By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON July 27, 2011 – Next to the Sound of Music the Joseph Brant Festival is one of the best public events available in the city. Not that poor old Joe will get all that much attention, but then Burlington has never really taken to a savage who went on to become one of the most influential statesmen of his time. He is an incredible story – we just don’t get to hear that much about him.
The Festival however is a fun event and there is decent aboriginal representation. The native drum performances and the Hoop Dancing are well worth the time.
It all takes place out at LaSalle Park – starting at 10 am and going right through to past 4:00 pm. Located on North Shore Road – and if you haven’t been there yet you should be ashamed of yourself. Admission is free but there are plenty of opportunities for you to spend your money.
Dave Vollick first came to the attention of the Burlington community when we reported on his attendance at City Council committee meeting where he convinced them to create the volunteer position of Town Crier.
From 10 to 11 you have a chance to let the politicians bore you silly but once they are all off the stage the competition for the OFFICIAL Burlington Town Crier will take place. This is going to be a slam dunk for Dave Vollick who is the guy that got the ball on this one rolling when he showed up at a Council Committee meeting dressed as a Town Crier and convinced the Committee to go along with the idea. There was to be a competition but because there were no entries (the lack of any remuneration kept other applicants away). Vollick will serve the city well.
Hind’s work on display at a Toronto art show.
Opening Ceremonies 10:00-11:00
City of Burlington Town Crier! 11:00
Hamilton Hoppers Rope Skippers! 12:00
Sophisticated Swing Orchestra! 12:30-1:30
Mountsberg Birds of Prey! 1:30
Blue Stone Native Drum Performances with Hoop Dancing! 2:15
Bubbleology Show! 2:45
Musical Performance by rising talent Hans Munoz! 3:30
Lost Dancers of the Six Nations! 4:15
JuggleMagic! Various Times
David Hind is a Brantford based visual artist who work in very large format – like 16x8 foot mural size formats. This time he is using aluminum and is expecting anyone who walks by to spend some time on his “canvas”. The piece shown above is a collective effort. It is directly based on George Bingham's painting "Fur traders descending the Missouri" and was in part inspired by James Ensor's "Christ entering Brussels" and Bill Reid's "Spirit of the Haida Gwaii". It depicts a canoe on the grand river passing through Brantford Ont. The boat has been filled by 250+ participants from in and around Brantford and illustrates the rich and diverse community that call this place their home. It is meant to be a symbol of togetherness: uniting all through peace, understanding, openness to difference, and compassion for all living things. Thanks to all that have contributed; Sarah Baker, Dawn Hackett, Chris Wabie, Sarah and Lori Byrd, Tim Southern, Sharon, Steven, Aliki, Jay, the Arts Bloc, Glenhyrst, et al. Additional works with Simon Frank, Tor Lukasik-Foss, and Steve Mazza
Special Appearances, Programs & Demonstrations:
Dave Hind, visual artist! Join Dave and help create his mural!
Karen Millyard from the Toronto English Country Dancers!
Learn about the history of dance and try some dance steps!
Heritage Music & Demonstrators such as spinning demos by the Fireball Knits & Flint Knappers—Watch items tooled from stone!
Fencing Demonstrations
Historic Re-enactors, Historic Militia & Zig Misiak from Real People’s History!
War of 1812 portrayals!
ALL DAY LONG!
Along with the special events there will be programs running throughout the day. You can keep the little ones busy every minute you’re there.
Boat Rides at LaSalle Park Marina & Splash Park for kids!
Artisans & Vendors! A summer BBQ and refreshment stands!
Giant Bouncies, Face Painting & Airbrush Tattoos!
Capture the flag puzzle hunt & historic play & learn area!
The famous Joseph Brant Day Silent Auction! Jungle Hut!
Hamilton Nationals Lacrosse demonstrations & games!
Interactive Inflatable Soccer play area presented by Mosaic!
The Boys and Girls Club of Hamilton live interactive children’s area with scheduled games, activities, relays & historic obstacle course!
Fair-style games with prizes! Lots of Hands-on Crafts & activities!
One Book, One Burlington Special Program!
School in the Woods Wilderness Survival School!
Public Trivia Contest with Prizes, Special Attractions and so much more!
Now for the fun part – finding a parking spot. The place will be packed – it usually is. So why not just settle for the shuttle that will run from the Aldershot High School parking lot to the LaSalle Park. The high school is at 50 Fairwood Place, which runs parallel to Plains Rd W and is just to the west of Waterdown Road.
Joseph Brant Day is a full day heritage festival presented by Joseph Brant Museum that celebrates history and one of Burlington’s original settlers and national figures: Joseph Brant Thayendanegea. The festival includes activities for all ages, live music and unique performances, special historic re-enactments and demonstrations, various exhibitors and displays, interactive activities and games, artisans, crafters and other attractions. Joseph Brant day is not only an important heritage festival; it is also the largest summer event and fundraiser for the Museums of Burlington.
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