The government  of Ontario is  investing in three festival events in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound.

MPP Bill Walker announced this week that the following festivals and events are receiving more than $80,000 in support through the Celebrate Ontario program:

• The Paisley Blues Festival (May 31 – June 2) - $2,597. Proceeds of this all-ages festival will go to Paisley Central School.

• Hanover Sights and Sounds Festival (July 25 – 28) - $12,093. "Hanover's Biggest Block Party" is a project of their Community Improvement Partnership.

More than 80 percent of the Celebrate Ontario funding in Grey-Bruce this year - $65,584 - will go to the Summertime Blues Festival in Owen Sound (July 12 – 13) . This privately-produced event, successful in 2017 at Kelso Beach, was to be relocated to the Bayshore last year, but was ultimately cancelled for lack of ticket sales. The line-up  for this year is yet to be announced.

Celebrate Ontario supports festivals and events of all sizes to reach new audiences, improve the programs for visitors, benefit local economies and create new jobs. According to past recipients, every dollar invested through Celebrate Ontario results in almost $21 in visitor spending.

“Ontario is open for business and open for jobs. By investing in festivals and events, our government is tapping into the economic potential of the tourism industry,” said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport 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.”

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 our local economy. I am pleased that we are supporting the Paisley Blues Festival, Hanover Sights and Sounds Festival and the Summertime Blues Festival in Owen Sound. These events continue to draw visitors from across the province and provide a positive economic impact to our community,” said Walker.

Celebrate Ontario supports festivals and events taking place throughout the year.

source: media release, Bill Walker MPP