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Published September 10, 2026

Lightfoot Festival Returns to Orillia as Local Fighter Steps Into the Ice

What Barrie's Talking About Podcast

Orillia is getting ready to celebrate one of Canada's most famous musicians.

The Lightfoot Festival Orillia returns to honour the music, life, and legacy of Gordon Lightfoot. Meanwhile, a Penetanguishene man has taken part in a very different kind of hockey event.

James Dalzell recently suited up for Bare Knuckle Ice Wars in Alberta. There's no hockey game involved. Instead, competitors put on full hockey gear and settle things with their fists on the ice.

Here's what Barrie's talking about this week.

Lightfoot Festival Orillia Celebrates a Canadian Music Legend

Gordon Lightfoot's connection to Orillia runs deep, and the city continues to celebrate his incredible musical legacy.

The annual Lightfoot Festival brings people together to remember the Canadian singer-songwriter and his lasting impact on music.

Lightfoot's songs became part of the Canadian soundtrack for generations of listeners. His music continues to attract fans both at home and around the world.

The festival gives those fans a chance to come together, hear live music, and celebrate the man behind some of Canada's most recognizable songs.

What to Expect at the Lightfoot Festival

Festival President John Winchester recently stopped by to talk about this year's event.

He shared some of the background behind the festival and what goes into putting it together each year.

For fans of Lightfoot's music, it's more than just another music festival.

It's an opportunity to celebrate his connection to Orillia and keep his music and legacy in the spotlight.

As the festival continues to grow, it also gives a new generation of listeners a chance to discover Lightfoot's work.

Bare Knuckle Ice Wars Brings a Different Kind of Hockey Fight

Meanwhile, there's a very different kind of action happening on the ice.

James Dalzell of Penetanguishene recently took part in Bare Knuckle Ice Wars in Alberta.

If you've ever watched hockey, you've probably seen a fight break out during a game.

Bare Knuckle Ice Wars takes that part of hockey and removes the actual hockey.

There are no goals to score and no puck to chase.

Instead, competitors face off on the ice while wearing full hockey equipment.

A Penetanguishene Fighter Takes the Ice

Dalzell was among the competitors taking part in the event.

He recently sat down with the Rock 95 Morning Crew to talk about the experience and what it's like to take part in a sport that's essentially a hockey fight without the hockey.

It's certainly not your usual weekend on the ice.

However, the event has created its own following by turning one of hockey's most controversial traditions into the main attraction.

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