Grand Valley Fall Fair and Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle Collaborate to Host "Healing the Circle Cultural Festival"
A Celebration of Indigenous Culture and Music
Dufferin County, Ontario – September 20-22, 2024 – The Dufferin County Cultural Resource Circle (DCCRC), in collaboration with the Grand Valley Fall Fair, is proud to present the Healing the Circle Cultural Festival, a vibrant and meaningful celebration of Indigenous culture, music, and community. This exciting event, taking place from September 20th to 22nd, will highlight the beauty and resilience of traditional Indigenous practices while offering a platform for powerful artistic expression.
As part of the Grand Valley Fall Fair, Healing the Circle will feature an incredible lineup of Indigenous musicians and performers, headlined by Gerry Barrett, known as "Ojibway Elvis" and a celebrated stand-up comic within the Indigenous community. Other talented artists include rap artists Jared "J-Rez" Big Canoe and Wesley "Rezmade" Solomon, alongside traditional powwow drum performances by Big Spirit Drum. These performances promise to inspire and uplift audiences as they showcase the richness of Indigenous music and culture.
The festival will also feature performance from International Canadian superstar Shania Twin, Papa Pope and the Fam Jam, and more, making it a truly unforgettable event for attendees.
Beyond music, the Healing the Circle Cultural Festival will offer an immersive experience with Indigenous craft vendors, showcasing authentic handmade goods, and Indigenous food trucks, serving traditional culinary delights. This is an opportunity to engage with and support Indigenous artisans and entrepreneurs while enjoying the flavors and creativity of Indigenous cultures.
The exciting lineup of activities at the Grand Valley Fall Fair will kicks off with the Food Truck Friday on September 20th. The festivities will begin at 6 PM with a stirring rendition of "O Canada" by Paula Turnbull, a past ambassador, followed by a welcoming speech from Mayor Steve Soloman and an opening prayer by an Indigenous Elder.
With over 9 food trucks offering a diverse range of culinary delights from Korean to Caribbean to Funnel Cakes, attendees will have plenty to enjoy. The beer tent will be open, and live music by Pellenbruck Acoustica will run from 6:30 to 10:30 PM. The Grand Valley Library will also host a Tween Dance upstairs in the arena from 7-10 PM.
The fun continues on Saturday, September 21st, as the gates open at 10 AM. Inside and outside, attendees can explore many vendors, homecraft exhibits, face painting, food, craft, and art demonstrations. Highlights include Art with Julia, a Shania Twin Tribute at 2 PM, Line Dancing with Cathy, Irish dancers from the Miller School, and a powerful performance by the Chippewa Travellers. At 7 PM, don’t miss a special performance by Gerry "The Big Bear" Barrett.
For those interested in country fun, there will be an Agricultural Farming Trailer, Beef, Dairy, and Sheep Shows, Exotic Animals, a Dog Show, an RV Gaming Trailer, Escape Rooms, and the highly anticipated Tractor Pull, starting at 4 PM (with registration beginning at 2 PM).
Sunday, September 22nd, is Family Day at the Fair. The gates open at 10 AM, and family games will start at 11:30 AM. Emergency Response Vehicles will be available for kids and families to explore, and Dairy Producers will showcase an array of farm animals. All vendors and exhibits will continue, along with the Truck Pull, starting at 11 AM (registration opens at 9 AM). The fair will close at 3:30 PM on Sunday.
"We are thrilled to partner with the Grand Valley Fall Fair to bring the Healing the Circle Cultural Festival to life. This collaboration is an opportunity to not only showcase the strength and beauty of Indigenous culture but also to build bridges with the broader community. We invite everyone to join us for a weekend of celebration, learning, and connection," said Brian Sarazin, co-Chair for the DCCRC.
For more information about the festival, schedule details, and ticket purchases, please visit the Grand Valley Fall Fair's website.
