This summer didn't really feel like summer to a lot of people because so many events were missed, not least of which was Rotaryfest. Although we won't have a big gathering downtown like the festival has been in years past, Rotaryfest is going to happen this year after all.
It's going virtual, say organizers, and SooToday is hosting it!
The full text of a release from Rotaryfest follows.
Despite an unprecedented year of obstacles, one of Sault Ste. Marie’s longest-running traditions is set to return in a brand new format. The Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie is excited to announce that Virtual Rotaryfest will be streaming on SooToday on Sept. 26 from 7 to 9 p.m.
“Our Rotary Club has been celebrating Rotaryfest for almost 100 years - so when it became clear it couldn't happen in the way it always has, we knew we had to find a creative way to still bring some of the fun of the festival to Sault Ste. Marie,” shared Rotary Club of Sault Ste. Marie President, Megan Wigmore. “With the virtual format this year, not only do we get to see some of our favourite local bands and performers that have become festival fixtures; we get to bring in some former Saultites to join the party as well!”
One of those former Saultites is Crystal Shawanda. The JUNO Award winning Canadian songstress will headline the virtual event with a Rotaryfest-exclusive performance. The online celebration of music will also include performances from crowd favourites Jay Case and Frank Deresti, Jackson Reed, Mustang Heart, Kelly MacGillivray, Kt Antler & Kyle McKey, Bone Yard, and Tyson Hanes.
This year’s Virtual Rotaryfest has been made possible through the generous support of OLG, SooToday, and Canadian Heritage.