Ottawa Festivals rolls out red carpet
Sabine Gibbins, EMC
Ottawa Festivals, which celebrates its 15th anniversary this year, launched the season at a fun-filled gathering at city hall on Wednesday, May 4. This was the sixth annual launch event.
Mayor Jim Watson congratulated Ottawa Festivals on their 15th anniversary, expressing his thanks and messages of goodwill to the organizers, volunteers, artists, workers and everyone else involved in making festivals in Ottawa happen.
He mentioned his council colleagues in attendance, as he does most often at events. (“We have quorum. All in favour of more money for festivals?” he jokingly asked the audience. All joking aside,festivals rake in great revenue for the community and are an opportunity to show the diversity and culture this city consists of.
Full article: Ottawa Festivals rolls out red carpet
The 2011 Launch of the Festival Season Celebrated Culinary Experiences and Ottawa Festivals 15th Anniversary
OTTAWA, ON – Marking the start of the 2011 Festival Season, Ottawa Festivals hosted its sixth annual Launch of the Festival Season at Ottawa’s City Hall on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. This year’s event celebrated not only the beginning of the festival season, but also a significant milestone for Ottawa Festivals – its 15th Anniversary.
“This year we wanted to celebrate the history of the organization and the industry,” Barbara Stacey, Executive Director of Ottawa Festivals, “There have been many significant accomplishments that deserve to be recognized and I think we achieved that; it was such a success.”
Ottawa Festivals has grown since it was initially established and has surpassed the original expectations of its founders. “Since it began, Ottawa Festivals has accomplished so much more in many ways,” says Mark Monahan, Executive and Artistic Director of Cisco Ottawa Bluesfest who was a founding member of Ottawa Festivals and its first president.
“It started out just producing an annual brochure that lists all the festivals,” continues Monahan, “Now it brings the community together, raises the profile of the industry and festivals, and offers the Job Creation Program that allows members to access resources and volunteers.”
Close to 300 guests attended this year’s Launch including representatives of Ottawa’s festival and tourism industry; volunteers; City of Ottawa council members and staff; and 15 Launch of the Festival Season Contest finalists.
To open the event, Ottawa Festivals debuted a special video that commemorated the organization’s 15 year history and featured comments from members of partner organizations and industry.
“We [City of Ottawa] are looking forward to another great season of festivals this year,” said Mayor Jim Watson in the Ottawa Festivals 15th Anniversary video, “Thank you for all of the great work you do, whether you’re an artist, an administrator or a volunteer. We appreciate the economic activity the festivals bring; the fun, the culture and the excitement.”
Pleased with the benefits of being a member of Ottawa Festivals, Michel Gauthier, President of the Rideau Canal Festival, relays his gratitude when he said, “it’s a pleasure to work with the Ottawa Festivals Network and it’s a pleasure to receive services from them as well.
“Who knew we would become this organization that’s supporting many, many festivals and helping to create Ottawa as a festival and event city.”
Mayor Jim Watson addressed the crowd and highlighted the importance of the festival industry for the local economy and tourism industry. The Mayor added how collaboration between Ottawa Festivals, its members and the City has been significant for the growth and success of the industry.
The importance of collaboration was echoed by John Brooman, President of Ottawa Festivals, as he spoke about Ottawa Festivals’ successful history and its role in sustaining a strong festival industry.
Stu Schwartz, aka Stuntman Stu from Majic 100FM, entertained the attendees as the emcee. Moving throughout the tables and engaging guests were a few of Ottawa’s local buskers, who included Nick Miller and Brian Wilson (the “Cow Guys”) and Elliot Smith, a magician. Jean Pigott Place was also decorated with creative balloon sculptures that were crafted by Brad Wood and a music performance by singer and songwriter Marc Charron added to the carnival atmosphere of the event.
To celebrate this year’s theme, Culinary Experiences, a variety of cultural foods were served by Dantessa Restaurant. In addition, four food vendors from the Ottawa region offered delicious dessert samples for attendees to try. Each vendor offered a unique dessert from Belgian waffles and specialty cookies to cheesecake and ice cream. The businesses’ presence at the launch helped boost their promotion as festival and community members became more aware of their speciality treats.
