Songs, stories and sips at Summer Solstice
After a long hiatus, the Creemore business community is hosting two events to bring the community back together and welcome visitors.
Creemore BIA is having a Summer Solstice celebration on Friday, June 24 and an Autumn Equinox on Saturday, Sept. 17.
This month’s event will celebrate the start of summer and draws inspiration from the Solstice with its imagery of fire, flowers, agriculture and the changing seasons, incorporating those elements in the themes and décor.
Event co-chair and BIA president Laurie Severn said the BIA had planned to resume Creemore Nights but was unsuccessful in its application for the funding necessary to bring in the entertainment.
“We’re hoping that perhaps in 2023 we’ll be able to secure funding and we can bring Creemore Nights back,” said Severn.
In the same spirit of the popular Friday night community street parties, the BIA has put together these two events. Severn said organizers are trying something a little different by having seating circles around small fires at different spots on the street, where there will be entertainment in the form of song and storytelling.
Guests include Adam Webster with his parents Fran and Annalee Webster, all locals from Websterville, who will play fireside favourites and original songs. Webster, a direct descendant of the founder of the village, has taught guitar lessons and started a band called the Funky Truth which still plays in the area. This affable local is willing to take a request, have a chat and provides that magical summer camp feel.
Emily Ekelund, Chance Kellner, and Esther Wade make up the Mourning Doves trio (pictured), weaving their diverse musical histories to form a warm blend of close harmonies, both a cappella and with instruments. With tunes assembled from the English folk-revival, southern American gospel, country, and New England hymnary traditions, the group honours the ties that bind with inviting and beguiling trio energy.
Chris Walser is Anishnaabe from Beausoleil First Nation on Christian Island. A crafter, storyteller and youth worker, Walner and his wife Melissa go into communities and organizations to pass on what they have learned throughout their lives.
Members of the Juno-nominated Indigenous rock band No Reservations, Shawn Corbiere and Jen Brunelle, will also be performing. Maniwaki Quebec’s Brunelle plays percussion and does vocals. Corbiere, who sings and plays lead guitar, is a self-taught musician who uses his cultural background to inspire his music. He will also be doing some flintknapping around the fire, a process of sharpening stone for arrowheads.
Plan on bringing the entire family as lots of children’s activities are planned including: making floral crowns with the Creemore Horticultural Society, and a fairy land craft zone created by darci-que.
The street will be closed to vehicles and picnic tables will be set up where people are welcome to enjoy a picnic or food from local restaurants. Organizers are working towards reducing waste at local events so people are encouraged to bring their own washable dishes and cutlery.
The street will be licensed and the BIA will host a cash bar serving local beer, wine, cider, cocktails and mead. All bar proceeds will go to support BIA events.
Businesses will be encouraged to spill out onto the street with special offers, sidewalk sales, barbecues and street food.
“All the businesses are encouraged to come out join the fun be part of the street because we really want to show people that the businesses are super involved and that they’re there for people to shop local,” said Severn.
“The BIA is delighted to see an end to pandemic measures and welcome everyone back to our community. Our community has been so supportive in shopping and dining local over the past two years, that this is a great way to thank them,” said Severn. “For new visitors to Creemore, we invite you to check out our one-of-a-kind shops and enjoy a meal or a drink on a patio. We can’t wait to see you downtown!”
Summer Solstice takes place on Mill St. and Caroline St. from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. The Autumn Equinox will include a Mill Street hoedown.
Portions of Mill Street and Caroline Street West will be closed beginning at 2 p.m. next Friday for set-up. People will not be allowed to bring their own alcohol into the licensed area.
