Owen Sound’s community services committee has given the thumbs up to the city’s 2022 summer events calendar, and it includes a new-four day festival.
A staff reported by the city’s events and activation coordinator Jennier Wright was discussed in committee at its Feb. 16 meeting. It recommended the approval of events for the upcoming summer season, including the new Sound Waterfront Festival, which would be a combination of Canada Day and the former Harbourfest event.
The Sound Waterfront Festival, according to the report, is in response to a motion which was made during a community services committee meeting in October 2021.
At that time, Mayor Ian Boddy moved to have council direct staff to put together a report for the committee that would look into the different ways to be able to celebrate Canada Day in a more diverse and inclusive fashion.
A draft schedule for the new Sound Waterfront Festival was put together, although plans are still preliminary. It is proposed to kick-off June 30 at The Owen Sound Visitors Centre. The first day would feature an opening ceremony, entertainment along the waterfront, arts and crafts, exhibits, food vendors, activity centre, and kayak and canoe rentals for those looking to explore the waterfront.
On July 1 at Kelso Beach, there will be Canada Day celebrations including entertainment, food vendors, cultural and organization booths, arts and craft vendors, children’s activities, as well as beer and wine vendors. Fireworks will then be lit later that evening from the pier.
On July 2 at the Reconciliation Garden and The Owen Sound Visitors Centre, based on preliminary consultation with members from the Reconciliation Garden Committee, a draft outline for the day has been put together. The Reconciliation Garden will be featuring a Sunrise Ceremony, a full day of Indigenous education, a drumming circle, water ceremony and storytelling supported by the Reconciliation Garden Committee volunteers.
Manager of Community Development and Marketing Brent Fisher says, “we are really grateful for their guidance, ideas and willingness to part on this event, their experience goes a long way.”
The same day, The Visitors Centre and Community Waterfront Heritage Centre will be open throughout the day for tours, merchandise, bike rentals and tourist information. Corkscrew City Tours will also be departing and arriving at The Visitors Centre, making a stop at the Owen Sound Farmers Market.
The final day of the Sound Waterfront Festival on July 3: at The Owen Sound Visitors Centre, the outdoor stage will feature a series of musicians throughout the day, while including Black history. There will also be walking tours to the Black History Cairn, with an evening of reflection, storytelling, and entertainment supported by the Emancipation Festival Committee.
Both Canada Day and Harbourfest were approved in the draft operating budget for 2022. The report says the approved funds are proposed to be directed to support the new festival.
Fisher says staff will be seeking sponsorship from the community along with funds from the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund (OCAF).
“In case the OCAF fund is not awarded we would return with a plan in March to host the event over two days, July 1 and 2, but I am confident that our application will yield us some results in that regard,” says Fisher.
Meanwhile, other summer events on the city’s 2022 calendar include the Music at the Market series. It will run on Thursdays and Fridays in July and August between noon to 2 p.m. at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market.
The TD Harbour Nights concert series will be running on Sunday nights from June 5 to Aug. 21 at The Owen Sound Visitors Centre.
Outdoor Movie Nights will be happening on Aug. 4, 11 and 18 at the Owen Sound Farmer’s Market.
Formal council approval of the committee recommendation is still required.
