Saskatchewan

[jvarc]

The 12th Annual John Arcand Fiddle Fest takes place August 6-9th, 2009. at Windy Acres, just 7 kms southwest of the City of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. John Arcand, Internationally known as the Master of the Métis Fiddle, founded the festival in 1998 to promote the traditions of fiddle, music and dance. He knew that for the traditions to live on, young people must adopt them and because of this the festival is a family affair with a very large workshop component. Workshops last two full days and deliver something for virtually any level of player – including the absolute beginner fiddler with fiddles provided. The festival is known for it’s quality of workshop instructors, all well known and respected fiddlers, dancers, guitar and piano players who come from all over Canada. The festival has a strong Métis theme, but also promotes all genres of music and dance and offers a variety from all cultures.

Besides the workshops, another interactive opportunity for all ages to develop technical, competition and performance skills are the fiddle contest and the Canadian Traditional Red River Jigging Championships. Both competitions offer categories for all ages and skill levels.

Along with the formal opportunities to learn are many informal opportunities as instructors and young participants network throughout the weekend in conversation and spontaneous jam sessions. There’s concerts and showcases every evening and both Friday and Saturday evenings end with an Old Time dance.

Surrounding the festival’s artistic presentations is a family friendly atmosphere and activities for kids delivered by aboriginal artists in the Children’s Teepee. The programming for this is designed to introduce and celebrate aboriginal culture with stories, arts and crafts, and interactive demonstrations.

There is free un-serviced camping right on site as well as a concession. For those who prefer hotel accommodations, the surrounding area offers many options.

Admission is just $40 per person for a weekend pass or $20 per day. Children 12 & under are free. All other components of the festival including the two full days of workshops are FREE with your general admission.

This festival has been quietly growing strong for eleven years and is widely acclaimed for its quality instruction, family-like atmosphere, and for the way that it brings developing and professional artists together to learn from one another both formally and informally. It is also highly regarded for its seemingly magical powers to dissolve the cultural barriers that sometimes interfere with harmony in day to day life. Participants come from a variety of ancestries and from all over Saskatchewan, Canada, and even into the United States. Once at the Fiddle Fest, they become one nation and one community – all united around music, dance, and fun.

Full details are available at www.johnarcandfiddlefest.com.

We hope you’ll consider making the John Arcand Fiddle Fest part of your summer.

[Wendy S]

Hi!

the absolute BEST place to visit in Saskatchewan is Last Mountain Regional Park. It is also the home of the "oldest" bird sanctuary in North America. As such it is on the migration route for all kinds of birds big and small from Whooping Cranes to Flycatchers, Hummingbirds, Finches, and Warblers. Some travel from South America up to the Arctic areas. Personnel at the Bird Banding station will be happy to take you on a walk to collect, identify, and tag different species. There are also nature walks to go on. The Park is a quiet refuge for campers and day visitors. It boasts a swimming pool, concession, numerous play parks, endless fishing and boating activities, a golf course as well as ball diamonds and of course their is the beautiful Last Mountain Lake. The evening offers many splendours of the prairie sunset over the lake. From moment to moment the array of colours is awe inspiring. Throughout the season there are many and varied activities to participate in. You will not want to miss out on the friendly tranquil atmosphere. It is a place to stop, enjoy the wonders of God's splendour and rejuvinate the spirit. Check out Last Mountain Regional Park or just go to Last Mountain Regional Park.

Enjoy the summer!

Wendy S.