2010 — Guitars on Parade!

The Orillia Streets Alive! 2010 spotlight was on the incredible achievement of the Mariposa Folk Festival as it celebrated its 50th anniversary. Our focus was on guitars and their obvious contribution to the Mariposa magic as we presented 50 super-sized guitar sculptures — 7 feet tall! — hand-painted with designs of local artists and on ‘parade’ all summer long. Modeled on similar outdoor art projects like Toronto’s Moose in the City and Vancouver’s Orcas in the City, the Guitars on Parade exhibit was unveiled on Mississaga Street on June 26 and remained downtown — except for an excursion to the Mariposa Folk Festival July 9–11 — until the week following Thanksgiving.

Gala Auction The Guitars on Parade project wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, some of whom have donated their guitars back to Streets Alive to be auctioned off in support of future Streets Alive events. Eighteen guitar sculptures are slated for the auction block on October 28 at the Orillia Opera House. For more auction details, click here.