment. We also specialize in lot clearing and brush removal, making spaces ready for new projects or maintaining their natural beauty. In addition to these core services, we provide firewood splitting and supply, catering to your seasonal needs with high-quality, sustainably sourced firewood. Our handpicked landscaping services are tailored to enhance the aesthetic and functional value of your property, combining natural elements with creative design. Furthermore, we offer meticulous consultations to assess your specific requirements and deliver customized solutions. Our training programs are designed to impart valuable skills and knowledge in arboriculture and forestry, reflecting our commitment to education and professional development.

What inspired you to launch your business?

The inspiration behind launching my business stemmed from a deep-rooted passion for addressing the needs within the arboriculture and forestry sector, coupled with a desire to contribute positively to my community. As an Indigenous entrepreneur, I saw an opportunity to not only provide high-quality services but also to promote sustainable practices and preserve our natural environment. Additionally, I was motivated by the chance to create employment opportunities for individuals within my community and to showcase

the expertise and knowledge that our Indigenous culture brings to these fields. Ultimately, the drive to make a meaningful impact while pursuing my entrepreneurial aspirations propelled me to establish my own business, Mitigoog Solutions Inc.

Why do you choose to continue to operate in Thunder Bay or Northwestern Ontario?

Operating in Northwestern Ontario, particularly in Thunder Bay, aligns closely with my business values and goals for several reasons. Firstly, the region’s abundant natural resources and forestry landscapes provide ample opportunities for arboriculture and forestry services. This environment allows us to showcase our expertise in sustainable practices while contributing to the preservation and maintenance of these valuable ecosystems. Moreover, Thunder Bay and the surrounding areas have a vibrant and diverse

community, including Indigenous populations. As an Indigenousowned business, it's important for us to establish a presence where we can directly engage with and support Indigenous communities, fostering collaboration and mutual growth. Additionally, by operating in Northwestern Ontario, we can address the unique needs of and challenges faced by rural and remote communities, offering essential services that may otherwise be limited or inaccessible. This aligns with our commitment to social responsibility and community development, allowing us to make a positive impact where it's needed most. Overall, choosing to operate in Northwestern Ontario, specifically Thunder Bay, provides us with the opportunity to leverage our expertise, engage with diverse communities, and make a meaningful contribution to both environmental sustainability and community well-being.

July 2

Jazzy Tuesdays ft

Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

July 3

Ira Johnson

Howl at the Moon

8 pm • $5 • AA

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

Shooter’s Tavern

8 pm • Free • 19+

July 4

Summer in the Parking Lot

Da Vinci Centre

6 pm • $7 • AA

Rock Logger Patio Concert Series

Sleeping Giant

Brewing Co.

6 pm • Free • 19+

Open Mic Night

Lakehead Beer Company

7 pm • Free • AA

July 5

Jazz & OldFashioned Fridays ft Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

Sober Dance Party Fridays

Howl at the Moon

9 pm • Free • AA

Kick-Off to Country on the Bay Norteños Taqueria

9:30 pm • $5 • 19+

Tea Time Drive

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Hat Trick (formerly Outlaw)

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 6

Crossroad Concert Series

Crossroad Music

11 am • Free • AA

Rock Tribute Show

Black Pirates Pub

10 pm • $10 • 19+

Saddle Up Saturdays ft DJ Mo

NV Music Hall

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Tea Time Drive

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

The Selfies

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 7

Truent w/ VHS + Teknosis

Black Pirates Pub

8 pm • $15 • AA

July 8

Sea Shanty

The Foundry

8 pm • Free • 19+

July 9

Jazzy Tuesdays ft

Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

July 10

Ira Johnson

Howl at the Moon

8 pm • $5 • AA

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

Shooter’s Tavern

8 pm • Free • 19+

The Redhill Valleys w/ Cartwrights + Tim Albertson

Black Pirates Pub

8 pm • $15+ • AA

July 11

Summer in the Parking Lot

Da Vinci Centre

6 pm • $7 • AA

Rock Logger Patio

Concert Series

Sleeping Giant

Brewing Co.

