Join us for the 2024 memorial butterfly release

Thank you to everyone who reserved a butterfly for the 2024 memorial release. Reservations are now closed. 

The Memorial Butterfly Release is intended to be a time for families to reflect and honour their loved ones who have passed. The 8th annual event will take place on Sunday, July 28th, 2024 at the Water Tower Park behind the Opeongo Seniors Centre. Registration begins at 1:00 pm with the ceremony starting at 1:30 pm. 

For those picking up their butterflies for a home release, butterflies can be picked up anytime between 12:30 and 1 pm. Note: If you are picking up for a home release, make sure to bring a cooler, ice pack and towel (paper or cloth). Please do not put your butterfly directly on ice. Use the towel to separate your butterfly from the ice. This will keep them cool and dormant until you are ready to release.

The event will feature music and guest speakers, including a healing message from Julie Keon, Life Cycle Celebrant. Those picking up butterflies for a home release can tune into our Facebook page for the live feed that day.

Click Here to Read our 2024 Invite Letter

Memories of the 2023 Butterfly Release

The annual Memorial Butterfly Release was held this past Sunday, June 30th. More than 330 painted lady butterflies were released at Water Tower Park in Barry's Bay and throughout private ceremonies around the Valley. Special thanks to our sponsors including Church Street Flowers Barry’s Bay, Campbell Monument, CO Country Market, Heubner Funeral Home, Barry’s Bay Royal Canadian Legion, Madawaska Valley Lions Club, an anonymous sponsor and the Opeongo Seniors Centre. Thank you to the Yo-Yo Mamas for providing the beautiful music and Stan & Sherry Quesnelle for arranging the sound system. A special thanks goes out to Sarah Wright who delivered butterfly balloons for the children. Thank you to the volunteers who helped ensure that the event was successful. And thank you Julie Keon for sharing heartfelt words about grief and bereavement. Funds raised from the butterfly release will go toward hospice palliative care services in the community. See you next year!