Mariposa Folk Festival

Mariposa Folk Festival

First weekend in July

This three-day folk music festival is the oldest in Canada, where it has served as a model for many smaller festivals. Since 1961 the festival has presented a broad spectrum of folk music—from Kentucky blues to Indian chanting—by performers from all over Canada, the United States, Britain, Africa, and Australia. The events are held on the grounds of Tudhope Park in Orillia, Ontario, about 60 miles north of Toronto.
The Mariposa Festival helped pioneer the workshop concept, emphasizing the importance of establishing a dialogue between the artist and the audience. In addition to the workshops hosted by festival musicians, there is a "folkplay" area where a family can work with a particular performer, who shares his or her special talents with both children and their parents.

CONTACTS:
Mariposa Folk Foundation
37 Mississaga St., W.
P.O. Box 383
Orillia, ON L3V 3A5 Canada
705-326-3655; fax: 705-326-3655
www.mariposafolk.com

SOURCES:
IntlThFolk-1979, p. 74
MusFestAmer-1990, p. 232

Celebration days:
2011: Jul 2; Jul 3
2012: Jul 7; Jul 8
2013: Jul 6; Jul 7
2014: Jul 5; Jul 6
2015: Jul 4; Jul 5