Motif 2012 - Another First!

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to share my recent experience at Motif 2012. If you've never been to Motif (this was my first time!), it's a cultural festival held annually in Happy Valley Park, Moose Jaw, SK. And in my new and humble opinion, it is definitely worth attending.

Happy Valley is a beautiful, often forgotten/unappreciated setting for this event and even grouchy mother-nature couldn't stop us this year! Though I work full time Monday - Saturday, I was able to attend Friday night as well as Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. It rained heavily off and on Friday night so I was doing the mad dash from under the umbrella my other half was holding in the stands to the front of the stage and back for most of the night.

Even so, I took over 600 photos that evening and got some really amazing shots. The stage is nestled in amongst what I can only describe as an almost Narnia feeling forest of trees. Somehow the trees here have managed to bend overhead and create a beautiful canopy above while leaving enough space on the ground for multiple sets of bleachers as well as a stage, a tent for the techies, and some room backstage for the performers. There's also a grassy area just in front of the stage for kids to sit or performers that would like to involve the audience even more!

From what I'd previously heard about Motif, I knew the food was going to be good (it surpassed my expectations by far) but what I didn't expect was the extent of the talent of the performers who come to this festival. I had no idea that by the end of my weekend I would see: Native American dancing and drumming at its' finest, Irish dancing (much like the famous "Riverdance"), Scottish singing, Philipino singing and dancing, sexy Latino dancing, Chinese fashion shows, and a 71 year old fire breathing phenomenon!

And then there's the food and shopping...

I tasted: empanadas, enchiladas, shishkabobs (both beef and pork), pork on a stick, pansit (Philipino noodles with veggies), pork buns, a Philipino banana dessert, homemade Ukranian perogies, cantaloupe juice, peach flavoured green tea and the ever-favorite antarctican snow cone!

I perused: Handmade jewelry from all cultures (all VERY reasonably priced), handmade sweaters of all shapes and types, amazing face painting, henna tattoos (another first!), kites and knick knacks, beautiful clothing, scarves, and blankets and several handmade decorations. I cannot stress enough how amazing it is to see people of all different cultures gather and hand make all of this food and beautiful artwork!  

And now I have what I can only describe as a Motif hangover. No food I make will satisfy my tastebuds, none of the music on the radio compares, and I just want to go back! Thanks Motif for a great first time and I will see you next year!

Below are a few of the photos I captured and there are many more to come!

Quick Sidenote: I was the volunteer photographer for the event so my weekend pass was complimentary but the fees this year were only $8.00 per day or $12.00 for a weekend pass (quite reasonable for all that you'll experience).