Canadiana Fest

Cultural Programming: Discover Your Roots: A Deep Dive into Canadian Heritage

January 28, 2026 by Amy Crabtree Campbell Leave a Comment

A Two-Part Interaction Genealogy Workshop! Are you ready to uncover the stories hidden in your family tree? Whether you’re just starting or looking to break through a brick wall, join us to explore your Canadian ancestry with expert guidance.

Famous Lineage: Could you be descended from a notable Canadian figure?
Deep Roots: How many generations back can you actually go?
Indigenous Heritage: Do you have many-times-great-grandparents with Indigenous roots?

Registration Deadline: February 28, 2026

Session 1: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Session 2: Tuesday, March 24, 2026 | 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Location: Online via Zoom (Link provided upon registration)

REGISTER HERE!

What We’ll Cover:

This isn’t just a lecture—it’s a hands-on masterclass. Over two sessions, you will:

Master the Databases: Watch live demonstrations of essential genealogy tools.
Learn the “Do’s & Don’ts”: Avoid common pitfalls in historical research.
Build Your Toolbelt: Access genealogy software and research aids to help organize your findings.
Source Like a Pro: Learn how to cite your findings so your research stands the test of time.
Get Guided Support: Each session ends with a 10-minute moderated Q&A.

Note: This is a working workshop! You will be assigned “homework” between sessions to apply what you’ve learned to your own tree.

To ensure the best experience for our participants, please note:

Space is Limited: Attendance is capped at the first 95 registered attendees.
Public Service: This workshop is provided FREE as a public service.
Focus Areas: This session is strictly for genealogical research. We will not be covering U.S.-to-Canada emigration, Bill C3 implications, or citizenship by descent.
Recordings: These sessions will be recorded for participant review.

Your Hosts:

Channon Russette Mondoux: Director/Creator of Canadiana Fest (Canadian American).
Janine Guimont Cotugno: Genealogist with the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogy Society (Canadian by descent)

Build a community with us!

October 9, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

Canadiana Fest is growing and evolving and we are always welcoming new team members who might want to participate in various capacities. Whether you’re interested in year-round participation or want to help out at the festival on the day of, or maybe you want to become involved in the inner workings of the planning committee, please reach out to us. We have something for everyone.

Come be a part of the action! In the least, you’ll get a cool t-shirt and have a great time with fun folks.

Before the Fest We have so many roles where you can bring your unique talents!

Planning Committee, Media, Support: Want to be involved but not sure where you fit yet? We have a variety of opportunities supporting planning, media, and general Fest needs. Tell us what you’re interested in, what skills you’d like to share, and how much time you have—we’ll find a role that works for you.
Grounds Coordinator: Help bring the Fest to life—literally. You’ll oversee the physical setup of the grounds, coordinating tents, tables, chairs, and all the moving pieces that turn an open space into a vibrant festival. On the big day, you’re the go-to problem solver keeping everything running smoothly.
Retail Coordinator: Turn Fest spirit into something folks can take home! You’ll lead our merchandise booth, manage inventory and volunteers, and creatively showcase our merch to boost sales and excitement. Ideal for someone with an eye for display, marketing flair, and a love of festival vibes.
Canuck Canteen Coordinator: Run our beloved Canadian concession stand and help make a real impact. You’ll manage the canteen from top to bottom—menu planning, logistics, and volunteer coordination—while supporting Fest fundraising and local food banks. A great role for an organized leader with a big heart.
The Apothecary: Mix creativity with community! You’ll design and coordinate our non-alcoholic cocktail bar, crafting delicious, eye-catching drinks that delight festivalgoers and raise funds for the Fest. Perfect for someone who loves flavor, presentation, and offering something special and inclusive.
Canuck Club Social Events: Help bring the fun and build the community! You’ll organize and host casual social gatherings—from euchre and hockey watch parties to concerts, theatre outings, ice skating, curling, and more. If you love bringing people together and being the social cruise director of a good time, this role has your name on it.
Fundraisers for the Festival: Help make the magic happen! You’ll support fundraising efforts that bring exciting performances and events to life throughout the year. If you enjoy connecting with people and championing a great cause, this is a wonderful way to be part of the Fest experience.
Promotional support: Help build the buzz and get the word out far and wide! You’ll support Fest promotion by hanging posters, sharing on social media, and spreading the excitement in your local community. Whether you’re in the city or a nearby town or county, your outreach helps make the Fest a success.

