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| 2010-06-04 Orleans Festival will be a success | | | Orléans Star
Published: Friday, June 4, 2010 Orléans Festival no longer "little" Back in April, when it was still cold, I told you about a far-off, little community festival that was going to happen on Sunday, June 6 in parts of the Shenkman Arts Centre. Well much has changed since April; changed for the better. To start, it’s no longer a little festival; this event is now bursting at the seams with top flight local and national talent. But more importantly, Festival Orléans is happening this Sunday and as anyone in the broader arts community will tell you, the arts have a way of unifying peopleFor example MP Royal Galipeau and MPP Phil McNeeley will kick-off this festival at 9 a.m. by co-hosting a community breakfast, and we’re not talking a few bagels and coffees; this is a full-fledged breakfast spread. Think of it as the federal-provincial cooperation breakfast to stimulate the local arts community.As well, every nook and cranny of the Shenkman Arts Centre will be used, inside and out. And this festival coincides with Doors Open Ottawa so tours of the centre will be available. FYI, the centre is one of the most modern and unique performing arts facilities in North America, it’s worth a trip just to learn what they have done technically, acoustically and environmentally in constructing this community gem.If you become a bit peckish on Sunday, at least 10 local restaurateurs will delight your taste buds with Taste of Orléans which runs from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The best of their varied recipes will be available for sampling, and again, it’s all free!To add some colour, and no doubt, comedy to the day, local celebrities including Mayor Larry O’Brien, Lucy Van Oldenbarneveld from CBC Ottawa along with radio personalities Ryan Lindsay – an Orléans native – from Hot 89.9 and Frances Ebbrell at the Jewel 98.5 will partner with local bakers in a cake decorating contest running from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m. Their creations will be judged by Arts Ottawa East Executive Director Christine Tremblay, United Way CEO Michael Allen – also a community resident – and former caterer and restaurant owner, Debora-Ann Latimer.The Festival will be a non-stop parade of performing, visual and culinary arts with something to satisfy each member of your family. Confirmed acts include: the stomping sounds sensation of Bam Percussion; energetic blues and rock performer Steve Marriner; inspirational African drums from Cobra du Mandingue; and the French Canadian Folklore of Les Affreux Lurons.A dedicated group of local community leaders has put this day together with the generous support of local corporate partners. But to ensure that this event is not a one-time thing like our community’s 150th anniversary, it will take you, your family, your neighbours and your friends to show up on Sunday and take in the sights, smells, sounds and surroundings. Hope to see you there and more details can be found on the festival’s website at www.orleansfestivaldorleans.ca. | | |
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