On March 17th, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Bill Walker announced that the City of Owen Sound was receiving $25,000 in funding from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) for the city’s Sound Waterfront Festival.
“This is terrific news for Owen Sound and our local business community,” said Walker. “The Sound Waterfront Festival is going to be a great event and will attract many visitors to our community and we thank the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund for this wonderful support.”
“Having events that are inclusive, diverse, and a true celebration of our whole community is so important to building a welcoming city,” said Owen Sound Mayor Ian Boddy. “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.”
The Sound Waterfront Festival takes place from June 30th to July 3rd between Kelso Beach at Nawash Park and Owen Sound Visitor Centre. The four-day event will feature arts and culture, Indigenous workshops and ceremonies at the Reconciliation Garden, artisans, entertainment, Ghost Walks, Black History storytelling and music, Canada Day fireworks, food trucks, children’s activities, Corkscrew City Tours, exhibits and rail travel history.
The Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF) is a cultural tourism investment program that helps cultural organizations develop, promote and present high-quality, high-profile events and exhibitions designed to bring new visitors to communities across Ontario. It has three objectives:
· Increase tourism and local attendance at cultural events
· Increase earned revenue for applicant organizations
· Create jobs and economic growth
