Inside Mariposa Folk Festival’s 65-Year Legacy | Pam Carter & Spencer Shewen

By: Jiun Liao

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Join us as we dive into the 65-year legacy of the Mariposa Folk Festival, a cornerstone of Orillia’s cultural heritage! Discover the incredible work being done behind the scenes by organizers Pam Carter and Spencer Shewen, as they share valuable insights into what it takes to bring this iconic event to life year after year.

From the festival’s rich history and evolution to its vibrant community involvement and commitment to sustainability, learn how Mariposa continues to make a difference in the world of folk music.

Get an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of curating a diverse lineup that balances beloved fan favourites with emerging artists, while staying true to the festival’s roots of storytelling, social justice, and meaningful connections. Explore how this unique event goes beyond music, fostering local businesses, conservation efforts, and multi-generational experiences, all set against the beautiful backdrop of Simcoe County’s scenic landscapes.

Don’t miss the chance to uncover what makes this year’s Mariposa Folk Festival a truly unforgettable celebration of music, art, and community.

Mariposa Folk Festival

Website: mariposafolk.com
Facebook: MariposaFolkFestivalOfficial
Instagram: mariposafolk
Twitter (X): mariposafolk
YouTube:  MariposaFolkFestival 
TikTok: mariposafolkfestival

Resources Mentioned

Guest Quotes

“I keep using punk as an example, but like Social Distortion, a lot of their music, I would categorize as folk music because they’re trying to tell a story.”

– Spencer Shewen

“The most important thing about any music festival is the discovery piece.”

– Spencer Shewen

“We’ve been very successful in our greening efforts and probably 84 % typically of our waste is diverted from the landfill. We recycle, we compost, we’re water bottle free. We’re experimenting with some solar power.”

– Pam Carter

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