21st Mount Forest Fireworks Festival welcomes thousands despite gloomy skies

MOUNT FOREST – The 21st Mount Forest Fireworks Festival welcomed thousands of visitors between July 13 and 16.

The Git Yer Hillbilly On ribfest held at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex on July 13, along with a silent auction and live music, kicked off a jam-packed festival — named one of Ontario’s top 100 by Festivals and Events Ontario.

Despite gloomy skies and occasional rain, crowds lines Main Street downtown, stretching from Queen Street to Sligo Road, for the festival’s mainstay classic car show on July 15.

Earlier Saturday morning, residents lined up outside of the Mount Forest fire station to grab an energizing breakfast prepared by the Mount Forest Firefighters Association.

After chowing down, festival-goers checked out antique fire trucks and were treated to entertainment throughout the day from the likes of Kobbler Jay and Incirque.

The big day ended with live music, a Smash Wrestling event at the sports complex, and of course, a large fireworks display.

“We feel like the festival was a hit despite the threatening weather all weekend,” said festival chair Sharon Wenger.