Residents in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and nearby areas can anticipate a weekend brimming with fairs, festivals, and charitable events. From August 15 to 16, there are various options for community engagement, including the Murillo Fair, Westfort Street Fair, Pawchella, Festival of India, and the Summer Matsuri.
The Oliver Agricultural Society is set to host the annual Murillo Fair at the Murillo Fairgrounds in Oliver Paipoonge, Ontario, spanning from Friday to Sunday. The event timings are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This traditional agricultural festival will feature livestock competitions, homecraft exhibits, midway rides, and lawn mower races. Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 for youth and seniors, and free for children aged five and under.
The Westfort Street Fair will make a return on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., highlighting a plethora of local vendors, businesses, artists, musicians, beer gardens, street food, and food contests on Frederica Street East. The free fair aims to celebrate the Westfort community and local businesses.
A new dog-friendly festival fundraiser, Pawchella, will take place at Kamview Nordic Centre on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. The event will raise funds for appendix cancer care and research through the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Foundation’s Northern Cancer Fund. Attendees can enjoy activities such as local vendors, Ontario SPCA games, agility demonstrations, and dog walks, starting at 1 p.m.
The Festival of India and the Festival of Colours, postponed due to wildfires, will return to Marina Park on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. The Festival of India will feature a chariot parade, cultural performances, wellness activities, henna, vendors, children’s activities, and a vegetarian dinner. The next day will include interactive dances, live music, yoga, cuisine, and more.
The Lakehead Japanese Cultural Association will host the Summer Matsuri on Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the West Thunder Community Centre. The festival will celebrate Japanese Canadian culture, featuring taiko drumming, kimono dressing, martial arts demonstrations, and a vendor market with Japanese and Asian food.
Additionally, Brother John will perform live from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Sundays in the Park Concert at Chippewa Park. Organizers recommend bringing lawn chairs to the public event for a relaxing afternoon of local music.