The Richness of Ottawa Shines Through

For Immediate Release.

OTTAWA, ON - Ottawa Festivals launched the beginning of the FESTIVAL SEASON this afternoon at City Hall. The array of the region’s festivals, events and fairs showcased, truly allows residents and visitors to discover a rich tapestry of experiences. From block-buster line-ups to rural ramblings, from ethnic celebrations to the rigours of sports, all 43 Ottawa Festival members cooperate to provide the city with quality events, economic spin-offs, and tourism enhancement – all designed to add to the quality of life in Ottawa. The impressive arts and entertainment line-up that residents can look forward to this year is spectacular.

The launch was hosted by CBC Air Farce star, Luba Goy, who recounted her fond memories about events. She also introduced speakers Mayor Larry O’Brien and Ottawa Festivals President Julian Amour. The presentation was enhanced with music, entertainment and many festivals pass prize giveaways. “Festivals in Ottawa benefit the City tremendously” says Armour. “It’s not just the diverse array of activities our members provide, it is also the economic impact festivals have on the local economy. By working together, local festivals have helped each other succeed and give back to their community.”

This year’s new initiative is the launch of a 26-week public awareness campaign about upcoming festivals, events and fairs. Afonso da Silva, Director of Marketing & Programs from Ottawa Festivals noted “a major frustration for the public is missing out on member events because they didn’t hear about them in time.” To help solve this problem, the organization has launched ” ottawafestivals.ca – Find events the easy way!”. ”This web site and the City of Ottawa ’s Spotlight website now provide a great one-stop source for entertainment listings” says da Silva.

Also announced at the launch was the $1,873,677 support that local events have received from the Celebrate Ontario fund, created to enhance events and draw leisure market travellers to the city. This additional funding will position Ottawa as a not to be missed destination, thereby providing significant economic spin-off. Other Ottawa Festival Services Ottawa Festivals continues to offer its members a number of services including a newly established Group Benefits Program, Sustainability & Emergency Fund, and administering Employment Ontario’s Job Creation Program which has helped hundreds of participants get the training and experience they need to find a job in their field. Barbara Stacey, Ottawa Festivals Executive Director explains: “There have been so many participant success stories coming out of this program and for our members – it’s an incredible resource.”

This year’s festival season is planned and ready to go with the Canadian Tulip Festival, the Awesome Indies Film Festival for Children and Youth, the Victoria Day Festival and the Ottawa Race Weekend set to run in the next few weeks. With an event packed summer and fall, it will be a great year for entertainment and for the Tourism industry in the City. Don’t forget the non-spring/summer events Ottawa Festivals members operate in the fall and winter seasons such as the Ottawa Storytelling Festival, the One World Film Festival, and the Ottawa International Hockey Festival, to name just a few. These help make Ottawa a year-round destination.

Ottawa Festivals was also the winner of Ottawa Tourism’s Small Business of the Year.

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For more information about Ottawa Festivals or the Launch of the Festival Season, contact Barbara Stacey at executive@ottawafestivals.ca or call 613.233.1085
300-436 MacLaren Street Ottawa, ON K2P 0M8
Phone: 613.233.1085 Fax: 613.233.3134 Cell: 613.795.8245

Tags: funding, Launch of the Festival Season