Province offers up funding for festivals, events

The province has announced more than $500,000 in funding to boost tourism and create jobs through festivals and events in Simcoe County.

The province is supporting 328 festivals and events (including 13 in the Simcoe County area), the highest in the history of the program, that celebrate Ontario’s diversity, heritage and culture.

The funding will enhance programming, activities and services so festivals and events can offer new experiences, reach new audiences and support jobs in their communities.

“The support our government provides to festivals and events in Simcoe County through Celebrate Ontario is an investment in our community and a boost to our local economy,” Barrie MPP Ann Hoggarth said in a release.

“I am pleased to welcome visitors from within the province and abroad to attend an event, take part in the festivities and share in our unique culture and heritage,” she added.

Four events in Barrie are slated to receive funding.

Kempenfest 2018, to be held Aug. 3-6 along the city’s lakeshore, is slated to receive $60,000. The province says this project will attract 4,750 additional tourists through the addition of a secondary entertainment stage, children's village and watering stations.

Talk Is Free Theatre’s Attend the Tale of Sweeney Todd, which will be running throughout September, will receive $50,000. This project will attract 3,500 tourists that will be immersed in a three-day play that takes place in Barrie and London, England.

The Medley Wine and Food Expo, July 20-22, is earmarked for $25,000. This project will develop a new three-day outdoor wine and food festival featuring celebrity chefs, live music, interactive workshops and unique dining experiences.

The Song Writers Festival, April 26-29 and presented by Hey Bear Productions, will receive $13,000. This project will create a new festival featuring performances from Canadian songwriters, their music, stories and the history behind their music. The event takes place across seven Barrie venues and is anticipated to draw 3,000 attendees.

Tourism is an important economic driver, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs and generating more than $32 billion of economic activity, according to the province.

“Our government’s continued support for festivals and events is an investment in the livelihood of communities all across Ontario,” Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Daiene Vernile said in the release.

“Festivals and events are powerful economic drivers and play an important role in bringing communities together,” Vernile added. “Our diverse events give visitors and Ontario residents a reason to visit, discover and experience the riches of this wonderful province.”

Other events around Simcoe County to receive funding include:

RAM Rodeo Series: $46,000. This 16-city tour, running from June until October, will attract 2,500 attendees by providing overnight camping options at three of the events in the series.

Mariposa Folk Foundation: $75,000. This project, running July 6-8 in Orillia, will attract 338 new visitors by adding a family-focused headliner, including more family-friendly activities and creating a new community village.

Barrie Automotive Flea Market: $100,000. This project will attract 12,300 additional tourists by introducing new evening entertainment and programming. The event runs June 7 until Sept. 9 in Oro-Medonte Township.

Midland Cruise Ship Celebration Days (Town of Midland): $23,000, running from June until September. This project will attract 5,000 tourists by creating a new festival celebrating the arrival of Midland's cruise ships including music, Aboriginal programming and local attractions.

Frozen In Time Ice Sculpture Festival (Collingwood Downtown BIA): $28,000. This project will attract 2,845 new visitors by installing a giant dual ice slide in the Winter Wonderland Village, building additional ice sculptures and adding an indoor theatre and activities. It runs Dec. 28-30.

Art on the Street – A Celebration of the Arts in Downtown Collingwood (Collingwood Downtown BIA): $24,000. This project will attract 7,250 attendees by creating a new festival celebrating and highlighting all forms of arts and culture, from the visual and performance arts to rich culinary offerings. It runs from May 19 to Oct. 6.

Village Winter Events Series (Blue Mountain Village Association): $50,000. This project will attract 11,600 new tourists by enhancing the winter festival experience with the development of a light trail, illuminated sign, light projection show and drone light show. Event runs throughout next winter.

UG Series BeachWOD: $30,000. This project will attract 5,100 new attendees by providing shuttle services, implementing a teen division, improving accessibility for adaptive athletes and expanding marketing into Quebec. Event runs July 6-8.

Small Halls Festival (Clearview Township): $22,000. This project will attract 300 additional tourists by creating a new culinary program called Brews & BBQ, offering a shuttle service, enhancing children’s programming and increasing logistical support. The event runs Sept. 27-30.