by PAUL RAYNER

Organizers are pleased with their progress in making the 2007 edition of the Turtle Island Festival an event to remember.

After a one-year hiatus, the festival will be returning this summer. Some elements of the successful Homegrown Reunion of 2006 are being incorporated, as well as a few subtle twists to older ideas. Set for July 27, 28, 29 – the same weekend as last year’s celebrations, not all of the events are completely settled, but strong progress has been made, creating a solid framework and giving a good idea of the direction the TI Fest will be going.

As well as the date, the committee has also adopted the “two pavilions” concept from the Homegrown Reunion. The involvement of the Cherry Creek Metis was an important part of the 2006 celebrations, and will be again this year. Once again, they will be hosting “Metisville” at the Turtle Site, while most of the rest of the events will take place at the fairgrounds.

“I think the two pavilions will work out really well,” said tourism coordinator Aggie Buhler. “Last year, people were shuttling from place to place the whole weekend. I think that’s why the merchants did so well. People were always moving from place to place.”

The Cherry Creek Metis will be doing similar events as last year – food, demonstrations, entertainment – all weekend. They will also be taking on the main entertainment for Friday evening, as well as hosting a buffalo meal. This will be at the same time as the dinner at the “fairground pavilion”, which organizers feel is perfectly fine.

“I think there will be too many people for one food location. We’re putting on the weekend together, and it is great to work together.”

As for the fairgrounds, there will be no charge for the Friday evening events. All of the scheduling is not completely in place, but at this point they are planning a dog show, some turtle races and the traditional roast beef dinner sponsored by the Turtle Island committee.

Saturday will bring the breakfast on South Railway Street starting at 7 a.m. The Lions parade kicks off at 10, and the featured entertainment in the tent in the fairgrounds starts up at 1 p.m.

Back by popular demand is the Bubbleman, who can create giant size bubbles in a show for all ages.

“When he was here two years ago, he packed the tent,” explained festival co-chair Jack Fuller. “He is a big draw and we wanted to bring him back.”

He is also not the only entertainment geared at the younger crowd. Taffy’s Inflatables from Birtle will be providing an array of carnival games for kids, including a maze, from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday. It is part of the effort to make the festival a destination for everyone.

“We really want to stress the fact that it is a full family event,” Buhler stated. “There will be things for both kids and adults.”

At 3 p.m., the variety show starts in the tent. Although some outside entertainment is planned, there will be a stress on the local.

“We’re really looking for local talent,” Fuller stated, “barbershop singers, piano players, that sort of thing. There is a lot of talent in this town and we really want to showcase it.”

Where will much of this talent come from? A new twist to the traditional spring Radioathon fund-raiser is planned where participants will compete for a spot on the Turtle Island stage. A sort of “Boissevain Idol” is in the works, with pledges and talent judging determining winners. They are looking for about 15 acts, perhaps with auditions. No date is set, but it will be held at the Boissevain Community Theatre sometime in April, with a CJRB broadcast planned.

“It could be a lot of fun, and spark some interest in the festival.”

Throughout Saturday afternoon, there will be plenty to do at the fairground pavilion. Pet shows, food booths, a dunk tank and turtle races are all on the go. The last of these continues to be extremely popular.

“I have so many people ask about the turtle races,” Fuller stated. “When we didn’t have them, everyone asked for them. What we’ve done is incorporate them, but not at nearly the scale (as the old Turtle Derby). It is no longer the main event.”

A BBQ supper is planned for Saturday evening, before the main show in the tent.

The committee has contracted Robert Larrabee to do his famous Legends Show. Larrabee does everyone worth impersonating – Elvis, Elton John, Neil Diamond etc. – in one big go-round. Fuller said they are hoping for a good turnout, and will be accepting advance ticket sales.

As well, the Curling Club is planning a Turtle Thud Dance.

The traditional church service and brunch will kick off Sunday morning. A golf tournament is planned, and a new event should take participants all around the town – a treasure hunt.

“If you think people went nuts over the ping pong balls,” Buhler enthused, “you haven’t seen anything yet.”

People can pick up maps and information at the fairground, and the event is open to all ages. The Turtle Town Treasure Hunt will take participants across Boissevain – answering trivia questions, facing obstacles, etc. Taking an hour and a half to complete, prizes will be available for the especially successful.

This takes the festival to its last major fairground event, the demolition derby on Sunday evening.

Although officially starting on the Friday, one part of the festival will actually get going the day before. Much like the Homegrown Reunion, a Thursday/Friday wagon train is planned. Those who do not have their own horse and wagon can still participate in the event, including the chuckwagon supper. Hopes are they will also participate in the Saturday parade.

Fuller stated there are still things to be firmed up, such as who exactly will be taking over each event.

“We’re still looking for volunteers for things like the food booths. There are still a few things I have no final answers for at this stage.”

Nonetheless, those involved feel they have the framework for a successful TI Fest 2007.

“We are really excited about this year’s event,” Buhler stated, “it should be a good weekend of family fun."