Rubber Boots aren't just a fashion statement — they define what it means to live in Northern Ontario in the spring.
To celebrate the splashing good times, the French River Cultural Industries Council Inc. is once again hosting its signature Rubber Boots Festival, complete with music, food, fun and, of course, rubber boots.
Julie Dupuis, festival communications director, said the Council wanted to create an event where local Métis, Francophone, First Nations, and Anglophone populations would be represented in a “light, fun and creative” way.
“The Rubber Boots aspect is fun,” she said. “It describes our people in many ways. And it's springtime, so its perfect.”
The region's cultural ties are important, and the FRCIC is eager to use them to promote the region.
On May 11, the Noëlville Arena will be alive with music by artists representing all four of the FRCIC's culture groups. Music gets underway at 1 p.m., and wraps up at 1 a.m.
"That's the fun of it," Dupuis said. "There's music in a variety of genres."
Throughout the day there will also be maple syrup sampling, prizes up for grabs, mediums, magic and a market place for shoppers.
The highlight of the event is the Rubber Boots walk-off, where the community can show off their most elaborately decorated rubber boots for a chance to win.
“It's pretty unique,” Dupuis said.
For the people of French River, the festival also offers an opportunity to embrace their community and have a good time, without leaving home.
“We have to go into the city to get events like this,” she said.
Now, they can celebrate in their own back yards.
Tickets to the Rubber Boots Festival are now available from Black Cat, or online at rubberbootsfestival.com.
Check out the website for more information on the festival.
