Sauble Beach Party gets $125,000 in government funding

A total of $267,100 is being invested in Grey-Bruce by the province through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support seven festivals in the region this year.

The Sauble Beach Party and other events in Grey-Bruce are receiving cash from the province.

Grey-Bruce-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers announced on Monday that the provincial government is doling out $267,100 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support seven festivals in the region this year.

The Sauble Beach Party, a festival concert weekend organized by Hayden Hellyer, is getting $125,000.

“The Sauble Beach Party continues to grow year over year, and with that growth comes a responsibility to keep pushing new ideas that bring people to the Town of South Bruce Peninsula on Labour Day weekend,” noted Hellyer in a media release. “We want to sincerely thank the province of Ontario for this support. There are so many amazing festivals and events across the province, and we’re proud to be one of them recognized through this program.”

Other events receiving funding include the Concours D’Elegance at Cobble Beach ($55,000), the RAM Rodeo at Singhampton in Grey Highlands ($20,000), Owen Sound’s Canada Day event ($20,000), the Electric Eclectics festival in Meaford ($20,000), the Sweetwater Music Festival’s Piano Spectacular ($20,000), and the Hopeville Kite Festival ($7,100).

“SweetWater Music Festival is grateful for this investment through Experience Ontario, which will help us grow our 2026 festival and welcome more audiences, artists, and visitors to our region,” said Natasha Bood, general manager of the Sweetwater Music Festival. “This support strengthens our ability to present exceptional live music while contributing to the cultural and economic life of the Grey Bruce community.”

The money is part of more than $20 million the government is spending to help event organizers deliver high-quality programming and experiences for people of all ages.

“It is hard to beat summertime in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound, because our community comes together for some truly remarkable events,” said Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MPP Paul Vickers. “I am proud to share that our government sees the positive impact these events have in our communities, and that we are stepping up with support for these hardworking organizers.”

By The Sun Times