FORD GIVETH …: $130,000 FOR SUMMER FESTIVALS

PARRY SOUND-MUSKOKA — The Ford government, accused of spending cuts, has found money for festivals in Parry Sound-Muskoka this summer.

MPP Norman Miller announced that the Ontario government will be “investing” more than $130,000 in six festivals and events in the riding.

He said in a release Friday: Celebrate Ontario supports local festivals and events of all sizes, helping them to reach new audiences, improve the programs for visitors, benefit local economies, and create new jobs.

Every dollar invested through Celebrate Ontario results in almost $21 of visitor spending, it said.

Have a good time this summer, thanks to $130,000 in Celebrate Ontario funding from the province.

“By investing in festivals and events, our government is tapping into the economic potential of the tourism industry,” said Minister Tibollo.“As we develop Ontario’s new tourism strategy, we will continue to invest in programs like Celebrate Ontario that help to maximize the growth and competitiveness of the great festivals and events that take place throughout the province.”

In Parry Sound-Muskoka, Celebrate Ontario will support five festivals.

 Event Name Organization Time and Location Funding
Chautauqua Village Arts and Festivals Muskoka Chautauqua Bracebridge,

Multiple Events

 $28,871
Funkfest Sawdust City Brewing Company Gravenhurst,

June 29, 2019

 $6,519
Huntsville Festival of the Arts 2019/20 Huntsville Festival of the Arts Huntsville,

Multiple Events

 $73,924
Muskoka Maple Festival Huntsville/Lake Of Bays Chamber of Commerce Huntsville

April 25, 2020

 $1,700
Flavour of Ontario Huntsville/Lake Of Bays Chamber of Commerce Huntsville $3,930

Additionally, through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF), the province is supporting the Wasauksing First Nation with $20,000 to develop, promote and present the 2019 Potawatomi Gathering.

Miller’s release added that this year, to help reduce red tape and the administrative burden for organizers, Ontario has streamlined the application process to make it easier to apply for funding.

“Our government recognizes the important contributions that festivals and events make to the communities of Parry Sound-Muskoka. I am pleased that we are supporting these festivals as they continue to draw visitors from across the province and provide a positive economic impact on our communities.”