At the Fest Here are just a few places we could use your help on the day of the Fest!

Decorate the grounds with banners and more!
Grounds Crew: set up, clean up/empty trash bins, tear down!
Be a Canuck Greeter- meet people at the gates with the map and schedule of events, answer questions, escort folks to our booths or tents!
Face painting and game attendants!
Be a Mascot Handler- help Bobbie Beerver or Kalam A Moose!
Help stock and sell Fest merchandise!
Make no-alcohol cocktails! Bonus points for bar experience!
Work the refreshments stand (no hot food)!
Work in the VIP Tent and the talent Green Room!

If you can do it, we can put it to work! Let us know how you want to help! Shoot us a note and how you’d like to get involved!

Cultural Programming: Exploring Your Canadian Heritage; Reviewing Bill C3 and the Implications of Citizenship, Culture, and Genealogy

January 28, 2026 by Amy Crabtree Campbell 6 Comments

View the recording of this event here!

You can find the resources mentioned in the webinar here.

📅 Date: February 2, 2026
⏰ Time: 6:00–7:30 pm EST

What We’ll Cover:

A clear walkthrough of Bill C‑3 and the new rules
How citizenship law evolved in Canada and why it matters
What documents you need to prove your lineage
Practical tips for research and applying for proof of citizenship
A moderated Q&A so we can answer your questions live

The event is hosted by Channon Russette-Mondoux, founder of Canadiana Fest and a dual Canadian/US citizen. Genealogical information is provided by Janine Cotugno Guimont of the Kalamazoo Valley Genealogical Society, who is of Canadian heritage. Legal information is provided by Emilia Coto at SISU Legal, also a dual Canadian/US citizen. The event will be moderated by Jax Anger Pipe and Dan Mondoux, Canadians by descent.

You can find the resources mentioned in the webinar here.

Here is the post from SISU Legal that explains more about the path to citizenship, and the new rules involved around Bill C-3: https://sisulegal.com/blogs/news/why-canadian-citizenship-by-descent-is-more-complicated-than-it-looks

This webinar is not about migration pathways, it’s about helping people understand and claim the citizenship that may already be theirs. You may be more Canadian than you think!

2025 was pretty great…check out the wrapup video for Year Three here!

November 23, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

If you were at the Can-Am Peace Jam at Canadiana Fest this year, you know what a great time we had. We had everything from Indigenous water ceremonies to lectures on the Great Lakes, to archaeology, to all the Canadian sports, to exceptional poutine, to games galore, to an incredible musical lineup and so very much more. There was something for everyone, and it sure did look like everyone was having a blast.

It was a joyful Michigan autumn day and we packed in all the fun we could! We hope our wrapup video gives you a sense of that. Feel free to share this on your socials, and tag us!

We are already planning for 2026. We welcome anyone who wants to be part of building this festival to an even better fourth year, and if you’re interested in joining the planning, let us know here!

Photos credits to Leslie Dutcher Photography, M2 McMillan Media, Alvin Chin, Danielle Devlin, and Tony Steele for all mascot art.

Help us improve in 2026! Complete our exit survey!

October 5, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

As we wrap up 2025’s Fest, we’re already planning for next year. As you can imagine, offering a free festival means that we have to tap every possible resource. Having information from the public that addresses the validity, value, and importance of what we presented at Canadiana Fest is incredibly important.

If you haven’t completed a survey, would you take a moment to do so? Or, could you send this to friends and family who you know attended? You may receive a survey because you might have been a vendor or a participant in some other way, but please, if you can share this with those you know who attended, we can get a better picture of how to best serve the community next year.

2025 Canadiana Fest Survey https://forms.gle/Z8gD1C8rNe7kzp3MA

Thank you so much for your time and being a part of the Fest this year.

Chi Miigwech, Merci Beaucoup, Thank You Very Much,
Channon Mondoux, Founder and C.C.O. (Chief Canuck Officer) and Amy Crabtree Campbell, Co-Director – Canadiana Fest

2025 Poutine and Buttertart Winners!

October 3, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

If you were at Canadiana Fest, you know that a pretty fierce thunderstorm rolled through before we could announce our Poutine and Buttertart winners! The rain ended, but the lightning essentially shut down our stage and our sound system, so we’re announcing here!

