The largest Canadian festival south of the 42nd parallel celebrates the three founding cultures of Canada: Indigenous, French and the Commonwealth Nations

Initially a remedy for homesickness post-pandemic, local chef and community advocate Channon Mondoux was surprised by the depth of the "Canadian curious, Canadian adjacent, and Canadian forward" community in Michigan. "The response has been overwhelming," says Mondoux, a dual citizen. "I began this event to share not just Canada's material culture but also its culture of kindness."

The event is a partnership of local volunteers, Eclectic Events LLC, and the Chef and Cooks Association of Kalamazoo Battle Creek 501c3 (local chapter of the American Culinary Federation). In 2023 they raised nearly $9,000 for the food bank community and $500 for a local culinary student scholarship fund. This year's efforts will support the South Michigan Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes. Efforts include a silent auction with genuine Canadian art, memorabilia, and vintage items. A highlight is a hand-carved Native American-style flute by Canadian artist Peter Gilbert of Red Raven Flutes, Windsor, ON, CA. "Its sound is ethereal," Amy Campbell of Kalamazoo, event co-organizer remarks. "I'm eager to see the impact this exquisite piece will have on our fight against hunger." The auction will occur at the South Michigan Food Bank's booth during the festival.

Canadiana Fest features a lineup of award-winning Canadian artists:

In collaboration with the Gilmore Festival, the evening's headliner is two-time Juno Winner Crystal Shawanda from the Wikwemikong Unceded Reserve in ON, CA and pianist Julian "The Genius" Fisher. Crystal is the Maple Blues Award 2024 Indigenous Artist of the Year and the first fully Indigenous woman to break the top 10.

Délégation du Québec à Chicago sponsors the award-winning Acadian/Québecois Folk/Trad group Skye Consort and Emma Björling. They are making their first appearance in Michigan and bringing their distinctive voices including sea shanty artist Seán Dagher.

The Andrew Rathbun Ensemble, presented in collaboration with the Gilmore Festival, includes Toronto native, Kalamazoo resident, and WMU professor Andrew Rathbun. He is acclaimed as one of the best saxophonists of his generation.

The Southern Straight Singers, a local First Nations drum and song band, will host a traditional round dance during opening ceremonies to unite the community. Everyone is invited to participate.

The Kalamazoo Scottish Pipe Band and Scottish dancers will be there, along with Rock Rx, the local high-energy band playing popular Canadian covers

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN CANADIAN CULTURE, ART, FOOD AND MORE!

The excitement extends beyond the stage:Experience multiple languages, delve into your ancestry, test your balance with the Log Rolling Game of Doom, marvel at live Chainsaw Art by Kris Kaleta, have your fortune told by "Miss Fortune," admire Canadian-themed cars and trucks, and enjoy face painting and children's crafts sponsored by CN Rail.

The Canuck Canteen will offer authentic Canadian cuisine like Peameal Bacon Sandwiches. Led by Chef Channon Mondoux in collaboration with the Red Arrow VFW Post 1527 who will share in the profits. Alongside four other local food vendors, they will compete for the "Golden Gravy Ladle" Trophy in the World Champion Poutine Competition. Purchase a poutine passport to try all the dishes and collect your "I Eh’t Em All" button. Cast your vote for the Popular Choice Award!

Canadian-inspired beers will be available from Final Gravity, featuring their Double Double Stout (those familiar will know the reference!), and Brewery Outré with their Newfound Brown Ale, among other favorite imports. Pelee Island Winery from the southern point of Canada will be providing imported varietals. The rising retro star of the beverage world, event sponsor Clearly Canadian sparkling beverage, will be available along with other soft drinks.

ROYAL CANADIAN VIP EXPERIENCE

The VIP tent provides luxurious accommodations, exquisite bites from local ACF chefs, and unique experiences such as the Bilingual Wine Tasting with imported Canadian wines from Pelee Island Winery and a Mixologist Experience concocting the specially crafted "Clearly O’Canada Smoked Maple Mocktail." In a playful reference to the smoke that drifted south last year, the Smoked Maple Mocktail was initially intended as a revenue source for the event. After the devastating fires in Canada, a decision was made to donate proceeds to a Jasper, AB charity instead.

GET IN ON THE EXCITEMENT!

Join in interactive contests such as the Great Canadian Buttertart Competition and the Canadian Cospl-EH Contest. In the former, both professional and amateur bakers can vie for gift certificates from Bos Kitchens of Kalamazoo. The Buttertart, a cherished Canadian pastry,

ignites the debate of "team raisin or no raisin." Participate and create your preferred version. The registration fee supports local food banks.

The Cospl-EH allows attendees to dress as their favorite Canadian, join the opening ceremonies parade, and win the Grand Prize—a private cruise on a 38 ft sailboat on Lake Michigan, courtesy of Fresh Coast Sailing!

Air Canada Giveaway!

Returning sponsor, Air Canada is giving away 2- round trip airline tickets from any terminal in the U.S. to anywhere in Canada they fly- To enter to win all you have to do is publicly share the pinned post on our facebook page(so we can see it!), buy your ticket and show up to drop your name in their booth at the festival!

Featuring: The Red Green Show and The Possum Lodge!

The Canadian quirky cult classic comedy show set in Possum Lake, Canada, offers the 2nd prize for the Cospl-EH! Contest. Take your selfie at the on-site Lodge, preview its new incarnation in animation, indulge in nostalgia, and remember to "Keep Your Stick on the Ice!" We're hopeful for an appearance by the Big Guy^TM or a cast member!

Introducing the Canadian Olympic Centre!

Building on the success of last year's sports! "Attendees loved curling and lacrosse, so we're offering more," says Heather Sawyer, a former Team Canada pro player, coach, and WMU two-time Hall of Famer, who will conduct workshops in curling, lacrosse, and newly added hockey and basketball—a game invented by a Canadian and perfected in America. WMU athletes, local teams, and coaches are sharing their talents, and we’re featuring a special session by coach and athlete William Griffey of the Iroquois Nation, who will share the art, history, culture, and spirituality of The Creator’s Game.

Adult General Admission tickets are just $15, Seniors/Veterans $10, Students 13-20 $5 and children are always free