The City of Owen Sound has won a Top 100 Award of Achievement and an Impact Award from Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) for The Sound Waterfront Festival event that took place last summer. The Holiday Magic event in the River District was also honoured with an Innovation Award. The awards were presented during International Women’s Day Wednesday at the annual conference held in Niagara Falls.
Each Top 100 Award of Achievement winner and Innovation Award winner will be featured on the FEO website, social media channels and e-newsletter. Winners also receive promotions with various media outlets, to be highlighted by travel writers and receive special mentions with Destination Ontario and its tourism partners.
The Impact Award is a new award that recognizes a festival or event that embodies the best ideas to advance cultural diversity and inclusion at events, empowers marginalized demographics to participate, or increases the social impact of events within a community, region or the Province of Ontario, or being a leader in regard to truth and reconciliation in the Indigenous Community.
The City of Owen Sound is planning to continue The Sound Waterfront Festival on June 30 and July 1 in 2023.
“It’s with great pride and honour that the City is recognized by Festivals and Events Ontario for The Sound Waterfront Festival. This event reflects an inclusive and welcoming environment for our community members, visitors and newcomers,” said Mayor Ian Boddy.
As well, The River District won an Innovation award for the 2022 Holiday Magic event. Holiday Magic is scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, in conjunction with the Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound and the Festival of Northern Lights.
The new FEO Innovation award recognizes the achievement of a festival or event that has introduced creative, effective solutions to strengthen events, appeal to a broader audience, or enhance the experience for patrons.