The Grand Champion Poutine was from Katcha Steak, a new entrant this year! Theirs was a bold reimagining of a Canadian classic — crisp golden potato skins loaded with tender cheesesteak, caramelized peppers & onions, finished with house-made cheese gravy, and topped with shaved parmesan, fresh herbs, and a kick of jalapeño heat. They’re going to keep it on their menu, so go check them out!

2nd place Overall: American Culinary Federation of Kalamazoo and Battle Creek and One Well Brewing

3rd Place Overall: Motor Mouth, MI

Most Authentic Poutine: Best Coast Provisions

Most Inventive Poutine: PAC Pizzeria Michigan

People’s Choice: Grand River Brewery – Marshall

Now, on to the Buttertart Bakeoff! The competition was fierce for this highly technical delicate pastry!! The scoring was very tight again, with a point of each other. The 1st place winner was credited with the best overall pastry which tipped the scales.

1st place: Kalamazoo-area local and first time entrant Connie Kamerling!

2nd place: Owen Lewis of Chicago Butter Tart Co. Owen is the returning champion from 2024 and brought us a date-bar tart!

Tied for 3rd: Sarah Rousseau and Brent Grantham. Sarah is returning contestant from Canada, and Brent is another first timer in the contest!

Cara Lieurance and Brian O’Keefe at WMUK talk to Channon and Fest musician John Louis Good!

September 17, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

Canadiana Fest catches on in Kalamazoo! Cara Lieurance and Brian O’Keefe talk with Channon Mondoux and John Louis Good.

https://www.wmuk.org/wmuk-culture/2025-09-17/canadiana-festival-catches-on-in-kalamazoo

Adding a Canadian charitable partner!

July 29, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

Canadiana Fest is proud and excited to announce our support for the Downtown Windsor Community Collaborative in Windsor, Ontario- Channon’s own home town!

The DWCC will benefit from funds raised through the sale of our Platinum third-year sponsor Clearly Canadian sparkling waters at the upcoming CanAm Peace Jam at Canadiana Fest 2025 Presented by CN Railway coming up on Saturday, September 20!

This organization does it all for the underserved in Windsor – food banks, youth programs, homelessness support, recovery services, community development and neighborhood revitalization and renewal, a refugee and entrepreneurial program and so much more!

We feel that bringing the DWCC into the fold of the festival, joining theSouth Michigan Food Bank and Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes complements our mission to help our communities. We welcome you to join us at our FREE CAN AM PEACE JAM presented by Canadian National Railway Company Reserve your free (or pay what you want) tickets now to be entered to win a cruise on Lake Michigan from Fresh Coast Sailing!

Canadiana Fest 2025: A Celebration of Music, Food, and Culture in Kalamazoo MI!

June 30, 2025 by Amy Crabtree Campbell

Get ready to immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavors of Canada at Canadiana Fest 2025! Join us at the Arcadia Creek Festival Site in Kalamazoo, MI on Saturday, September 20, 2025 from 3:30 pm until 10 pm, for a day filled with live music, delicious Canadian cuisine and beverages, and exciting cultural activities. Don’t miss out on this unique celebration of Canadian heritage and hospitality! Your attendance also benefits the South Michigan Food Bank and Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes!

FREE ADMISSION this year! Join us for free or contribute if you’re able. Your generosity and kindness makes the festival possible for everyone to enjoy.

We’ll also take at-will donations at the door. Reserve tickets either way so we know how many to expect. Be a part of this unforgettable experience!

2025 Music Lineup:

Rock Rx: Rock Rx (rockrxband.com) Presented by Centre Street Smiles Dental! Hailing from the Kalamazoo area, this high-energy cover band returns again in 2025 doing their renditions of the best Canadian Rock, Pop and R&B. They make the audience feel like they are part of the band, literally. Don’t be surprised if you have a mic in your face during the show, as you sing along to one of your favorite songs.

Cécilia: Cécilia is coming to us all the way from Quebec. Widely recognized as three of Canada’s finest musicians, Timi Turmel, Erin Leahy, and Louis Schryer will bring their rollicking sounds of traditional, Celtic and Quebecois music. Bring your dancing shoes!

John Louis Good: Hailing from just down I-94 in Jackson, John Louis Good will bring the music of Canadian folk icon Stompin’ Tom Connors! You won’t want to miss this!

Woodland Stream Drum & Song, MoniFaith (Monica Padula) piano, and Deanna Bush, Flautist – We are so excited to have these Indigenous artists join us for our opening ceremonies!

