The Canadian musical heritage event, “Fiddles on the Rideau” was formed in May 2021 to promote and preserve Canadian Fiddle music and to raise awareness and financial aid for local mental health organizations in Ottawa. In May 2015, the National Fiddling Day Act was passed and officially became a bill. An excerpt from the bill states, “the art of fiddle playing has a significant role in the cultural and social history of Canada and is practiced in all provincial and territorial regions. It is in the interest of all Canadians to become more familiar with the traditional and contemporary importance of fiddling, to Canadian Heritage and Canadian Society.”
The FOTR board is passionate about supporting mental health initiatives in Ottawa. In 2021, we financially supported Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services and in 2022 we supported Serenity Renewal For Families. This year, the board has chosen to support a youth mental health organization called, “Youth Services Bureau of Ottawa”.
In addition, we are excited to announce that we are planning a major festival in Manotick on the weekend of July 14 -16, 2023 which will include not only our musical river run, but also concerts and workshops featuring prominent Canadian fiddle performers. We will be posting details this spring. Find all the details here: Fiddles on the Rideau Festival.
If you would like to donate to Fiddles on the Rideau, click on our “Community Donations” page.
Do you own a pontoon boat and would like to host a fiddler for the Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:30pm? Are you a fiddler that would like to participate in Fiddles on the Rideau? All musicians and pontoon boat owners must pre-register for the event by contacting us. All waiver forms for pontoon owners and musicians will be available in advance by email. We want to hear from you!
It’s going to be a safe celebration with limited capacity and unlimited joy. Get on Board!
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