The spirit of celebration was alive at the Arborg Heritage Village on Aug. 5 as the community gathered for an evening of cultural connection, traditional art and high-energy performances.
Co-hosted by Arborg Heritage Village and the Riverton & District Friendship Centre, the Feel the Music event drew a lively crowd to the outdoor stage despite the threat of rain. Guests brought their lawn chairs and appetites for a full evening of free entertainment, with food for purchase from Triple Bloom Catering and a 50/50 draw adding to the family-friendly atmosphere.
“This year marks the 150th anniversary of New Iceland—a milestone that called for more than just celebration,” said Arborg Heritage Village organizer Pat Eyolfson. “We wanted to honour the Icelandic settlers who arrived in 1875 and, just as importantly, the Indigenous peoples whose footsteps were the first this land had known. It was their generosity, knowledge and guidance that helped the settlers survive that first harsh winter.”
Eyolfson said she reached out to the Riverton & District Friendship Centre earlier this year to see if they would consider co-hosting, and they “immediately agreed.” From there, the program took shape to blend cultures through music, dance and storytelling—“celebrating a shared history and the spirit of friendship that still echoes through our communities today.”
Performers included Jason Lepine on fiddle and Lionel Desjarlais on guitar and vocals, as well as United Thunder, an Indigenous dance troupe whose movement and drumming “filled the stage with life,” Eyolfson said. A highlight of the evening was a fashion show by Annríki Þjóðbúningar og Skart of Iceland, modelling handcrafted traditional costumes dating back to the 14th century.
“The fashion show was a living connection to the past,” Eyolfson said. “Each garment is historically accurate, entirely handmade, and reflects designs worn in Iceland centuries ago. Bringing this show to New Iceland during the 150th anniversary celebrations allowed us to showcase our cultural roots and share them with people of all backgrounds.”
The inclusion of both Icelandic and Indigenous performances, she added, was deliberate. “From the very beginning, these two communities—so different in language, culture and way of life—found common ground. They built a bond rooted in cooperation, admiration and mutual support. We wanted to honour that full history and the people who made it possible.”
The audience, Eyolfson said, “was captivated from start to finish,” clapping along with the drumming, admiring the beadwork of the dancers and the elegance of the Icelandic costumes. MC Desarae Bilinski “created a sense of unity—at one point inspiring the entire crowd to rise to their feet in shared celebration.”
“People left with smiles, warm hearts and a renewed appreciation for the history and diversity that shape our community,” Eyolfson said. “It wasn’t just entertainment—it was a reminder of the bonds we share across cultures and generations.”
