In Memoriam
Karen Hilfman Millson
Founder & Visionary · R.I.P.Karen assembled this team and breathed new life into the Lightfoot Festival when she resurrected it in 2023. Though she passed away in 2024, she was able to see the fruits of her efforts — and her vision lives on in every event we host. We carry her spirit forward with every note played and every story shared.
Our Volunteers
The Committee
Members
John Winchester
President
John grew up in St. Thomas and discovered Gordon Lightfoot's music listening to his dad's 'Sunday Concert' LP in 1970. Seventeen years later he accepted a teaching position in Orillia, eventually teaching at Gordon's former high school. Retired since 2016, John feels fortunate to help celebrate Canada's greatest singer-songwriter.
Daphne Mainprize
Vice-President
As former curator of the Stephen Leacock Museum, Daphne oversaw its designation as a national historic site. She worked in Ottawa for Parks Canada and has sat on the boards of numerous cultural institutions. She is the author of Stephen Leacock's Mariposa: One Hundred Years of Sunshine.
Mary Hooykaas
Secretary
Mary first heard Lightfoot in the late '60s and attended her first Massey Hall concert in 1973. While volunteering at the Mariposa Folk Festival when it returned to Orillia, she had the opportunity to meet Gordon in person. She stepped forward to help honour his living memory when the festival called for volunteers.
Steve Porter
Director
Steve has been a musician since childhood and was guided toward Gordon's music through his uncle in the '70s. He had the honour of training under Gord's original lead guitarist Red Shea, and has written, performed, and recorded his own music played locally and throughout Europe. Gord is his musical hero.
Brian Hare
Treasurer
Brian serves as Treasurer for the Lightfoot Days Festival Committee, helping ensure the festival's financial sustainability so Gordon's music can be celebrated for generations to come.
Dennis Rizzo
Director
An ex-pat from New Jersey, Dennis arrived in Orillia in 2010 with his Ontario-born wife and twin daughters, and has since adopted the city as home — spending much of his time playing music and supporting the local arts. He only discovered the full breadth of Gordon Lightfoot's catalogue after moving here, much of it having gone unplayed in the US.
Want to Get Involved?
The festival runs on the passion and dedication of volunteers. If you'd like to help bring Gordon's music to more people, we'd love to hear from you.