Four festivals benefit from Experience Ontario funding

The Ontario government is investing $184,625 in four area festivals, including Hogs for Hospice.

The event every August in Leamington will get $120,000.

The funding is part of a nearly $20-million investment in festivals and events across the province this year. Organizers can use the money to expand programming and attract new festival-goers to those communities.

Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP Trevor Jones announced the funding in Leamington.

“Our government recognizes the tremendous value that festivals and events add to our communities,” he said. “Through this funding, families and individuals have opportunities to gather and celebrate together, while supporting local businesses.”

The 102nd Buxton Homecoming in Merlin will get $20,000. Cherry Fest in Blenheim receives another $20,000, and the Red Barn Concert Series in Blenheim gets $19,625.

In all, 350 festivals and events will receive funding from the government.

By Adelle Loiselle, CKNKNewsToday.ca