Summer in Huron County means beaches, boating, and more. Depending on your interests, the things to do are nearly endless.
Combining a few pursuits in one event means fun for the entire family. Such is the Green Man MAC Fest, which takes place in Port Hope July, 25-27.
“The Green Man MAC Fest works good in Port Hope at the end of July, because everything’s so green,” said Peter Deane, one of the coordinators of the event. “It’s a lively time to be here. Mark your calendars now for that weekend, and bring a chair, because it’s a lot of fun.”
The “MAC” in the name stands for music, arts, and crafts. All three are part of the event, which was Deane’s brainchild.
“Green Man was started seven years ago by me and my daughter,” Deane said. “She had cancer at the time. We had sort of a party for her. She has passed away since then, but it was something I promised her I’d try to keep going. And I have. Port Hope has taken it up, so we’re going to keep it.”
The Rubicon Township Artist in Residence Group, of which Deane is a member, is behind the event, which combines the Green Man MAC Fest with a featured artist. They are currently seeking an Artist in Residence for the 2025 season.
“This is our third year doing our Artist in Residence,” Deane said. “We have a camper for them … they stay right in the camper.”
Currently, Deane is working on dividing his home into two liveable areas, one for him and the other for the Artist in Residence. If the renovation isn’t completed in time, the featured artist will use the camper this year.
The previous two years, the Artist in Residence was a Huron County resident, but they are expanding their search for 2025.
“We are looking for an Artist in Residence, nationwide,” Deane said. “We do give more leaning to folks in Huron County. We’ve had one person interested this year. They’re from Omaha, Nebraska. We’re in talks with him right now.”
They are also looking for more participation from local high school students, who may be interested in showcasing their art work.
“We’ll take an Artist in Residence that is under age,” Deane said. “If somebody wants to give it a shot, 16 years or older, with their parent’s permission. They wouldn’t have to stay, but we’d like to incorporate a younger person to do a painting of the area.”
The Artist in Residence has become a large part of the festival.
“It started as the Green Man Music Celebration,” Deane said. “Now we’ve added arts and crafts. We’re looking at high schools, hoping we can get the students to participate. We bring in artists from the area and use the Rubicon Township Hall.”
On Friday, July 25, the artist portion of the event takes place in the hall. Music will also be part of the event, taking place outdoors at various places in Port Hope. Last year the group set up a stage and hosted two larger bands.
“It turned out really well,” Deane said. “The music was truly embraced. … But, you have to insure the stage, and we really didn’t have the funds for it.”
Due to the cost, plans are incomplete for this year.
“We’re looking to see where the bands fit,” Deane said. “This year we’re looking to do away with the stage, because it’s just too much to insure. We’d still like to get some bigger bands. If someone has a sound system they’d like to donate, maybe we can get the bands back. Otherwise, we’re going to have to go with individual players this year. We’re always looking for musicians. We’ll have some musicians on Friday night, but Saturday is the big show. That’s when we open up the sidewalks and all the vendors are there.”
The artists, featuring the Artist in Residence, will be inside the Rubicon Township Hall. Crafters and musicians will be outside, along the main street.
Among the reasons for the event is to raise money for maintenance of the hall.
“We’ll have a donation bucket this year, so you can donate to the township for the betterment of the building,” Deane said.
Artists and crafters are invited to sell their creations, and musicians are encouraged to put out a bucket or hat for donations during their performances.
“There is a reasonable fee for vendors on the street, but it has to be handmade items,” Deane said. “It has to be from craftsmen that really love their craft. I’m an artist myself. … I’ve had a few national art shows … and I’m a musician and songwriter. I enjoy it, and I love people who love to create and bring culture to the area.”
The Artist in Residence will need to commit for a month. There will be two shows, two weekends in a row. The first weekend is the Green Man MAC Fest, with the second weekend being devoted to the Artist in Residence.
“On the second weekend, there is no music and no crafters,” Deane said. “The Artist in Residence gets the building on their own. He gives a presentation before their show. … It’s showcasing the Artist in Residence alone.”
The two weekends are a chance to enjoy Huron County at its summer finest. The Rubicon Township Artist in Residence Group intends to make the experience fun for the whole family. Music, arts, crafts and a featured artist mean Port Hope will be a destination that will make memories.
For further information, or to apply to be a crafter or musician at the Green Man MAC Fest, or the Artist in Residence, contact Peter Deane at 213-880-5816, or via Facebook at
https://www.facebook.com/PortHopeAIR.
yyy2j7