Ruth Jones McVeigh, one of the founders of the renowned Mariposa Folk Festival in Canada, has passed away at the age of 99 in Ottawa. She played a pivotal role in establishing the enduring annual music event, which has become one of the longest-running folk festivals in North America, attracting celebrated artists like Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell, Leonard Cohen, and Bob Dylan over the years.
Jones McVeigh, a native of Halifax, began her career in journalism in Nova Scotia before relocating to Ontario with her family. In the late 1940s, she and her husband, Crawford Jones, settled in Orillia, where they raised four children. Inspired by a motivational speaker’s idea to boost tourism through community events, Jones McVeigh organized the first Mariposa Folk Festival in Orillia in 1961 within a short span of six months.
Despite facing challenges such as changing locations, the festival continued to thrive, moving to various venues before returning to Orillia in 2000. Throughout its history, Mariposa has showcased a diverse lineup of artists, from Canadian folk legends like Ian & Sylvia and Gordon Lightfoot to international stars like Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, and Serena Ryder.
Jones McVeigh’s dedication to nurturing young talent was evident in her support for emerging artists, such as Samantha Windover, whom she discovered performing at the festival. Her commitment to the festival’s success was unwavering, as she rallied support during financial difficulties in 1987 to ensure its continuation.
In recognition of her contributions, Jones McVeigh was inducted into the Mariposa Folk Festival Hall of Fame in 2005. Her legacy lives on through the festival’s online archive and the lasting impact she had on the folk music community. Jones McVeigh’s family, including her brother, six children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, carry on her memory and commitment to preserving the festival’s heritage.
Jones McVeigh’s dedication to the Mariposa Folk Festival was unparalleled, and her impact on the folk music scene will be remembered for generations to come.