Huron-Bruce MPP presents Experience Ontario funding to local festivals

Ontario is investing $524,012 through the 2025 Experience Ontario program to support seven festivals and events in Huron-Bruce.

This is part of a nearly $20-million investment in festivals and events across Ontario to help organizers expand programming and draw visitors to stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.

In the Kincardine area, the following organizations received funding:
 

• Lucknow and District Kinsmen Club – Lucknow’s Music in the Fields - $125,000
• Kincardine Lighthouse Blues Festival - $20,000

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (centre) presents a cheque for $20,000 to the Lighthouse Blues Festival, represented by Marilyn Clarke (left) and Brad Kirkconnell

Others groups in Huron-Bruce that received funding include:
 

• Blyth Festival Theatre - $125,000
• Huron Country Playhouse in Drayton - $125,000
• Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival - $20,000
• Port Elgin Pumpkinfest - $54,012
• Goderich Celtic Roots Festival - $55,000

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson (third from right) presents a cheque for $125,000 to Lucknow's Music in the Fields, represented by co-chairmen Rick McMurray (left) and Ken Irwin (front), Hannah DeBruyn, Kayla Rivett, Cheryl Johnston and Paul Zinn

"Our government continues to invest in the creativity and community spirit of Huron-Bruce through the 2025 Experience Ontario program," said Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson. "These seven organizations are doing incredible work to bring people of all ages together and celebrate what makes our region unique. This funding will help elevate their events and create memorable experiences that draw people in and showcase the heart and charm of our local communities."

In total, the program is supporting more than 350 festivals and events across the province.

QUICK FACTS
 

• Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy. In 2023, visitors to Ontario spent $33-billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs.
• Since 2021, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,000 Ontario festivals and events.
• In 2024-25, the government invested more than $20-million to support more than 250 festivals and events around the province.
• Festivals and events supported by Experience Ontario benefit communities by drawing more visitors who stay longer in local accommodations, eat in restaurants, shop at local retailers and support main street businesses.
• The Experience Ontario 2025 application period launched Nov. 28, 2024, with direct outreach to more than 4,000 stakeholders and closed Dec. 30, 2024. To get your festival or event on the contact list for Experience Ontario 2026, send an E-mail message to experienceontario@ontario.ca.
• In 2024-25, Ontario invested more than $192-million in the tourism sector through funding programs, Regional Tourism Organization grants, Destination Ontario, ministry attractions, and tourism agencies.