Putting the 'wow' in summer fun; lakeside living tour; Toronto artisans

   One-Tank Trip for June 17/17

   (c) By Jim Fox

   It’s an event that’s sure to “wow” the spectators.

   In fact, all the pomp and ceremony is part of experiencing a traditional pow wow.

   You can take in all the action at the Na-Me-Res (Native Men’s Residence) Annual Traditional Pow Wow on June 24 at Historic Fort York in Toronto.

Pow wows feature native dancers wearing their colourful regalia. (Photo by Daniel Banko)

    The free event features traditional dancing, drumming, kid’s activities, craft vendors and a feast.

   Dressed in their finest regalia, the dancers and singers represent major North American native cultural groups.

   “We anticipate well over 10,000 people sharing and celebrating National Aboriginal Day with more than 100 dancers,” said organizer Blanch White.

   Participants include head dancers Breanna Olsen and Matt Rutledge who will be “swinging and swaying” to the traditional beats.

   Seven Aboriginal drum groups will be on hand, including host drum Eagle Flight Singers and co-host drum Young Creek, as well as All Nations Juniors and Black Bull Moose traditional drummers.

   The “Grand Entry” takes place at noon with dancing through the afternoon followed by the “community feast” starting about 4:30 p.m.

   The concert begins at 6 p.m. and features Wayne Lavallee, Crystal Shawanda and Nick Sherman.

   There will be more than 40 First Nations’ craft vendors and 10 information tables as well as a children’s activity area, White said.

A traditional pow wow is being held at Historic Fort York in Toronto.

   “We will also have food and drink sales, including our traditional meat and vegetarian tacos as well as lemonade, soft drinks and water.”

   It’s at 250 Fort York Blvd. Details: toronto.ca/fortevents; (416) 651-6750, ext. 2233

   Also at Fort York from June 21 to 25 is National Aboriginal Day and the Indigenous Arts Festival.

   Presented by Fort York and the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, this will “celebrate the very best in indigenous and Metis culture,” organizers say.

   There will be traditional and contemporary music, educational programs, storytelling, dance, theatre and food.

   Taste of Toronto is at the Garrison Common at Fort York now through Sunday.

   It features an “all-star cast of chefs” from some of the most influential restaurants in the city’s thriving culinary scene.

   This year’s special guest chef is TV personality and restaurateur Aaron Sanchez with restaurants in New Orleans and Baltimore. tasteoftoronto.com

   Lakeside living tour

   The Puslinch Lake Conservation Association  Lakeside Living Home Tour takes place on June 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a chance to visit five properties.

   The small, private kettle lake has featured more than 50 homes since the tours began in 2005, said the association’s Donna O’Krafka.

   “Most visitors are surprised that this jewel in a Muskoka-like setting is just off the 401 east of Cambridge,” she said.

   Visitors are taken by pontoon boat to the homes (or they can drive), with departures from the Old Marina Restaurant and McCormick’s Point.

Visitors to the Puslinch Lake home tour travel by pontoon boat between properties. (Photo by Donna O’Krafka)

   Participants should allow 2-1/2 hours to “enjoy these beautiful and rustic homes surrounding Puslinch Lake,” she said.

   The cost is $30, with all proceeds benefiting the lake’s ongoing restoration. myplca.com

    Artisans galore

   Toronto’s waterfront is a busy place on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Oct. 7 at HTO Park (339 Queens Quay W.).

   The outdoor Waterfront Artisan Market “features a carefully curated mix of 75 local, up-and-coming artisans, crafters, chefs and bakers,” said publicist Peter Ashworth.

Home-style Ecuadorian meals including paella from La Fiesta Catering are available at the Toronto Waterfront Artisan Market.

   It’s presented by the Waterfront Business Improvement Area and operated by Scadding Court Community Centre.

   “Visitors have the opportunity to shop and dine against the stunning backdrop of Lake Ontario while enjoying live entertainment, including the multi-award winning Waterfront Singing Ambassadors,” Ashworth said.

   The ambassadors perform impromptu a cappella renditions of classic and modern summer hits and offer assistance, directions and recommendations to visitors. waterfrontbia.com

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Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com