The Villager

10/07/2025

Check out the latest episode of the Mariposa Folk Festival podcast with historian Michael Hill. Hear amazing stories from over 50 years of music and moments, including legends like Joni Mitchell and Neil Young.

Learn how this iconic festival has grown and stayed a beloved part of Canadian culture.

Listen now and dive into the history, music, and community spirit that make Mariposa so special.

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/podcast/mariposa-folk-festival-history-50-years-of-music-mayhem-magic-michael-hill/

08/07/2025

Discover how young volunteers like Kelvin and his family are helping protect salamanders and our local ecosystem at Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve! Join The Couchiching Conservancy’s community science programs and see how you can make a difference for nature and future generations.

Read the full story to learn more about their work and why it matters.

https://villagermagazine.ca/outdoors/tracking-salamanders-and-teaching-love-for-nature/

Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve Mitchell Bruce Nature Reserve Kelvin has dark hair and a big smile. He’s eight years old and he’s telling me with wide eyes how yesterday he and his friend found five sal

04/07/2025

Did you know that this week's podcast guest, The Free Label, has teamed up with local designer Hip Chick Design to bring you exclusive, limited-run merch!

Check out these custom tote bags made from repurposed recycled fabrics, featuring original artwork from the band's two-track "DANCING ON YOUR OWN." Each bag is handmade, sustainable, and one-of-a-kind. They're designed to perfectly fit their Songs For Sienna vinyl!

Get yours only at this weekend's Mariposa Folk Festival — but hurry, quantities are super limited!

03/07/2025

Check out the latest episode of the Behind the Village podcast featuring The Free Label!

Hear from Cole Mendez and Jacob Thompson about their journey from a basement studio to international stages, their unique blend of 70s disco, 90s R&B, and funk, and their passion for live, unfiltered performances. They also share stories from life on the road and insights into their creative process.

Listen now and discover their new album, “Songs for Sienna,” plus what’s next for the band.

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/podcast/local-roots-global-stage-the-free-labels-story-cole-mendez-jacob-thompson/

01/07/2025

Mariposa Arts Theatre has wrapped up an incredible 2024-2025 season full of unforgettable performances and award celebrations.

The company received 12 nominations and 3 wins at this year’s ACT-CO THEA Awards, recognizing excellence in comedy, drama, and musicals.

To read more about their season and upcoming plans, click the link.

https://villagermagazine.ca/culture/mat-concludes-award-winning-theatrical-season/

MAT QC3 Cast MAT SC Cast & Crew Mariposa Arts Theatre has officially wrapped up our 2024-2025 season, and what a season it was. Through each of our shows, MAT delved into the complex motivations,

26/06/2025

Check out the latest episode of the Behind the Village podcast!

We sit down with Kevin Keddy to hear the story of Mariposa Millwork , a new local business in Orillia. Learn how they transformed an old automotive shop into a unique doors and trim showroom and hear about the challenges and wins along the way.

If you’re interested in entrepreneurship, community, or just love local stories, this one’s for you.

Listen now and support local!

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/podcast/new-business-mariposa-millwork-journey-kevin-keddy/

24/06/2025

Celebrate Canada Day with your neighbours!

Join the Great Orillia Flag Challenge from June 30 to July 6, 2025. Team up on your street, decorate with red and white flags, and show your community spirit.

Want to know how to join and win? Click the link to get all the details and register your street!

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/celebrate-canada-day-week-in-style-orillia-launches-the-great-orillia-flag-challenge/

The City of Orillia is launching The Great Orillia Flag Challenge, a new community initiative that invites residents to team up with those on their street and decorate their homes with as many red and

19/06/2025

Check out our latest episode of Behind The Village Podcast featuring Tom Stoate, President of The Hitch House.

We talk about what tariffs actually are and how tariffs are changing the RV industry. What that means for prices, manufacturing, and local businesses like The Hitch House in Simcoe County.

If you want to understand the challenges small businesses face and hear an inspiring story of growth and resilience, this is a must-listen.

Listen now and get insights that matter whether you’re a business owner or a consumer.

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/podcast/hidden-impact-of-tariffs-story-behind-the-hitch-house-tom-stoate/

17/06/2025

Discover how a love for birds led Celia from Toronto to the unique Carden Alvar and a deeper connection with nature.

Learn about the special landscapes, the community of birders, and the important work of The Couchiching Conservancy protecting local habitats.

Read more about Celia’s story and why supporting local conservation matters.

https://villagermagazine.ca/outdoors/birding-on-the-carden-alvar/

Birding On The Carden Alvar Celia Margaret Kyra Celia Hart lives in Toronto but birds have her heart. Once at a cottage, a friend’s dad said there were wild canaries in the forest. Doubtful, she b

13/06/2025

The 2025 Orillia Boat Show happening this weekend, June 13-15 at the Port of Orillia!

Explore the latest boats, enjoy a vendor market, kids’ activities, live music, and more.

It’s the perfect family outing for Father’s Day weekend. Don’t miss out on free admission and plenty of fun for all ages.

Click the link to learn more!

https://villagermagazine.ca/outdoors/in-water-boat-show-at-port-of-orillia-this-weekend/

The Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting the 2025 Orillia In-Water Boat Show this weekend, June 13 to 15. Taking place at the picturesque Port of Orillia and adjacent waterfront

12/06/2025

Check out our latest podcast episode featuring Nixon Boyd, a local musician, songwriter, and producer.

Hear about his journey from being in Hollerado to his solo career, the challenges he’s faced, and what keeps him creating.

If you want a real look at the music world and some honest advice, this one’s for you.

Listen now!

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/podcast/nixon-boyd-on-creativity-struggles-and-the-grind-of-being-a-musician/

Listen or watch this episode on your favourite platform! https://youtu.be/QdEI2V4atKQ Other available platforms Spotify Apple iHeartRadio Amazon Join us as we dive into the world of music with Nixon

10/06/2025

Discover the best family-friendly summer festivals happening right here in North Simcoe!

From the iconic Butter Tart Festival to the fun-filled Orillia Pirate Party, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your summer adventures with the kids and make unforgettable memories.

Click the link to see all the must-attend events this season!

https://villagermagazine.ca/community/villager-ventures-summer-festivals-with-kids/

Summer Festivals with Kids Summer Festivals with Kids Summer Festivals with Kids Summer is just around the corner, and with it comes that familiar, almost nostalgic anticipation—the kind that makes u