6 pm • Free • 19+

Open Mic Night

Lakehead Beer Company

7 pm • Free • AA

July 12

Jazz & Old-

Fashioned Fridays ft

Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

Vape Dealer Album

Release Party

Black Pirates Pub

9 pm • $10 • 19+

Night of Neon

DJ Night

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Rock Bottom

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Latin Luau Party

Norteños Taqueria

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 13

Crossroad Concert Series

Crossroad Music

11 am • Free • AA

Saddle Up

Saturdays ft DJ Mo

NV Music Hall

10 pm • $5 • 19+

The Hung Wellgarians

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

4Pillar DJs

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 15

The Michael Jackson History Show

Thunder Bay

Community Auditorium

7:30 pm • $52+ • AA

Open Mic

The Foundry

7:30 pm • Free • 19+

July 16

Jazzy Tuesdays ft

Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

July 17

Ira Johnson

Howl at the Moon

8 pm • $5 • AA

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

Shooter’s Tavern

8 pm • Free • 19+

July 18

Summer In

The Parking Lot

Kick Off

Da Vinci Centre

6 pm • $7 • AA

Rock Logger Patio

Concert Series

Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

6 pm • Free • 19+

Open Mic Night

Lakehead Beer Company

7 pm • Free • AA

Videostar Album

Release Party

Black Pirates Pub

8 pm • $10 • AA

July 19

Country On The Bay - Day One

Fort William

Historical Park

1 pm • $299+ • AA

Jazz & Old-

Fashioned Fridays w/ Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

Sober Dance Party

Fridays

Howl at the Moon

9 pm • Free • 19+

Teknosis & Friends

Black Pirates Pub

9 pm • $10 • 19+

The Hung Wellgarians

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

4Pillar DJs

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 20

Crossroad Concert Series

Crossroad Music

11 am • Free • AA

Country On The Bay - Day Two

Fort William

Historical Park

1 pm • $299+ • AA

Killer & Friends

Black Pirates Pub

9 pm • $10 • 19+

Saddle Up Saturdays ft DJ Mo

NV Music Hall

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Night of Neon

DJ Night pt 2

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Shrek Rave

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 21

Country On The Bay - Day Three

Fort William

Historical Park

1 pm • $299+ • AA

July 22

Sea Shanty

The Foundry

8 pm • Free • 19+

July 23

Jazzy Tuesdays ft

Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

July 24

Ira Johnson

Howl at the Moon

8 pm • $5 • AA

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

Shooter’s Tavern

8 pm • Free • 19+

July 25

Summer In The Parking Lot

Da Vinci Centre

6 pm • $7 • AA

Rock Logger Patio

Concert Series

Sleeping Giant Brewing Co.

6 pm • Free • 19+

Open Mic Night

Lakehead Beer Company

7 pm • Free • AA

Wrong Odds

Album Release Party

Black Pirates Pub

8 pm • $10 • AA

July 26

Jazz & OldFashioned Fridays w/ Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

Sober Dance Party

Fridays

Howl at the Moon

9 pm • Free • 19+

Master Nate & The Reprobates w/ Mother of Wolves + more

Black Pirates Pub

9 pm • $TBA • 19+

Three Kord Killers

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Throwback

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

The Selfies

Norteños Cantina

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 27

Crossroad Concert Series

Crossroad Music

11 am • Free • AA

Femur & Friends

Black Pirates Pub

9 pm • $10 • 19+

The Gin Tonics

The Social 9:30 pm • Free • 19+

Saddle Up Saturdays ft DJ Mo

NV Music Hall

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Three Kord Killers

The Wayland

10 pm • $5 • 19+

Summer Jam ft

DJ Rogue + Slick

Mason, B-Tha Wiz + O’Rose

The Foundry

10 pm • $5 • 19+

July 29

Open Mic

The Foundry 7:30 pm • Free • 19+

July 30

Jazzy Tuesdays ft

Mood Indigo

Anchor & Ore

6 pm • Free • AA

July 31

Ira Johnson

Howl at the Moon

8 pm • $5 • AA

Danny Johnson’s Piano Bar

Shooter’s Tavern

8 pm • Free • 19+

Brought to you by: For more info

Aries

(March 21–April 19)

You’re always the life of the party, aren’t you, Aries? And rightly so—your knowledge, warmth, and humour mends bridges and brings people from all walks of life together. You may find that this month that others are reaching out to you to seek solace or gain a bit of wisdom. Rams should be commended for their natural teaching abilities and intuition to help anyone who comes their way. Spend some time in the kitchen with the summertime harvests. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful, and with your knack in the kitchen the family is bound to be happy with the results. Fire signs love a good bonfire, and that may be the perfect environment for a much needed heart-to-heart chat.

