NEWS RELEASE
DOWNTOWN BARRIE BIA
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The summer of 2024 was a season to remember for Downtown Barrie, as the community came together to celebrate an array of thrilling events that drew record-breaking crowds.
With over 200,000 visits, the Downtown Barrie (BIA) is proud to report an overwhelming success, with each event serving as a testament to the vibrant spirit of the city and the unwavering support of local residents.
The Open Air Dunlop series captivated locals and visitors alike with five lively instalments, transforming the historic Dunlop Street into a pedestrian-only zone filled with music, food, and entertainment. This community-centred event brought thousands together to stroll the open street, supporting local businesses and soaking in the downtown atmosphere.
Partnering with the City of Barrie and Base Borden, the Open Air Dunlop Air Show kicked the season off and was another breathtaking highlight of the summer, drawing aviation enthusiasts and families in droves. The show's thrilling aerial stunts and military flyovers and the first ever drone show over Kempenfelt Bay left spectators in awe.
The annual Downtown Barrie Open Air Dunlop Canada Day Celebrations filled Meridian Place and the waterfront with patriotic pride and joy, bringing together families and friends for a spectacular display of fireworks.
A sweet addition to this year's calendar, the inaugural Open Air Dunlop Butter Tart Festival was a resounding success, raising funds and awareness in support of the Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre (RVH). Local bakers and dessert lovers alike gathered to celebrate this quintessential Canadian treat, drawing upon a record crowd.
Barrie Thunder Classics brought a sense of nostalgia with the Open Air Dunlop Classic Car Show, showcasing pristine vintage vehicles that lined the streets, while the Open Air Dunlop Eats on the Streets event delighted foodies by offering a culinary tour of Downtown Barrie's diverse restaurant scene. Over 40 cafes, restaurants, and retailers took part, offering samples of their best dishes, making it a delicious day for all.
Music lovers were treated to unforgettable performances during Open Air Live Music, which saw seven award-winning artists take the stage at Meridian Place. Notable acts like The Daniel Romano Outfit, Elliot BROOD, Jerry Leger Duo, Delyn Gray, Terra Lightfoot, and the highly anticipated Ombiigizi filled the air with incredible sounds, offering a wide range of genres and unforgettable performances.
Finally, the ever-popular Lawnchair Luminata movies, in partnership with the Barrie Film Festival, presented 10 outdoor family movies to enthusiastic crowds of over 1,000 viewers per screening. Families and friends gathered on the lawn of Meridian Place to enjoy free movies under the stars, adding a magical end to each summer evening.
“We are beyond thrilled with the turnout for this year's summer events,” said Steve Ricalis, vice-chair at Downtown Barrie BIA and business owner. “The sense of community and support for our local businesses was palpable at every event. It was incredible to see families, friends, and visitors come together to enjoy everything Downtown Barrie has to offer. We can't wait to build on this success and bring even more excitement to our 2025 event season.”
With each event, Downtown Barrie solidified its place as the heart of community celebration, creating lasting memories and fostering a sense of connection that will carry forward into future seasons.
For the latest information or a reference of past events in Downtown go to our website BLOG page for the most updated sources of information.
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