The winner of the Launch of the Festival Season Contest was drawn and the prize pack of passes to many Ottawa Festivals’ Member’s events was awarded to Julie Charron.
About Ottawa Festivals
Ottawa Festivals is a not-for-profit organization that represents close to 60 not-for-profit festivals, special events and fairs that take place in the National Capital Region. In partnership with the City of Ottawa, Employment Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the organization manages a number of programs to develop and sustain the industry to contribute to positive benefits that impact the community.
The 2011 Launch of the Festival Season Celebrates Culinary Experiences and Ottawa Festivals 15th Anniversary
OTTAWA, ON – To signal the start of the 2011 Festival Season, Ottawa Festivals hosts its sixth annual Launch of the Festival Season at Ottawa’s City Hall on Wednesday, May 4, 2011. This year’s event celebrates not only the beginning of the festival season, but also a significant milestone for Ottawa Festivals – its 15th Anniversary.
“We have come a long way since Ottawa Festivals began in 1996,” says Barbara Stacey, Executive Director of Ottawa Festivals. “This year we want to celebrate the history of the organization and the industry, there have been many significant accomplishments.
“At the Launch, we will debut a special video that commemorates Ottawa Festivals’ 15 year history that features exclusive comments from members of organization and industry.”
Close to 300 attendees are expected to attend this year’s Launch including representatives of Ottawa`s festival and tourism industry; volunteers; City of Ottawa council members and staff; and 15 Launch of the Festival Season Contest finalists.
Ottawa Festivals is also excited to have Stu Schwartz, aka Stuntman Stu from Majic 100FM, entertaining attendees as the emcee for the event.
During the first hour of the event, one qualified contestant will be drawn to win a prize pack of passes to some Ottawa Festivals Member events, valued at $5,000. There will also be door prizes and the popular balloon drop, giving everyone a chance to win gifts donated by local businesses and organizations.
Moving throughout the crowd and engaging guests will be buskers, who include Bradley Wood, a talented balloon artist, Nick Miller and Brian Wilson (the “Cow Guys”), and Elliot Smith, a magician. There will also be a music performance by singer and songwriter Marc Charron.
To celebrate this year’s theme, Culinary Experiences, a variety of cultural foods will be served by Dantessa Restaurant. In addition, four food vendors from the Ottawa region will provide delicious dessert samples for attendees to try. Each vendor offers a unique food item and is a local, small-scale operation looking for exposure beyond community fairs. The vendors’ presence at the launch will help boost their promotion as festival and community members become more aware of their speciality foods.
About Ottawa Festivals
Ottawa Festivals is a not-for-profit organization that represents close to 60 not-for-profit festivals, special events and fairs that take place in the National Capital Region. In partnership with the City of Ottawa, Employment Ontario and the Ontario Trillium Foundation, the organization manages a number of programs to develop and sustain the industry to contribute to positive benefits that impact the community.
Ottawa Festivals Song by Marc Charron
This song was written and performed by Marc Charron to celebrate the 2010 Ottawa Festivals Launch of the Festival Season.
Greetings from the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture for the Ottawa Festival’s 2010 Launch
We received the following letter from the Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture:
May 5, 2010
Ottawa Festivals’ 2010 Launch of the Festival Season
On behalf of the McGuinty government, I am pleased to extend greetings to everyone attending Ottawa Festivals’ 2010 Launch of the Festival Season event.
I appreciate the work of tourism operators and festival organizers across the province for their dedication to ensuring Ontario’s many tourist destinations are properly marketed to residents and visitors alike.
I applaud the organizers and participants for their commitment to tourism in Ontario and for their efforts in planning the launch event and the entire season.
Please accept my best wishes for an enjoyable launch and a successful festival season.
Yours truly,
Michael Chan
Minister
Video: Ottawa Festivals launch
(Video will play after brief ad from the site)
The Ottawa Citizen recorded video of Marc Charron performing his “Festival Song” during the Ottawa Festivals Launch of the Festival Season at Capital Music Hall.
