Visitors heading to this week’s Back to Batoche Days are being urged to come prepared as organizers expect hot temperatures and plenty of mosquitoes during one of North America’s largest Métis gatherings.
Danielle Ethier, co-lead of entertainment for Back to Batoche, says staying hydrated will be one of the most important things attendees can do.
“We’re just making sure people are hydrated and making sure people are prepared before they come out,” she told MBC News. “There’s lots of stuff to do there, so people will be easily entertained and happy to just be out here celebrating the Métis culture.”
Her advice for visitors is straightforward.
“Bring water and bug spray.”
Despite the weather, organizers are expecting another strong turnout after welcoming an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 people last year.
Ethier says the gathering continues to attract visitors from across Saskatchewan, Canada and even the United States.
“It’s one of the biggest Métis gatherings in North America… I think it gets bigger and bigger every year, which is pretty exciting.”
This year’s event also features several new attractions, including an all-Métis main stage lineup and the first-ever Métis Kitchen Party on Saturday night featuring J.J. Lavallee, Jason Lepine and Donny Parenteau.
Returning favourites include jigging and fiddling competitions, Batoche Idol, Voyageur Games, truck wagon races and Indian relay racing. New additions to the raceway this year include flat racing and mounted shooting.
Ethier says Back to Batoche remains an opportunity for everyone to celebrate and learn more about Métis culture.
“It’s a place for everybody to come and celebrate together and learn a little bit more about Métis identity, culture, values and language.”
Back to Batoche runs Thursday through Sunday at Batoche National Historic Site.
(TOP PHOTO – A file photo from a previous Back to Batoche celebration)