Residents in Thunder Bay, Ontario, and the nearby areas can anticipate a weekend packed with various events, including fairs, festivals, and fundraisers. From August 15 to 16, individuals looking to engage with the community will have several options to choose from. These include the Murillo Fair, Westfort Street Fair, Pawchella, Festival of India, and the Summer Matsuri.
Embracing their agricultural heritage, the Oliver Agricultural Society is set to host the annual Murillo Fair at the Murillo Fairgrounds in Oliver Paipoonge, Ontario. The fair will run from Friday to Sunday, with varying times each day. Attendees can look forward to livestock competitions, homecraft exhibits, midway rides, and lawn mower races. Admission prices range from $10 for general entry to free entry for children aged five and under.
The Westfort Street Fair will return on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring local vendors, new events, businesses, artists, musicians, beer gardens, street food, and food contests on Frederica Street East. This free fair aims to celebrate the Westfort community and local businesses.
A new 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, dog agility demonstrations, and dog walks, among others.
Following a postponement due to wildfires, the Festival of India and the Festival of Colours will return to Marina Park on Saturday and Sunday. The Festival of India will feature a chariot parade, traditional music and dancing, cultural performances, yoga activities, henna, and a vegetarian dinner feast. The next day will include interactive dances, live music, 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 and arts, offering live entertainment, vendor markets, and food.
To conclude the weekend events, Brother John will perform live at the Sundays in the Park Concert at Chippewa Park. The concert will take place on the main stage from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.