Good morning, Greater Sudbury.
Here are some stories to start your day.
Graphic-Con is finally here! Meet some Power Rangers today:
The nerdiest day on the Sudbury social calendar has finally arrived. In its fifth year, Graphic-Con is bigger than ever before, said organizer Pierre Dubuc, the children and youth programmer at the Greater Sudbury Public Library, which puts on the event with help from the community. Of course, the first question people always ask about fan conventions is what special guests are coming. Fans of the Power Rangers franchise may recognize the names Jeff Parazzo and Kevin Duhaney, who played the White Ranger and Blue Ranger, respectively. They're the featured guests at Graphic-Con this year. Toronto writer Ryan North who's the man behind Dinosaur Comics, Machine of Death and Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, is the convention's featured author. Several cosplay groups have been invited, including the 501st Legion, who dress up as Star Wars stormtroopers, as well as Klingon Assault Group Star Trek cosplayers out of Timmins and Sudbury. Graphic-Con participants are encouraged to dress up and take part in the Cosplay Contest — the winners will be announced sometime around 5 p.m. Headed to Graphic-Con this weekend? Be sure to send your photos to [email protected] to have them shared on our site.
Downtown Blues for Food happens this Saturday:
On June 9, the popular music showcase, Blues for Food returns to Durham Street, bringing with it nine local bands to entertain the hundreds who attend. The lineup is comprised of Johnny Williams and Kelsey, Low Guns, Zamboni Slim, Ace & The Cobras, The Dazed, Elijah and the Blackburners, Coldshot, Tommy Fyfe & The Whiskey River Blues Band and the Bluez Brotherz Tirbute Band. “We pride ourselves in being able to showcase our local musicians,” downtown BIA executive director Maureen Luoma. “We have a lot of great talent, and we have a really great lineup.” As well, the children's play zone will be set up, featuring a variety of children's activities including Science North's On The Move exhibit. Jumper the Clown will be there, and there will be free wagon rides, too. The day begins at 11 a.m. Admission is a non-perishable food item or a cash donation. Cash donations are preferable, though, as the food bank is able to take $1 and turn it into $6 worth of groceries.
Check out William F. White's new digs at open house this Saturday:
William F. White International Inc, Canada’s largest and most iconic provider of production equipment to the entertainment industry. The company recently moved their Sudbury office and warehouse and will be opening their doors to the public on June 9. The open house will run from noon to 4 p.m. and all are welcome to come out and tour the facility and toast to Northern Ontario's growing entertainment industry.
RCMP Musical Ride coming to town June 9-10:
Northern Legacy Horse Farm in Whitefish hosts the RCMP Musical Ride June 9-10. Every year, the world-renowned Musical Ride, featuring 32 horses and riders, brings its show to communities across the country to perform a variety of figures and drills choreographed to music. The show provides the public with an opportunity to experience the heritage and traditions of the RCMP and raise funds for local charities across Canada. The festival runs 12-5 p.m. both days, with the musical ride beginning at 3 p.m. The pre-show for Saturday will be the Blue Saints Drum & Bugle Corps and on Sunday the Greater Sudbury Police Service Pipe & Drum Band.
Dystonia fundraising walk takes place in Hanmer June 10:
The Freedom to Move 5 km Walk-and-Wheel for Dystonia Research fundraising event takes place June 10 at the Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre in Hanmer. “Do you take for granted your sight, your speech, your ability to write, to eat, to walk or play your favourite instrument?” a press release said. “Those stricken with dystonia may find one or some or all of these abilities compromised.” Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles to tighten and twist involuntarily. It can affect the eyes, jaw, voice box, neck, hands and limbs and in extreme cases the entire body. Dystonia affects people of all ages and gender and can be painful and uncomfortable. It is the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson’s disease and Essential Tremor. An estimated 50,000 Canadians have dystonia. Yet incredibly, few people have heard about this unusual condition. As such, dystonia often goes either undiagnosed or incorrectly diagnosed. The fundraising event gets underway June 10 starting at 9:30 a.m. with registration, followed by the walk at 10 a.m. and then a barbecue and door prizes.
