BRANTFORD – The Mohawk Chapel hosted a fun filled event to be known as “The Sounds of Summer,” which provided live music, kiddie activities, vendors and Indian tacos on Sunday, July 17.
The weather was perfect and the sky was clear as visitors were welcome to browse vendors, enjoy the scenery and live music and purchase items from moccasins to beaded accessories.
The event itself was organized by four hard working cultural interpreters; including Loretta Hill and Hannah Ruby.
“It was really good,” said Hill. “I’m glad that so many people turned out.”
Hill then explained that the entirety of the event was coordinated by herself and the other three cultural interpreters.
“I think we worked co-operatively to organize the entire event; get vendors, bring out the bouncy house, the fire truck and firefighters, as well as the musicians,” said Hill.
The main musician was Vern Lickers, who brought a troupe of artists to perform alongside him as a musical trio, but the focus of the event wasn’t just music.
“We were trying to let people know that the chapel is open, and people can come in for tours; because people don’t always know that we’re here and that we’re open for business and people can come in. So, I guess we’re just trying to let people know that they can come in and check it out,” she said.
In accordance to having several traditional vendors, Hill explained that their purpose had greater impact than simply to ‘sell their wares.
As well, the event was well equipped for children with an area specifically for kids.
“Because even as a kid, I didn’t like coming to things like this because I was always trailing my mom around from booth to booth to booth, and it’s hot, there’s nothing to do, there’s nowhere to go. So, having the firetruck, the bouncy house and the activities definitely helped and gave them something to do,” she said.
Alongside Hill, Ruby also said that the day was “a good mixture of fun and education,” and that she was thankful the event went well.
“It was pretty smooth sailing, everybody set up themselves and got going,” said Ruby. “The only problem is that so many people don’t know that we’re open, so it’s hard getting vendors and to create such a big event.”
Ruby further explained that most people aren’t aware that the Chapel is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Labour Day, and the grounds around the Chapel are spacious so they’re perfect for vendors.
“We are having another event on August 6, so it’s going to be similar to this one but a little bit bigger,” she said. “We [hope to] have more people to come out, so we’re looking for more vendors if anyone is interested and wants to come and set up.”
If you are a vendor and you are interested in finding more information, call the Mohawk Chapel at 519-756-0240, or email; jjamieson@mohawkchapel.ca.
