Stompin' Tom makes an appearance at Northern Lights Fest (14 photos)

Northern Ontario artist Tyler Fauvelle is passionate about Canada.

So it only made sense that he was chosen to create a sculpture of iconic Canadian musician Stompin’ Tom Connors that will soon have a permanent home in downtown Sudbury.

The life-sized bronze statue was unveiled Friday evening at the Northern Lights Festival Boreal in Sudbury’s Bell Park.

“[My inspiration was] Canadian music and his passion for Canada,” Fauvelle told SooToday. “It’s something I feel very strongly about. Too few artists pay attention to their own country or take the opportunity to represent and express themselves through Canadian culture and history.”

The sculpture features a number of details that commemorate Stompin’ Tom’s connection to this vast nation; the fingers of his playing hand are positioned to play one of the main chords in Sudbury Saturday Night, and the stomping board is embellished with symbols representing the places and events he wrote about.

Fauvelle has other projects in the works - including those in Timmins, Penetanguishene, and New Liskard - that all pay homage to Canadian historical events and figures.

His montage of War of 1812 heroes, We See Thee Rise, is now on permanent display in the gallery at the Heritage Discovery Centre in Sault Ste. Marie, and he was commissioned to commemorate Timmins’ centennial in 2012.

Fauvelle’s bronze tribute to Stompin’ Tom will remain on display at the Northern Lights Festival Boreal which continues throughout the weekend with live performances, food and refreshments, artisans, and a variety of vendors.

Despite a bit of rain, Friday’s live entertainment continued without delay with The Melbourne Ska Orchestra headlining the main stage.

Saturday’s performances include the House of David Gang, Quique Escamilla, Ben Sures, and headliner Sarah Harmer.

Sunday’s headliner is Dan Mangan + Blacksmith, with additional sets from Lee Harvey Osmand, Reuben and the Dark, Five Alarm Funk, Pistol George Warren, and many others.

Tickets are available now in Sault Ste. Marie at Phatboy Fireworks (154 Great Northern Rd.) or online here.