Owen Sound OCAF Donation (Photo provided by Bill Walker)
The City of Owen Sound is receiving $25,000 in funding from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) for the new Sound Waterfront Festival.
MPP for Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound Bill Walker was joined by Mayor Ian Boddy, Manager of Community Development and Marketing Brent Fisher, Tourism and Marketing Coordinator Melissa Crannie, and Events and Activation Coordinator Jennifer Wright to announce the funding on March 17.
The OCAF is a cultural tourism investment program which assists cultural organizations develop, promote and host quality events and exhibitions designed to bring new visitors to communities across Ontario.
The new Sound Waterfront Festival is set to occur from June 30 to July 3 between Kelso Beach at Nawash Park and the Owen Sound Visitor Centre.
This four-day event with feature a combination of arts and culture, Indigenous workshops and ceremonies at the Reconciliation Garden, entertainment, artisans, Ghost Walks, Black History storytelling and music, Canada Day fireworks, food trucks, children’s activities, Corkscrew City Tours, exhibits and rail travel history.
Walker says the Sound Waterfront Festival is going to be a great event and will attract many visitors to the community.
Boddy adds, “having events that are inclusive, diverse, and a true celebration of our whole community is so important to building a welcoming city. This year’s four-day Waterfront Festival will celebrate not only Canada Day, but also our beautiful waterfront, our history and heritage, our Indigenous cultures, and everything Owen Sound has to offer.”