GC and I just got back home yesterday after spending a few days at the 50th Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia.
Here are some of the things we saw:
- Ian and Sylvia singing Four Strong Winds together.
- Bram (of Sharon, Lois and Bram) being rude. He was hosting the workshop, but walked off stage when it was Deep Dark Woods’ turn to perform. Also? He and Sharon hogged the stage, doing two songs for every one of their guests’ songs.
- Gordon Lightfoot no longer has what it takes to sing for 10,000 people. He might still do well in more intimate settings, but he doesn’t have much power behind his voice anymore.
- Oscar Brand – who is 90 years old now – still has it. He’s charming and witty and his mind is still sharp. He’s a bit wobbly on his feet though. (As am I.) He’s in the Guinness Book of World Records for the longest running radio show hosted by the same host – 65 years and counting. And Oscar the Grouch was named after him, even though he’s not at all grouchy.
- Ianspotting, a hot reggae band from Kingston, Ontario (not Jamaica) was my favourite musical discovery of the festival.
- The Sultans of String were excellent too.
- The Elliot BROOD Band was a lot of fun. Instead of drums, their drummer used a suitcase, a briefcase and a guitar case.
- The special mystery guest performer was two members of Blue Rodeo, including Jim Cuddy.
Photo: Our tent (thanks Deb!)
There was a wild blackberry bush on our site, which was pretty wonderful. We were a long walk away from the “comfort station” where, for $5 you could take a shower. Or you could brush your teeth for free and use a flush toilet instead of a porta-potty. I love the little luxuries of life. On the first morning, GC went to the front gate and asked for directions to the comfort station. He came back and said “Okay, here’s what we have to do. We follow the path til we get to the rusty boat. Then we turn right and cut through a cluster of trailers and we’ll see a barn in the distance. Go past the barn to the farmhouse, and knock on the door. The woman there will draw us a map to the comfort station.”
Photo: Peacock, goat and kid
I came up with a brilliant idea. I could buy an acre or two of land and start a farm. I’d only acquire miniature animals, like miniature llamas and miniature sheep and miniature reindeer and so on. It would be much cheaper than a regular farm, because the animals wouldn’t need much space or food. I’d build a tiny little barn and a little wee chicken coop. I’d keep Duncan, of course. He’d be the biggest animal on the farm. I told GC about my brilliant idea and asked him if he’d like to come live on the farm with me. He said he would, if I had room for him.
Tomorrow I’ll tell you about the world’s smallest book shop, the shoe forest, the Stephen Leacock Museum and the alligator.
Photo: 7-foot Painted Guitars
Photo: Our bed inside the tent
Photo: Woodland Pepsi Machine at the campground
Photo: Elliot BROOD drummer, Stephen Pitkin
Photo: Oscar Brand, with his wife Karen and Josh White, Jr.
Photo: The Porta-Potty Attendant, who inspected each potty for cleanliness before grandly opening the door for its next user.
Photo: Ian and Sylvia on the big screen, singing Four Strong Winds
Photo: A few of the Sultans of String
Photo: The Kid
I`ve been looking at mintiature animals. Did you know the dwarf goats need the highest fences? I’m getting regular sized goats. But I have found a local shepherdess who breeds miniature sheep and I’m pretty sure thats what we’ll be getting. Don’t forget, my ewe will be named after you! I’m green with envy. I was listening to CBC’s report on the anniversary Mariposa and so wishing I could go. I think you should move here, there are several houses for sale in my neighbourhood…all with room for mini farming!
If you are going to have a miniature farm, a miniature donkey is a must-have. Also, check out Baby Doll sheep. Squee!!!
I kid (haha) you not. I have always told my family that I want a farm with miniature animals. You’ve been channeling my dream.
It’s sad to hear about Gordon Lightfoot. His songs are amazing.
That tent is GINORMOUS! Maybe before you settle on mini animals, you should try a mini tent. 😉
My friend Rosemary has Yaks, which are quite a bit smaller than regular cows, but not what I would call mini. But it makes it easier for her to work around them.
Your bed looked so comfortable. Glad you had fun. I too, am disappointed about Gordon Lightfoot; I love his songs.
Love the porta-potty attendant; your photos are great. My sister has a miniature horse…. he’s too adorable for words
I, too, like the porta-potty attendant. Was he tipped for his services?
Will Billie and Lester be back on-line soon?
Mudmama, I’d love to be neighbours with you out in Nova Scotia!
Abby, a miniature donkey! I think I caught a glimpse of one from the shuttle bus. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the miniatures from the babies. I just googled baby doll sheep and learned that there are only 300 of them in the world!
Grace, that’s so weird. First Duncan, now the miniature animals. We share some kind of animal connection.
Milan, absolutely. He wrote some terrific songs over the years, and he’ll always be remembered for them.
Julia, are yaks cow-like creatures? I’ve heard of them of course, but for some reason I always pictured something more buffalo-ish.
Deb, the inflatable bed was far more comfortable than the sheet of bubble wrap I used to use under my sleeping bag. Very cozy.
Nursemyra, the porta-potty attendant was quite the character. He didn’t even think to ask for tips. He invented the job and then performed it with great enthusiasm. Now, about your sister’s miniature horse…how little is he, and what’s his name? Is he just like a regular horse, only smaller?
Rachel, no tips, he just liked being appreciated. And thank you for asking about Billie and Lester. GC says he will put them back on tomorrow morning, just because you asked.
Terribly sad about Gordon Lightfoot. I think he had some serious health issues a few years ago (beyond dying on twitter.)
Sounds like a good festival though.
Gordon Lightfoot was always one of my very favorite folk singers. And you gave me a huge smile with the image of Ian and Sylvia and Four Strong Winds (I hadn’t heard that song in years and now I’m going home and find it).
Baby doll sheep are cute but mouthy little critters. They had some at the NJ Sheep Breeders show last year and they didn’t stop yelling the whole time we were in the barn.
I love the pop machine in the woods!
One unfortunate yet important thing to remember about caring for miniature animals is that vet fees are the same as for regular-sized – no reductions.
My mum’s best friend has been attempting to convince her she needs miniature horses instead of cats for years now!