Kalamazoo Pipe Band: The Kalamazoo Pipe Band is dedicated to teaching, performing & promoting highland bagpipe music in Kalamazoo, MI. Originating in the 1950’s, they have had the honor of piping at many Michigan ceremonies and events. Their heart thumping drum and heart wrenching pipes will move you and invoke the spirit of Canada’s Commonwealth origins.

2025 Food Vendors:

Local and regional food vendors will offer delicious takes on Canadian Cuisine and local favorites.

Best Coast Provisions
Pac Brazilian Pizza
MotorMouthMI
American Culinary Federation of Kalamazoo & Battle Creek
More to come as we get closer to the Fest!

Beer and Beverage Garden operated by the Kalamazoo Experiential Learning Center. Enjoy delicious craft beers and your favorite Canadian imports. We will also have a great selection of imported Canadian wines available via our exclusive offerings from Platinum sponsor Pelee Island Winery, with tastings led by Canadian celebrity sommelier Renée Sferrazza!

2025 Activities SO FAR!

World Champine Poutine Competition Local and regional restaurants and food trucks will compete to create the best Poutine in the World!

Butter Tart Competition Open to all who want to bring their best version of this sweet Canadian classic, professional bakers and home bakers both! Bring a dozen buttertarts to the information booth and they will be judged by a panel of bakers, Canadians, and buttertart lovers. We’ll announce the winners from the stage in the afternoon!

Children’s Culture Tent: Join us at the children’s tent for arts, crafts and cultural and educational activities about Canada!

Workshop Tent: New in 2025, we will have several workshops going on throughout the event with all manner of fascinating topics:

Genealogist Janine Cotugno from the Kalamazoo Valley Geneaological Society speaks on “Finding Your Canadian Roots”.
Canadian children’s author Jocelyn Watkinson will read from her book “The Three Canadian Pigs” and Melissa Baril of Caribou a Lunettes will read from a French or Cree language children’s story in the presentations tent.
Rendez-vous Détroit’s Elizabeth Bourne will speak on celebrating Detroit’s French Canadian history and her own experience of being a French Canadian in Michigan.
Dr. Daniel McFarlane, one of the world’s leading authorities on the Great Lakes, will present “The 7th Wonder of the World; How Canada and the U.S. Shaped Niagara Falls”.
Erin Leahy of the band Cécilia will lead a traditional Ottawa Step Dancing workshop! Learn the fundamental mechanics of French-Canadian step dancing as well as how the style developed historically in Quebec and Ontario. Erin will teach you “step by step” to dance a reel and how it is integrated with Traditional Music.
The Scottish Pipe Band and Dancers will lead a traditional Canadian Scottish country dance with the Quinn Irish Dancers.
Wyatt Szpliet, Mno Mijem Sovereignty Coordinator of the Gun Lake Tribe, will give a presentation on Anishinaabe maple sugaring.

Canadian Sports Center! Come out and enjoy skills workshops, experiences and learn the history of these sports! We will have:

Curling! sponsored by the Kalamazoo Curling Club. Come throw a rock for charity! All proceeds to be donated to local food banks to fight hunger.
Lacrosse! Canada’s official winter sport! Meet the athletes and coaches of many local teams like Kalamazoo United.
Basketball! Invented by a Canadian and staffed with WMU Bronco basketball players!
Hockey! Come learn street hockey led by NCAA Champion WMU Bronco hockey players!
Crokinole! If you don’t know what crokinole is, come find out at the Fest! This traditional Canadian game is a family favorite.

Try the Royal Canadian VIP Experience and enjoy the Fest in style!

NO WAIT GATE- Enter at the west gate on Koopsen’s Alley for NO WAITING!
Tasting Ticket includes up to 6 tasting pours of either Canadian Style Beers or Canadian varietal wines!
We will have Ontario wines exclusively from Platinum sponsor Pelee Island Winery, Canada’s oldest winery, with tastings led by Canadian celebrity sommelier Renée Sferrazza!
Enjoy creative and delightful no-alcohol cocktails featuring Platinum sponsor Clearly Canadian sparkling waters. The Clearly O’Canada Smoked Maple Mocktail is just one we’ll have on offer! Come taste enticing treatments and unique flavor profiles!
NOSH on delicious finger foods and bites across the day by top local chefs!
POSH private luxury portable bathrooms, covered tables and seating area.
No wait dedicated craft beer trailer, exclusive access to the stage with outdoor cocktail tables and seating.
Meet and greet with all of the bands.
And MUCH MORE YET TO COME!