[lighthead2toe]

The dawning of this beautiful autumn day emerged with rays of sunlight filtering through the half fallen leafed trees here on Scarborough's "southwest coast" and with a squinting view, "Lake Ontario" can be seen as the early morning sun reflects it's bright rays onto the calm surface of the water.

A feeling in the air sensed that this one day was a given special to compliment a most special occasion that was to happen later in Orillia, the hometown of Canada's renowned gifted artist and national treasure, Gordon Lightfoot.

And a very special occasion it was indeed.

It's nine AM and we're on our way to the picturesque town of "Whitby" to meet up with "Corfid" moderator, Charlene Westbrook.

They're expecting Char as they know she's an important link in the huge Gordon Lightfoot fan base and we don't want to be late as she's scheduled for an interview so we're quickly on the road to Orillia.

It's a beautiful drive this time of year with Ontario's autumn tree colors in full bloom and the cornfields are golden in the bright sun.
With the approach of "Halloween" many of the hamlets and little towns along the way are colorfully decorated with ghosts and goblins which makes the drive most interesting.

After ninety minutes or so on the highway we pull into "Tudhope Park," site of the "Mariposa Folk Festival" where today's event is being held and we make our way to the area close to "Lake Couchiching" where the veiled sculpture is set in concrete and anxious folks are gathering to participate in this eventful ceremony.

The walk from the parking lot to site takes us through a forest of golden leafed trees and a look up through with the brilliant bright blue sky in the background is a sight to behold.
The still green grass is a carpet of fallen leaves that are bursting with color as the powerful sunlight penetrates down through and reveals this wonderful spectacle nature provides for us to enjoy. It's fiery autumn in Orillia.

The area is now filling in as folks are getting seated and the ceremony is about to begin.

Gord and his beautiful wife, Kim arrive without fanfare and take their seats close to the front.

Gord's Gold is playing through the sound system and the setting is just perfect.

Scheduled speakers take their turn at the mike revealing delightful anecdotes , telling their "Gord stories" etc. and the audience response is generously applauded in appreciation.

The time now arrives for the artist, Timothy Schmalz to remove the veil from the sculpture with Gord present of course.
The veil comes off and after looking it up and down and every other way, after a short pause, an overwhelmed Gord, in his true "Gord style" looks at the sculptor and says: "nice job Tim."

From where I was seated in the front row, witnessing that emotional encounter I nearly fell of my chair.
Hard to find words to describe the feeling of such diverse emotion. Like non other.

Here we have two very gifted Canadian artists complimenting each other on each other's work.
Doesn't get much better than that, eh?

What I've discovered over the years is the availability of openness within the Lightfoot organization; the family, friends, musicians, etc.
Barry Keane was present and we got to hang out with him for a bit. Johann Lowenberg, another close friend sat with us and we shared a few stories etc. with Johann. He's worked with Red Shea and plays gigs in the Orillia area. Terry Clements was Johann's best friend.

As the afternoon progressed the turn of events continued with Gord moving to the edge of the lake, sitting on a chair giving interviews etc. which were aired later that day as we heard from friends.
"Hey Ron, was that you I saw in the background on television at the Lightfoot gig in Orillia today?" Cudda bin!

Gord was there with Kim right through to the very end allowing everyone time for autographs on various items; album covers, photographs, guitars even.

Finally we gather up our sweaters, jackets etc. and head back to our vehicle.
I couldn't resist pausing and taking a final look back toward the statue which stood out majestically as it's brilliance reflected in the lowered afternoon sun. Very heartwarming and satisfying feeling.

The end of the day was at hand for us but before getting on the road we decide to stop off in town for a bevvy and snack at the "Brownstone Pub."
The Brownstone was where Paul Bartlett and I were invited to play a few Gord tunes during the "Lightfoot Tribute Celebrations" last year so the place has a sort of special significance with me. It's a very relaxing and welcoming place to visit.

Another memorable Lightfoot event has come to a close in the ongoing sequence of joyful experiences derived from the artistry of Gordon Lightfoot. Thanks Gord.