By Wayne Baggs
Day 1 – Day one of the Mariposa Folk Festival 2025 in Orillia kicked off with that familiar blend of sunshine, lake breeze, and joyful reunion energy. As crowds trickled in through Tudhope Park, a palpable buzz filled the air—Mariposa veterans hugged it out, newcomers looked around wide-eyed, and volunteers kept everything flowing with practiced ease. Opening ceremonies on the main stage were heartwarming, featuring local Indigenous drumming and a land acknowledgment that grounded the festival in its deep community roots. Vendors served up a mix of classic festival eats and local cuisine, and artisan booths brimmed with handcrafted goods.
The kids’ area was alive with laughter, drum-making, and puppet shows, reminding everyone that Mariposa is truly a family affair. The afternoon saw New Brunswick’s Les Hay Babies charm the early crowd with their blend of Acadian roots, garage folk and playful harmonies. Their bilingual banter and spirited energy were infectious, setting a welcoming tone across the festival grounds.
Irish Mythen took the next stage by storm, commanding attention with her powerhouse voice and razor-sharp wit. Her heartfelt ballads and fiery political tunes had people both laughing and wiping away tears—she’s a born storyteller who leaves it all on stage.
As the sun dipped behind the trees, The Paper Kites brought their dreamy, atmospheric sound to the stage. Their harmonies floated over the festival grounds like a warm breeze, and songs like “Bloom” and “Electric Indigo” had couples swaying and eyes closed in reverie. It was a beautiful, soul-soothing set.
Langhorne Slim followed with a raw, soul-baring set that had the crowd on their feet. His mix of folk, blues, and rock carried an emotional punch, and he radiated gratitude for the audience’s warm embrace, fully immersed in the moment—a true troubadour’s performance.
The Sheepdogs closed out the night with a blast of Southern-rock swagger. They brought the party, delivering tight jams, rich harmonies, and a wall of guitar goodness that had everyone on their feet. Their throwback style and infectious groove made for a joyful, rowdy finish to an already unforgettable day.
From soul-stirring folk to foot-stomping rock, day one captured the genuine spirit of Mariposa—diverse, heartfelt, and full of magic.
It was a glorious start to what was to be another unforgettable Mariposa weekend—equal parts music, community, and magic under the stars.
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