Originally published in Lake of the Woods Area News, Volume 55, Number 3, Summer 2025
This upcoming August long weekend the Sioux Narrows Arts Council will be hosting the 64th annual Sioux Narrows Arts Festival. It is the longest running arts festival in all of Northwestern Ontario. Year after year, it boasts beautiful displays from diverse artists that are both local and from all over the region. Visitors to the festival line up on Saturday morning to be the first to see what is new and exciting each year. While the amazing artists and displays contribute significantly to the success of the festival, it is the community effort behind it that has ensured its longevity and success.
Kathy Valentini is the Co-Chair of the Sioux Narrows Arts Council and has been involved in the festival’s organization for many years. When asked what makes the festival unique, Valentini emphasizes the importance of community partnerships. She explains, “The Men’s Club, the Seniors Centre, the Township (and others) all come together to make this weekend possible in our small community. Volunteerism is big. We have always had over 80 volunteers help out.”
For a community the size of Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, this is a large volunteer contingent. In the summer, the Township has a population of approximately 5,000 including seasonal residents.
There is recognition in the community of the importance of the festival and its economic impact. The festival weekend in Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is more than just artwork on display. There are a variety of performances, children’s activities, workshops, demonstrations, and exhibits in different venues. These all contribute to making the August long weekend the busiest weekend of the year for the community. Funds raised from the festival are reinvested back into the community by the Sioux Narrows Arts Council in the form of artists workshops and opportunities for the local youth.
Valentini also noted that “a lot of artists live in Sioux Narrows due to its beautiful location and community atmosphere.” The large number of local exhibitors also lends to the overall community vibe of this festival. Several of the exhibitors only have displays at this festival, making it easy to find something new or unique.
If you have never been to the festival, it is worth consideration for this upcoming August Long weekend. Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls is a vibrant community and visitors during the August long weekend can look forward to amazing art, spectacular scenery and an entire community waiting to welcome you.
While the Arts Festival is a highlight for the community, there are many other reasons to stop in to this welcoming community on the shores of Lake of the Woods. Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls has extensive biking trails, some of the best canoe routes, a newly updated recreation facility which hosts a bi-weekly farmers market, and a variety of seminars that happen throughout the summer at the Northern Ontario Sportfishing Centre. You can find out more at snnf.ca.
