Community News

SUMMER WILL BE SIZZLING IN SIMCOE COUNTY

ALLISTON POTATO, TOTTENHAM BLUEGRASS FESTIVALS AMONG RETURNING EVENTS, SAYS KATHRYN STEPHENSON

Column Kathryn Stephenson is the manager of tourism for the County of Simcoe and chair of Regional Tourism Organization 7.

After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all parts of our collective lives, it is great to start getting back to a sense of normal.

Tourism was one of the most highly impacted sectors during the pandemic, but as recovery continues, we have a lot to get excited about again. We are thrilled with what's to come this summer across Simcoe County, with many familyfriendly events finally returning in a safe manner, showcasing the beauty of our region and its offerings.

The County of Simcoe and Regional Tourism Organization 7 (RTO7) have been working around the clock to ensure this summer has something for almost anyone across the region. The county's Tourism,

Culture, and Sport Enhancement Fund has helped 87 organizations with $485,000 in total funding to help restart our tourism economy. This includes festivals like the inaugural Innisfil Onion Fest (June 17-19), the Alliston Potato Festival (Aug. 5-7) and Live Theatre Festival at King's Wharf Theatre in Penetanguishene (June 23 until November).

If you're looking for a great music festival, be sure to check out the Tottenham Bluegrass Festival (June 24-26) in the natural amphitheatre of the Tottenham Conservation Area, featuring headliners The Good Brothers and J.P. Cormier. The Collingwood Summer Music Festival (July 9-15) includes awardwinning artists in the fields of classical, world, jazz and Indigenous genres, and the Mariposa Folk Festival (July 8-10) will be at Tudhope Park in

Orillia with Blue Rodeo just added to the lineup.

With its 25th anniversary coming up, the Canadian National Mountain Bike Championships is rolling into Hardwood Ski and Bike in Oro-Medonte from July 21-24. Come join the race or watch races for all

levels — from youth and sport to Canada's top World Cup riders.

For a complete list of all of the exciting events happening around the county this summer, be sure to check out experience.simcoe.ca/events and plan your summer of fun. We can't wait for these and so many other events this summer. I hope to see you there.

OPINION

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2022-06-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

2022-06-23T07:00:00.0000000Z

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