For the seventh consecutive year the local fireworks festival has been recognized as one of the top 100 festivals in the province.
The Chamber of Commerce- run festival will mark its 14th year in July.
“The festivals are judged by different judges annually associated with Festival and Events Ontario and presented by Via Rail Canada,” said Crystal Seifried, chamber administrator. “This award is not taken lightly by our committee, due to the multitude of amazing festivals – approximately 3,000 in Ontario. The award is based on quality experience, community impact and contribution. We would like to say a special thank you to all contributors, our sponsors, our participants, and the amazing number of volunteers.”
Mayor Ray Tout, who has served on the organizing committee and served as chair for several years, said the festival has become a major attraction for the community, bringing in an estimated 25,000 visitors last year and about 143 volunteers on the Saturday staging, among other events, the Kinsman Club car show. The show featured 600 antique and street rod vehicles last year compared to 18 at the 2001 festival and growing ever since, he said.
With the number of cars showing up the committee has had to expand where the vehicles are parked from Queen Street in the south to past Birmingham Street in the north end and side streets along the core area. The local Legion branch hosts a motorcycle show and food and refreshments.
“It’s become a huge economic benefit,” Tout said. “The money stays in our community and the service clubs, and chamber make some money and (the festival) attracts money to retailers. Without the volunteers the festival wouldn’t be possible.”
Beside the car show, the event also includes games, vendors, music, food and the Saturday evening fireworks display at the Sports complex.
According to Tout, it cost about $68,000 last year to stage the festival with about 99 per cent of the money raised through businesses and sponsors.
The recognition on the Festival Ontario website will also attract visitors to the festival, the mayor added.
Details for this year’s event can be found at www.mountforestfireworks.ca, and www.facebook.com/mountforestfireworks.
