We had a terrific time on a beautiful Saturday at River Saint Joe brewery, restaurant, and farm out in Buchanan MI for their Scottish Fest! We met some nice folks and Kalam A. Moose amused children, dogs, and adults alike.
Kalam also had a chance to get his dancing shoes on to the lovely sounds of a sweet duo from the Grand Rapids Scottish Society, who were playing a lilting tune!
In an age when AI drawing seems to be the thing, we wanted to herald the talents of Lansing graphic designer and artist Tony Steele B.F.A. of Steele Works, Inc. He drew all three of our mascots Kalam A. Moose, Bobby Beerver, and Polli Poutine. He saw our vision and made it happen, and for that we are eternally grateful. Remember, while AI might seem easy, having the skill of an actual artist can’t be beat. Thank you, Tony!
Here’s how Kalam A. Moose, Bobby Beerver, and Polli Poutine looked in the beginning!
And here’s how everyone turned out! I think Polli Poutine is FAR more approachable than she started out!
And what’s REALLY cool is that we brought that vision to life! Kalam is shown here at the Coldest Night of the Year charity event for our partner the Southern Michigan Food Bank! He walked the entire route with us and delighted many of the children in attendance.
Canadiana Fest 2024 is going to be even better than last year’s inaugural event! Join us at Arcadia Creek Festival Site in downtown Kalamazoo on Saturday, September 21! Check back for upcoming news and announcements or follow our socials on Instagram, Facebook, and Threads!
Interested in becoming a sponsor of Canadiana Fest? Let’s talk!
Charlie Holleman, you couldn’t get more Canadian and still not be born there;
Charlie was a quintessential Canadian guy, he played hockey (was a goalie right up until his knees wouldn’t work anymore), he played guitar and sang folk songs, he wore plaid often, he sang the “Arrogant Worms”, he loved horses and dogs and wearing big furry hats and poutine and snow and beer! He had a self-deprecating sense of humor and was always quick with a smile. But most of all, Charlie was one of the kindest, most caring people I’ve ever met. If he said “sorry” it was never in jest, he always wanted you to know he empathized with you. And he embodied what Canadiana Fest hopes to offer to the world- fun, joy and kindness. The only thing not Canadian about him was that he wasn’t born there, or lived there, but somehow he became what we call “Canadian Forward” and so we adopted him as one of our own.
Charlie and his band, The Hen-Pecked Dawgs, played the inaugural Canadiana Fest in 2023 with style. He was immensely proud of that. It was glorious to hear the sea shanties and Celtic Canadiana they played and sang. Not only did he sing and play at the fest, but he worked harder than most people half his age, toting and lifting equipment and tables late into the night to get us ready.
Like many a good thing, we lost Charlie way too soon, in a tragic car accident this past February. Although we are incredibly sad and already miss him immensely, we’d like to honor his Canadian Spirit by dedicating the festival in his name.
Here’s to you Charlie! You’ll always be in our hearts, we’ll never forget your Canuck attitude or your silky voice.
A Canadian Blessing;
May the spirit of the land grant you peace,
The warmth of the community hold you close,
And the enduring hope of the heart guide you,
Through the seasons of life.
