The first Rainbow Roundup was held in 1972 - in the basement of the old St. Bernard Church in Little Current.

Ben S. of Wikwemikong contacted Charlie C. in Philadelphia, who promptly gathered a group of 18-20 people to travel up to Manitoulin Island. The Philadelphia group included Bill R., Art A., Joan A., and Charlie C. This first Roundup was attended by about 40 people in total. Mary R., of Birch Island, was 2 years sober when she chaired one of the panels; Rosemary and Anne B. also chaired a panel at that time.

With the exception of 2020 and 2021 (due to Covid), the Rainbow Roundup has been held every year since. For many years, the venue was held at the NEMI Recreation Center in Little Current to accommodate the  over 250 attendees. In 2022 the Roundup moved to the Four Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning; this is where Rainbow Roundup celebrated its 50th anniversary in May of 2023 - still including the annual delegation from Philadelphia. 

2025 saw the committee scramble and the Manitoulin community rally as our venue was cancelled 2 days before the Roundup. The Manitoulin Hotel & Conference Centre stepped up in a big way and accommodated us for an amazing event. And this is where we'll meet again in May 2026 - see you there!

We invite you to share stories of your Rainbow Roundup experience(s), anecdotes, or what Rainbow Roundup means to you.