Welcome to the archive of Team Fergmeijer's Kagawong news column in The Manitoulin West Recorder and The Manitoulin Expositor.

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

June 21, 2023

This is a long one, folks! There is just SO much going on in the community, we can barely keep up with it all. No jokes today (well, maybe one), we have to get straight to the good stuff!

Today we celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day! Here in Billings, be sure to check out the Billings Connections Trail. The Anishinaabeg (Odaawaa, Ojibwa and Pottawatomi) occupied what is now Billings Township long before European settlers arrived. Archeological and oral evidence has established at least 10,000 years of Indigenous occupation on Mnidoo Mnising (Manitoulin Island). To learn more about the history of Billings’ original and settler inhabitants, visit the full series of historical plaques around the township, link to the QR codes on each plaque, and drop in to the Old Mill Heritage Centre in Kagawong, as well as the Ojibwe Cultural Foundation in M’Chigeeng First Nation.


A familiar figure strolled through the village earlier this month: Wayne Aelick, along with his many supporters on Team Aelick participated in the Stroll for Liver, raising money for the Liver Foundation. This is just one of many reasons Wayne was crowned Senior of Year by Billings Township! Congratulations, Wayne and thank you for all the work that you do in the Island community. 


In just one week! Come out next Wednesday, June 28, for the first of the Kagawong markets featuring all sorts of crafts, veg, and baked treats. With a reported 70+ vendors making regular appearances this summer, be sure to check out the colourful cabanas, the roofed arena, and the Park Centre parking lot. Markets will continue throughout July and August on Wednesdays.


The annual Anglican Church yard sale and BBQ is just around the corner! Saturday July 1st (10am-4pm) head to the Kagawong market pavilion to find treasures galore. 


The next event in the Kagawong Concerts series has been announced! Don’t miss fiddling and step dancing siblings The Fitzgeralds at the Old Church on the Hill, Wednesday July 5 at 7:30pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance at https://www.thefitzgeraldsmusic.com/tour


Jabbawong Storytelling Festival is back as part of the ArtInfusion weekend on July 8th and 9th. Take part in a weekend of creativity and inspiration for all. Check out their page on Facebook for more information. 


Local artist Willa Wilson is opening a new show! Willa is achieving interprovincial fame with the opening of a show with two friends in Baie St. Paul, Québec, that has been forty years in the making. Félicitations, Willa!


We shutter to think you might miss out… on the vintage camera and photographic exhibit at the Old Mill Heritage Centre! The museum is now open seven days a week, so be sure to pop on by and check out the latest displays.


And that’s not all the Old Mill Heritage Centre has up its historical sleeve. Be sure to save the date: “Speakers Night in Kagawong” with Arthur Milnes and Steve Paikin will be July 13th at the Park Centre!


Excited about NorthWords Festival coming June 21st and 22nd? Keen to get tickets to the Book & Brew or to The Knitting Pilgrim show? You are in luck! In addition to purchasing at the library, tickets are now available online at https://northwords.ticketspice.com/northwordsfest or go to the NorthWords Facebook page to find the link (FB.com/NorthWordsFest). 


The annual Elemental Festival is back! Some fantastic plans are in the works to celebrate the beauty, bounty and history of Mnidoo Mnising, September 23 & 24 in Kagawong. Artist Announcements and Festival Schedule will be coming soon. Interested in getting involved? Contact info@4elementslivingarts.org to learn more.


Whew! That is a lot of goings on. You know, they say that good looking people are always busy. Team Fergmeijer would love to tell you why, but we just don’t have a spare minute right now. Have a great week!

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