A little lunch, a little coffee and a lot of culture.
Barrie is hosting its first ever Focus on Simcoe Photography Festival in June.
The idea is to showcase local amateur and professional photographers by matching them with local businesses and creating mini galleries throughout the city.
Organizer Scott Cooper says similar festivals of this kind have been hugely successful in Toronto and Peterborough.
"The basic idea is to increase tourism and culture in the city by partnering with major sponsors."
Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman has proclaimed June as "photography month" and will raise the flag on June 1 at City Hall.
Later that night there will be an opening reception at the Five Points theatre where the Barrie Historical Archive will exhibit a number of local landscapes.
Cooper says, "We have 20 exhibitors in local businesses, restaurants, galleries and cafes. The vision is to have a full month of people out enjoying local talent. Ideally, we hope to create a buzz for local businesses about al we have to offer in the city. Each photographer has a theme for the exhibits and it could be local or it may not be. I have contributed a few shots including one I took years ago in New York of a Cambodian man who was homeless and playing chess for cash in the park to earn money. So, its what each photographer feels they want to portray."
For venues and more information visit focusonsimcoe.com.