Taurus

(April 20–May 20)

This month’s full moon on the 21st is known as the Buck Moon or Thunder Moon. This date is important to Bulls because in and around this date you’ll be bit by the travel bug. Planning a trip is one of this earth sign’s favorite things to do, and no detail goes unmissed by the discerning eye of a Taurus. If your travel plans can incorporate the viewing of this supermoon, all the better. Spend some time earthing this month— simply going barefoot and connecting with the earth is said to impart feelings of calmness and relaxation. This month is a busy one, so ensure you are resting up and staying hydrated.

Gemini

(May 21–June 20)

July is a sunny month for the Twins, and energy is running high. Finances may require some attention this month. It's important for

this airy sign to be mindful of their spending habits and maintain a balanced approach. Consider reviewing your financial goals and finding ways to save for the future. Look for creative solutions and explore new avenues for financial growth. With prudence and resourcefulness, you can make positive strides in your well-being. Enjoy some fireworks at the lake with friends.

Cancer

(June 21–July 22))

Cancers love to be around water, and this month is no exception. Jumping into the lake, hot-tubbing, or jet skiing may be up there with some of Crab’s favorite adventures. This is your time to shine, and everything you hope for seems to easily fall into your lap these days. July is full of fun and excitement, and the celebration of your birthday is the icing on the cake. Instead of celebrating your special day, turn it into a whole weekend if possible!

Friends and family have nothing but good wishes for caring crabs. Always the nurturer, let the gang take care of you for once while you sit back and reflect on the past year. Happy solar return, and go ahead and have that extra piece of birthday cake. You deserve it!

Leo

(July 23–August 22)

Proud Leos are ruled by the sun, and there won’t be any shortage of sunshine this month. Camps and parks are in your future, so do enjoy the great outdoors with friends and loved ones. Of course, happy solar returns to those late-July Leo babies. Another trip around the sun is certainly worth celebrating. Take the lead and plan your own party—there is nothing wrong with that whatsoever. Leos need to be treated like the

royalty they are. Buy yourself a special birthday gift, too— even if it’s just a sunstone at your local metaphysical shop. It’ll brighten up your day.

Virgo

(August 23–September)

This is the time for Virgos to embrace fresh beginnings. Whether it’s meeting new people, exploring uncharted territory, or trying a different hobby, your curiosity will lead you to exciting encounters. Trust your instincts and savour the thrill of doing something new! Some unexpected travel may beckon. Spending time outdoors is the path to a peaceful heart. Communication reigns supreme—leave nothing to chance and cover all bases. Don’t forget to indulge a little—it is ice cream season after all.

Libra

(September 23–October 22)

Airy Libras are yearning for some new knowledge this month. Finding harmony in all aspects of life is part of Libra’s balanced ways, so do sign up for that class you’ve been eyeballing lately. Healing modalities are coming up for those born under the sign of the Scales this month. Perhaps yoga has been calling to you, or some energy work such as reiki. Your artistic self is feeling the creative love flowing, particularly around the full moon. Whatever you enjoy creating, the universe is saying to keep on going. You are on the right track. Libras may be called upon to make a fairly quick decision in the near future, and the best advice is to go with your heart. Find solace in nature.

Scorpio

(October 23–November 21)

Work-wise, it’s a busy month for Scorpions.

Make sure that some rest and relaxation is in the stars. Summers are short in these parts, so plan to make the most of every day. Celebrations are on tap this month and this water sign will find themselves at many celebrations this summer. Enjoy a get-together with some pals and really nurture those friendships. A weekend at camp or out in nature will bring that well-needed rejuvenation back into your heart. Stay up late and throw those worries to the wind! Don’t forget to indulge in some ice cream once or twice this season.

