LIGHTFOOT TO BE ENSHRINED IN FESTIVAL'S HALL OF FAME

FOLK FOUNDATION TO HONOUR GORDON LIGHTFOOT DURING THIS YEAR'S FESTIVAL

More than 60 years ago, long before cementing his reputation as a musical icon beloved around the globe, Gordon Lightfoot was just another budding troubadour trying to land a gig.

He and his then singing partner, Terry Whelan, had hoped to perform at the inaugural Mariposa Folk Festival, held in Orillia in 1961, but were turned down.

The "hometown boys" were considered too similar in style to The Everly Brothers, Lightfoot said in a statement.

"We actually took that as a compliment," he added.

Lightfoot would make the cut the following year, hired as a solo act for the festival and joining the likes of Ian and Sylvia, Oscar Brand and the Travellers at the Lion's Oval.

His support for the festival in the intervening years would play an important role in its success, an effort that the Mariposa Folk Foundation plans to recognize when it enshrines Lightfoot in its Hall of Fame at this year's July 8 to 10 event.

The recognition is "overdue," said foundation president Pam Carter.

"Over the past 62 years, the number of world-class artists that have graced our stage is truly exceptional," said Carter. "Among these, however, Gordon Lightfoot stands apart for his unique contribution and commitment."

A special live and prerecorded tribute will take place on the night of July 10 at the festival's main stage to commemorate his induction.

For Lightfoot, an Orillia native, the festival "feels like coming home to me.

"On stage at Mariposa, with the sun setting on Tudhope Park is magic — always has been, always will be," he added.

Lightfoot memorably performed as the Sunday night headliner when the festival returned to Orillia in 2000 following a nomadic journey around Ontario — a time of uncertainty in the festival's storied history.

News of his planned appearance that year sparked a flood of ticket sales and put to rest any question about the festival's success, organizers said.

"When the foundation was at its most vulnerable,

he stepped in and made the difference," Carter said.

While Lightfoot isn't officially scheduled to perform at the festival, he has been known to take to the stage for an impromptu song or two in past years.