Go North Music Festival Celebrated with Arts Award Recognition

The Go North Music Festival has been honored with the Arts Award at the SooToday Community Builders Awards, recognizing its significant impact on the cultural landscape of St. Joseph Island and the broader Algoma region. This accolade highlights the festival’s transformation from a modest summer concert series into a vital community celebration since its inception in 2017.

From Humble Beginnings to Community Anchor

Originally born from the Township of St. Joseph’s “Just Passing Through” concert series, the festival has evolved into one of Algoma’s premier music destinations. Over the years, it has hosted notable Canadian artists such as The Trews and Big Sugar, in addition to showcasing emerging talents from across the nation. The festival’s appeal extends beyond music, offering families a vibrant kids’ area, diverse food options from local vendors, and a marketplace for artisans to exhibit their handcrafted creations.

Driven entirely by volunteers, the Go North Music Festival emphasizes accessibility and aims to foster shared experiences that bring together people of all ages. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the festival made a triumphant return, drawing larger crowds than ever before.

A Celebration of Community and Culture

Receiving the Arts Award is a testament to the festival’s role in enhancing community spirit. “This is wonderful. We’re very honoured to be considered one of Sault Ste. Marie’s community builders,” said Sheri Gladu, community projects coordinator for the Township of St. Joseph and representative for the Go North Music Festival. She expressed pride in witnessing the festival’s growth and the joy it brings to families. “Seeing the crowd build year after year and seeing families come out and enjoy themselves is always such a proud moment for us,” she noted.

Gladu emphasized the importance of community connection, stating, “We understand that for a community to feel cohesive, we need to come together. There are lots of different ways to do that, but music is one of the most wonderful ways for people to join together and celebrate what it is to be part of Northern Ontario.”

The festival has not only become a cherished tradition but also a driver of tourism and a platform for showcasing both homegrown and national talent. “We are very appreciative of this award and we look forward to presenting even bigger and better Go North Music Festivals in the years to come,” added Gladu.

The Arts Award recognizes individuals or groups that have made a substantial contribution to the artistic community, enhancing its vitality and growth. The Go North Music Festival stands out as a leader in this regard, fostering creativity and community engagement. The award is sponsored by Algoma Office Equipment, further highlighting the festival’s significance in the region.

Congratulations to the team at the Go North Music Festival for this well-deserved recognition, marking a promising future for this beloved cultural event.