UPDATED
Midhurst/March 27, 2015 – The County of Simcoe knows how to host a party.
Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO), an educational, marketing, and advocacy services organization, recently announced its 2015 top festivals and events in Ontario, placing seven County of Simcoe and area events in the top 100.
Among the seven award recipients was the International Plowing Match, held in Ivy in September 2014. The five-day event received a Level of Distinction from the FEO, an award earmarked for the most renowned and respected celebrations in the province, drawing both international and domestic visitors.
"When it comes to talent and entrepreneurial spirit, our residents are second to none," said Warden Gerry Marshall. "These events provide a tremendous showcase of our region to the entire world. Our Council has made it a priority to foster partnerships with our residents, municipalities, and businesses that support festivals and events that drive tourism visits and business throughout our region."
As part of the FEO's celebration of the 2014 event season, the organization named the Town of Collingwood as one of two winners of the Municipality of the Year (population less than 50,000). This award recognizes municipalities that have worked to create an atmosphere beneficial to the success of festivals and events. Collingwood was also recognized for its Elvis Festival advertising campaign.
The FEO also announced its Achievement Award winners. Clearview Township's Small Halls Festival was named Best New Festival or Event in the $100,000-$500,000 category.
County of Simcoe and Area Events in Top 100
- Carrot Fest (Bradford)
- International Plowing Match (Ivy)
- Alliston Potato Festival (Alliston)
- Barrie Automotive Flea Market
(Oro-Medonte) - Collingwood Elvis Festival (Collingwood)
- First Light at Saint-Marie
among the Hurons (Tay Township) - Barrie Winterfest (Barrie)
According to the FEO, the festivals and events industry in Ontario generates an estimated $2.3 billion annually, creates/sustains approximately 50,000 full-year-equivalent jobs, and fosters approximately $1 billion dollars in taxes at all levels of government.
The County of Simcoe is composed of sixteen member municipalities and provides crucial public services to County residents in addition to providing paramedic and social services to the separated cities of Barrie and Orillia. Visit our website at simcoe.ca.
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Contacts:
Allan Greenwood
Director, Corporate Communications
705-726-9300 ext. 1230
705-794-9301 (mobile)
Allan.Greenwood@simcoe.ca
Joe Mercer
Communications Co-ordinator
705-726-9300 ext. 1035
705-790-9559(mobile)
Joe.Mercer@simcoe.ca