By Will McGuirk

The Grand Dame of Festivals, she's been dancing since 1961, has one fine weekend all scheduled up for 2018. Mariposa Festival, which takes place July 6, 7, 8 in Tudhope Park in Orillia, ON., has announced its daily headliners with Friday featuring Valdy and Walk Off The Earth and Sunday peaking with Bahamas and Buffy Sainte-Marie but for me its Saturday that is must do. Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea, Joel Plaskett and his pops Bill and the superb Lisa LeBlanc are all scheduled to play so its a guaranteed kitchen party but Mariposa goes even deeper bringing in Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets.

There are over 50 acts performing over several stages including Fred Eaglesmith and the Good Lovlies, Tami Neilson, Iskwe and Cecile Doo-Kindue. There are workshops, food vendors, an art alley, beer tent and one of the finest locations on the shores of Lake Couchiching.