Driect link to video page: Ottawa Festivals launch
Flowering Pride by Greg Frankson a.k.a. Ritallin
At the 2009 Ottawa Festivals Launch of the Festival Season, we were absolutely thrilled to have Ritallin performing spoken word – but he even did us one better and wrote an amazing poetic tribute to the many great festivals, special events and fairs taking place in Ottawa.
Thanks so much Greg, your performance was a very fitting opening to the launch of the 2009 festival season and we look forward to seeing you at Westfest this year!
© Matthew Claydon | Official Launch Photographer
Flowering Pride by Greg Frankson a.k.a. Ritallin
a carnival atmosphere’s taking over the streets
people playing in the plazas as they dance to the beats
poets reading off they words to the masses inside
others dancing and planting as O-town flowers with pride
it’s the power of the festivals to liven the nights
add joy to our days and end our weeks in full flight
bang the drum and blow the trumpet calling once and for all
for our variety of festivals from winter to fall
from the blooming of the tulips down along the Rideau
to racing weekend fun for the world class and the slow
vive les franco-ontariens and the fringe, then the west
takes centre stage to show the city why the ‘Boro’s the best
dragon boats, dance, jazz, Canada Day, Sound and Light
blues, HOPE, chamber music and orchestras are a sight
playing music in the park then the Turks and the Greeks
then SuperEx, reggae and folk are what the people seek
Richmond, Carp and Metcalfe get us primed for the fall
in rhapsody we animate one world as a vision for all
there are more throughout the year – all are steeped in success
because the festivals of Ottawa – they’re drawing the best
within the city and the country, and our borders beyond
to cultivate a culture linking arts and people in a bond
promulgated on the premise arts are central to life
and their expression is the spark that is destined to strike
a most melodious chord in our hearts, minds and souls
so lift joyous voices for what the future holds
cuz a carnival atmosphere’s taking over the streets
people playing in the plazas as they dance to the beats
poets reading off they words to the masses inside
others dancing and planting as O-town flowers with pride
it’s the power of the festivals to liven the nights
add joy to our days and end our weeks in full flight
bang the drum and blow the trumpet calling once and for all
for our variety of festivals from winter to fall
since 1994 all across the region in every season
O-town flowers with pride
together as a crew what the festivals do makes this statement true -
O-town flowers with pride
not for profit in cash but we all profit when bashes let us see with our eyes
how O-town flowers with pride
events for art, culture, entertainment and sport are happy now to report
that O-town flowers with pride
Ottawa Festivals speaking with one voice offers plenty of choice
as O-town flowers with pride
tourists flock to our town to see what’s going down at jewels in our crown
so O-town flowers with pride
with the sparkle and glow from each event and show our reputation grows
O-town flowers with pride
so sing it out loud – make a bold, strong sound and let the message resound
that O-town flowers with pride
cuz a carnival atmosphere’s taking over the streets
people playing in the plazas as they dance to the beats
poets reading off they words to the masses inside
others dancing and planting as O-town flowers with pride
it’s the power of the festivals to liven the nights
add joy to our days and end our weeks in full flight
bang the drum and blow the trumpet calling once and for all
for our variety of festivals from winter to fall.
© A. Gregory Frankson, 2009. All rights reserved.
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
Launch of the Festival Season 2008
Ottawa Festivals celebrates each year with a special event to kick-off the festival season. The “Launch of the Festival Season” is the opportunity to celebrate Ottawa’s multi-million dollar festival industry and the decade-long involvement of Ottawa Festivals in showcasing and promoting art, culture, entertainment, and sport in Canada’s National Capital Region. Ottawa Festivals has been working to make local events world-class and promote Ottawa as an exciting tourist destination while also making a significant impact on the local economy and greatly enhancing the region’s image.This high profile media event brings awareness of the festival season fast approaching and new and exciting activities occurring throughout the industry.
Come Celebrate the 10th Anniversary and the Launch of the Festival Season
