Major Ontario festival to get cash boost from the province

A major Ontario tourism destination is getting a massive cash top-up.

Wasaga Beach, one of the province’s most cherished vacation destinations, as it hosts the world’s longest freshwater beach, has been seeing major moves towards its rejuvenation.

As part of this ongoing overhaul, it was announced today that a $20,000 investment from the province is going towards the Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo and Hootenanny Fall Festival set to take place in the area at the start of fall.

A recent press release states that this cash injection is due to the last few years; the combined festivities of both events have drawn thousands of attendees for live entertainment, rodeo action, artisan vendors, food trucks, and more.

Wasaga Beach has been no stranger to attention from the Ford government, as last year, the administration announced an incentive with a $40 million price tag to go towards rejuvenating the entire area.

[Photo: The Town of Wasaga Beach]

This includes $25 million toward rebuilding the Nancy Island Historic Site, $11 million to build sprawling new housing accommodations, and $2 million to rejuvenate its downtown core.

Other players also stepped in, with Marriott lumping in another $45 million towards a beachfront hotel and mixed-use commercial space.

“Festivals and events are one of the most effective ways to bring people into a community, support local businesses and create memorable experiences that keep visitors coming back,” said Steve Harlow, Chair of the Town’s Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee, said in an official statement.

Last year’s inaugural Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo also raised more than $55,000 in support of a new regional hospital, further fortifying the area of Wasaga Beach beyond tourism attractions.

“Activity supports restaurants, accommodations, retailers, service providers and tourism operators across the community. Continued investment in events is an investment in local business, local jobs and the long-term strength of Wasaga Beach’s local economy,” said Karin Greig, President of the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce & Tourism.

Wasaga Beach’s Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo and Hootenanny Fall Festival is set to kick off this year on Oct. 3 to Oct. 4.