Culture Days sweeps through Orillia

Artists celebrating Culture Days in Orillia, Ont. on Sat., Sept. 28, 2024 (CTV News/David Sullivan)

The Ontario Culture Days series was in Orillia on Saturday, a full-day celebration of local art and culture.

Seven programs were slotted throughout the day featuring free activities for community members of all ages.

"Art and culture is what makes a community unique and it's the heart of a community's identity," said Allie Bradford, the culture coordinator for the City of Orillia. "Engaging and interacting and figuring out what makes the city unique and important is very crucial for community engagement."

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Some favourites included salsa dancing, a 3D augmented experience and print-making stations.

With National Day for Truth and Reconciliation less than 48 hours away, there was also plenty of Indigenous art on display.

"It's very powerful that we can all be together [and] it's such a beautiful way to embrace the circle of life because we are all in that circle of life," said Vicki Pawis from Rama First Nation. "We need to love this world because we need to protect it, love it and love each other, and we need more music, love and laughter."