Organizers of Barrie's massive waterfront arts and crafts festival are hoping the third time's a charm as they kick off the popular event's 50th anniversary tonight.
Kempenfest had been on hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic shut most things down two years ago, but now it's back and raring to go this long weekend.
The annual summer event draws approximately 200,000 people to the city’s waterfront where there will be more than 300 booths selling the works of artisans and crafters, not to mention several well-known musical acts at night.
Tom Aikins, who is the event’s sponsorship co-ordinator and one of many people on the ground today to make sure everything goes smoothly, says this year's Kempenfest has that little something extra special with it being the 50th edition.
“It means a lot, it really does. It's been a long time coming and quite a busy year to get everything organized,” Aikins told BarrieToday. “When you have to stall for two years, so much changes and it's about getting used to those changes and pivoting to what now needs to be done.”
Aikins says the biggest obstacle was getting supplies needed for the weekend event.
“So many suppliers are backed up or just out of things nowadays, and that's happening all over the world,” he said. “Generators, office trailers, so many other things we rely on from businesses that were affected. But we’re here and we’ve got everything up and ready to go.”
Friday morning saw the many volunteers setting up gates and tents to prepare for the crowds that will walk the stretch of Centennial Beach from the city marina to the Southshore Centre.
Kempenfest organizers relied heavily on social media and their partnerships, so Aikins says he's been happy with the feedback.
“It's all been very positive. There have been people walking by today and their smiles show it all,” he said.
Thomas Mallorive and his wife, Judy, recently moved to Barrie. They were taking a stroll along the Barrie waterfront earlier today.
“We saw the hub-bub going on and weren’t sure what it was. We have definitely heard about Kempenfest, but didnt know it was this weekend, so we are very excited about walking down to it,” Thomas said. “I like food, so the many food trucks are going to feed us all weekend.”
While Aikins will be running around most of the weekend while Kempenfest is underway, he hopes to get a little down time on Sunday. And, quite frankly, he can’t wait for it.
“Usually around Sunday I get to slow down and enjoy the walk along the trail of vendors. We’ve got great musical acts of all genres and will have professional wrestling for the first time, which we’re all excited about,” Aikins said. “The food and beer tents are always a big draw and they will be well stocked.”
While he didn’t know the exact number of volunteers off hand, Aikins said there are about 750 shifts that need filled for the weekend.
One thing Barrie residents know about Kempenfest weekend is that it usually brings rain. But not this year. So far, anyway.
“The forecast looks amazing, which is a battle nearly every year for us,” Aikins said. “This may be the perfect weekend for a 50th anniversary.”
Kempenfest begins Friday evening and runs until Monday night.
For more information and an event schedule, click here.