Sagittarius

(November 22–December 21)

The future’s so bright, Archers need to wear shades! Let the lazy summer days soothe your soul. Unplug and unwind is the order of the day. While off on summer vacay, it’s important to implement a morning routine that tends toward self-care. Summer markets are your thing right now, so bring your sunnies and your sunhat and be prepared to get lost in your own thoughts. A new book is calling your name, so make sure you make time to enjoy the pages on the beach! Even though winter is far away, it might behoove one to tuck away a few dollars for a snowy vacay, even being so bold as to put down a deposit. Summery celebrations are on tap.

Capricorn

(December 22–January 19)

Happy Canada Day, Cap! Have a picnic with the fam jam, or host a bonfire—it’s always a good time. Inviting the neighbours or a special friend to a barbecue adds to the fun. The full moon this month adds a little spice to your life. Relationships flourish, and love interests

abound. This month is all about love for you, so enjoy those long summer nights. An unexpected surprise in the mail arrives later this month. Enjoy the fireworks, both in real time and within your love life! They don’t call you the GOAT for nothing. Stay up past midnight for once and take in the razzle dazzle.

Aquarius

(January 20–February 18)

It’s strawberry season, Water-Bearer, which is really a lovely highlight of the summer! You might want to make plans to go picking. Incorporating this luscious fruit into your daily routine will have you living your best juicy life in no time. There’s nothing more you like than tending your garden, but do have a plan for those rainy days also. A good book or podcast at the ready will make those indoor days a little more bearable. Curl up with someone you love—or even just really like. A young person entrusts you with a secret.

Pisces

(February 19–March 20)

Did you know that the dog days of summer officially begin on July 3, Pisces? Give that furry friend in your life a little extra love—and maybe a treat or two! This month, there may be a festive occasion that could require some travel. Welcome into your home with open arms any weary travellers, or make your own plan for a trip to reunite with others. Either way, a good time will definitely be had by all. Gardening, tending, and harvesting bring joy this month. Fish may enjoy some financial success this month. Sharing with family members keeps that good prosperity energy moving.

Colossal Crossword

Across

1. Exchanges wedding vows: 3 wds.

8. Rock's Bon __

12. Katey of "Married... with Children"

17. Northwest Territories body of water, __ River

18. Border on

19. Hockey venue

20. "__ __: Big Flavors Made to Share, from South Asia to the West Indies" (New 2024 cookbook by #6-Down)

21. "The Book of __" (New 2024 cookbook by #8-Down)

23. US airport screening org.

24. Henrik Ibsen poem, __ Vidderne

25. Laurentians resort city, __-Tremblant

26. Gertrude __ (b.1905 - d.2003

...American Olympian who made headlines in 1926 by swimming across the English Channel, the first woman to do so)

27. New Brunswick's largest city

29. "The Munsters" coffin racecar, Drag-_-__

31. Empire State Building cty. resident

32. Chirper

34. Spanish for 'Maybe', __ vez

35. Clingy clothing complaint

37. Inattentive

39. Robert who wrote Chicago's hit "Saturday in the Park"

41. Refutation

44. Poetic nights

45. Shouted "Yahoo!"

48. Canadian singer with a new 2024 country version of The Weeknd's song "Blinding Lights"

50. Zagreb's land, IOC-style

51. Hollywood legend Mr. Grant

52. Final amount [abbr.]

53. Canadian oil change chain, __. __

54. Affixed [abbr.]

55. 1977 stonecut print by Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak: 4 wds.

58. American firearms gr.

59. Online shopping transactions name

61. _ __ minute (Made on the spot in the restaurant's kitchen)

