MANITOULIN—This year Celebrate Ontario is supporting three summer events in Little Current with almost $120,000 in festival funding.
It was announced by the province last week that Haweater Weekend, August 2-5, Manitoulin Country Fest, August 9-11, and Manitoulin’s newest festival, Rockin’ the Rock, August 17-18, will all be receiving funds from Celebrate Ontario. Haweater Weekend will be receiving $22,650; Country Fest, $70,212; and Rockin’ the Rock, $25,000.
“This year, the province is supporting 328 festivals and events, the highest in the history of the program, that celebrate Ontario’s diversity, heritage and culture,” a press release from Celebrate Ontario notes. “Support from Celebrate Ontario helps festival and event organizers enhance programming, activities and services so that festivals and events can offer new experiences, reach new audiences and support jobs in their communities.”
Statistics from the province show that every $1 of Celebrate Ontario funding triggers $21 in visitor expenditures.
“The program recognizes the importance of rural and Northern festivals and events across Ontario, which plays a vital role in local economies,” the press release continues. “This year, 198 festivals and events receiving support will take place in rural or Northern areas, and will showcase the diverse traditions that make these communities so unique.”
Tourism is an important economic driver in the province, supporting nearly 400,000 jobs and generating over $32 billion of economic activity.
