Mattawa’s Voyageur Days is returning this weekend after a two-year hiatus, and organizers have put together an event that has something for everyone. Mattawa is the place to be indeed, with concerts, vendors, street performers and so much more, most of which are free to attend.
Technically, the event kicks off today, with a free fishing derby for youth aged two to 14. So, if your two-year-old has a rod, bring them and the other kids down to Fragle Rock Beach by five p.m. to register, as the derby runs from six until seven this eve.
On Friday, July 22nd, the event really takes off, with a vendors’ market downtown, street performers, and live music at Annie’s Park on Main Street. Food vendors will also be set up near the park, and if you wander over to Water Street, you’ll find yourself some free axe throwing and a free gaming trailer.
See: Mattawa is ready to party! Voyageur Days return
Most of the daytime events are free throughout the weekend, so feel free to explore without worrying about the dent to your wallet. Weekend passes to all shows cost $75 plus a $1.88 service fee, and you can purchase those via the Voyageur Days’ website or by visiting the Mattawa Tourist Information Centre at 401 Pine Street.
The nighttime concerts require a ticket, and on Friday night, Voyageur Days present New Country Friday, featuring Cory Marks, Nice Horse and Lipstick Rodeo. On Saturday, you can “Rock Where the Rivers Meet,” and take in some sets from Toe Jam Tequila, The Trews, and The Sheepdogs. Sunday’s big-ticket event is “Tribute Sunday,” including Abbamania, and Practically Petty with Fleetwood Max.
The vendors market and street performers will be downtown all weekend, and every day there will be free afternoon concerts in Annie’s Park. On Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., head to Timmins Street for free pony rides for the kids, and at 1 p.m. there is a free tour of the dam, with the tour bus leaving from the Museum.
See: Voyageur Days releases Annie’s Park line-up
See: A story of Annie McLeod, ‘Mattawa’s Mom’
That’s right, a dam tour. If you’ve ever wanted to visit the Otto Holden Dam to see for yourself how the crew cooks up 243 megawatts of reliable, clean power, now you have your chance. There are only 48 spots available on the bus, and it’s leaving the museum at 1 p.m. sharp. The tour will wrap up by 2:30, and sorry kids under 10, you’re not old enough for this dam tour.
Events and activities just keep coming. There’s a BMX stunt show on Saturday, a classic car show on Sunday, and the firefighter’s bingo on Sunday as well. There are helicopter rides, a drag show, a craft show, and even a reptile show, so it’s best to visit the Voyageur Day’s website to plan your weekend accordingly.
David Briggs is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter who works out of BayToday, a publication of Village Media. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.