62. Canadian comic actress Ms. Walsh

63. Ms. Winger, to pals

64. Animal trail in nature

65. Scenic tourist ride at Niagara Falls

67. Jacques of "Monsieur Hulot's Holiday" (1953)

68. Geneva's country, to France

70. Lethbridge-Alberta-born star Conrad of "Diff'rent Strokes"

71. Dictation-taker, in brief

73. Allowance

75. Subways operator in the CN Tower's cty.

77. Office memo abbr.

78. Sheila __, Governor General's Literary Award winning author of 2022 novel Pure Colour

81. Team-against-Team abbreviations

82. Led Zeppelin song

84. From-above "Psst!": 2 wds.

86. Radiate

88. 'Tutor' suffix

89. US narcotics agcy.

92. Canada's iconic pastry

94. Purple __ (New Brunswick flowers)

96. Baseball legend Yogi

97. Man Cave spot [abbr.]

98. Air Canada's in-flight magazine

99. Israel __ (b.1932 - d.2003 ...Canadian philanthropist/media executive)

100. Sailor's "Sures."

101. Bagel toppings

Down

1. Income tax __.

2. Exclaimed epiphanies!

3. Sci-Fi Jedi Master

4. Lettered sizing choices

5. Crustaceans with seven pairs of legs

6. Canadian chef Mr. Rajkumar

7. Short stage show, __-__ play

8. Canadian chef Mr. Skrobar

9. Scottish port

10. Yukon attraction, __ National Park

11. "__ sure be nice if..."

12. Remarked

13. Montreal 'rainbow', __-__-__

14. Toronto-born architect Frank

15. Anoint

16. Dermatologist's tool

22. "I think __ __ here before." (This restaurant seems familiar)

25. Tooth type

27. Some hosp. scans

28. It's mainland Canada's most northerly community and is located in Nunavut

30. Alan of 1953 Western movie "Shane"

32. Tavern faucets: 2 wds.

33. "We're two different people so leave me to my own way of doing things.": 3 wds.

35. Rock singer Patty married to tennis star John McEnroe

36. Office desk receptacle, __-__

37. Briefly summarizes

38. Cover-up for chilly Summer evenings

40. Ontario town to the north of Algonquin Provincial Park

42. Plentiful

43. Canadian War Museum location in Ottawa, __ Flats

46. Florida basketball cty.

47. The movies "Fire" (1996), "Earth" (1998) and "Water" (2005) by Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta as they are known collectively, '__ Trilogy'

49. "About this size.": 2 wds.

51. __ ground black pepper

53. Keyboardist Mr. Saunders, and namesakes

56. What time might do so quickly: 2 wds.

57. Encl. to a magazine editor

60. Pierre __, Leader of the Opposition on Parliament Hill

65. Uses a needle-and-thread

66. Aim to jab in the ring: 2 wds.

67. 'Four'-meaning prefix

69. Lop

72. Bespoke suits professionals

74. Equally less difficult: 2 wds.

76. Greenery-to-garnish baked potatoes

78. Gum brand, __ Bubba

79. Fencing swords

80. Twyla __ (Broadway/ballet choreographer)

82. Highland Games attires

83. State bordering New Brunswick

85. Type of Admiral

87. Pretend there's a door there like Marcel Marceau

89. Latin hymn: "Te __"

90. 'Luncheon' add-on (Diner-like eatery)

91. Peer Gynt's mother, and namesakes

93. Time as yet unknown on a sched.

95. Hawaii's Mauna __

(c) 2024: Kelly Ann Buchanan. Distributed by Torstar Syndication Services

How stupid I am

To yearn for you

For the idea of you

As though our aches and pains Were beacons in the grey.

See me and be seen by me

Through me you will know thyself

We will each be a mirror to the other

By Taylor Covino

Reflecting pain, loss, sadness and hope. I have imprinted in your kindness

Like a baby duck

All the while knowing

That a dish of waterfowl Is on the menu.

How Stupid am I, digital Illustration, boy Roland

130 CONSERVATION ROAD LRCA ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE

PM - 8:00PM

FEATURING:

• Free Carol’s Cakes Cupcakes (while supplies last)

• Thunderbird Wildlife Rescue Falconry Demo at 4:45 p.m.

• Science North Science Demos at 3:45 p.m., 6:00 p.m., 7:45 p.m.

• Canada West Maple Candy Demos

• Beefcakes Burgers (cash & card accepted)

• Epic Cones (cash only)

PLUS INTERACTIVE ACTIVITIES AND DISPLAYS FROM:

• CAHEP Art Activities

• MNRF Enforcement

• Thunder Bay Field Naturalists

• EcoSuperior

• Fort William Historical Park

• RFDA

by Wanda Kabel