PROVIDENCE BAY—Fears for the future of Bluegrass in the Country, the popular Manitoulin Special Olympics (MSO) fundraiser featuring a weekend festival of bluegrass musicians, following the announcement that founder and main organizer John Featherstone was moving from the Island have proven unfounded—as the show is most definitely going on.
“We are gearing up,” said Ben Lentir, who stepped into the organizing shoes left by Brother John. “Things are going really well. This is going to be another good year.”
The decision to take on the role of organizing a major music festival was not made lightly. “A number of board members approached me,” he said. Realizing the important role that Bluegrass in the Country plays as MSO’s only major fundraising event, Mr. Lentir made the decision to accept the role.
Perhaps best known as a popular Island musician, Mr. Lentir also plays a role as a key member of the Northern Ontario Country Music Association and the Great Northern Opry. As such, Mr. Lentir has considerable experience in putting together musical events.
Mr. Lentir points out that Bluegrass in the Country is not just another music festival. “Seeing the faces of the MSO athletes, their smiles when they compete, that is something very special,” he said. “It is the best thing in the world.”
As such, Mr. Lentir said he and the many other volunteers who help make the event a success intend to do so “for many years to come.” That being said, the organizers are always looking for more volunteers, as many hands make light work. “We are always open to more business sponsors as well.”
Bluegrass in the Country takes place June 9-11 at the fairgrounds in Providence Bay.
In a message posted on the festival’s Facebook page from Brother John Featherstone, who is now retired in Manitoba, the founder thanked Mr. Lentir and the MSO committee members for carrying on with the festival. Brother John noted the festival, now very popular on the Ontario circuit, began in 2010 and has continued to be the sole MSO fundraiser.
In his message Brother John points out that Bluegrass in the Country “allows our MSO athletes to go on and compete to win many medals provincially, nationally and internationally.”
“MSO is comprised of more than 60 Island Special Olympians. Special Olympics itself provides sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, however, it has become so much more than that! It has created a confidence in our individuals, enabling many to smile and laugh without being judged. It has provided a feeling of inclusion and accomplishment. It has had the ripple effect here on Manitoulin Island and we have developed an even larger community of supporters.”
MSO runs seven sport programs, all of which require funds to provide equipment, training, transportation and registration to compete. Bluegrass in the Country is entirely volunteer run and 100 percent of all the money raised by the festival goes directly into the Manitoulin Special Olympics bank account.
Brother John encouraged those who have never been to the festival to stop by. “I know you will be back next year,” he predicted. Brother John went on to thank the sponsors and other supporters.
This year’s lineup includes Larry Carriere and Different Picks opening on Friday, June 9 at 6 pm, followed by Robbie Shawana and Mr. Lentir himself, before Denis Lapage and HighBanks headline at 9 pm. Saturday will start off with George Williamson and Cole Hughson at noon, New General Store, Ellie Maxwell, Avery Drive, Larry Carriere and Different Picks before the supper break, followed by Jim Beech, Denis Lepage and HighBanks followed by headliners The Next Generation Leahy at 8:30 pm. Sunday’s lineup will start at 11 am with Robbie Shawana, followed by Ben Lentir and Jim Beech before The New General Store closes out the day at noon.
Those interested in helping to sponsor Bluegrass in the Country are invited to contact Mr. Lentir at bluegrass_ben@live.com.
Camping at the festival is available at $60 for the weekend with hydro, $40 for rough camping. Camping is available to weekend pass holders only. Adult passes in advance are $55, youth $40, while Friday night only is $40, Saturday night only $50 (after 5pm Saturday night $40) and Sunday is free. Add $5 if purchasing at the gate—except Sunday, which is still free.
Tickets are available at The Manitoulin Expositor office in Little Current; Williamson’s Pro Hardware in Mindemoya; Central Pharmacy in Gore Bay; Manitowaning Mill in Manitowaning; Buzwah Variety in Wiikwemkoong and Season’s Family Restaurant in M’Chigeeng.
