What’s Good Norfolk? The countdown is on for the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival!

One of Norfolk County’s most anticipated summer events is back!

The Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival is set to take over Wellington, Lynnwood, and Clifton Parks this Civic Holiday weekend, running from Friday, August 1 to Monday, August 4.

Artistic Producer Sara Moody Veldhuis said organizers are thrilled to introduce something new for Friday night’s festivities.

This year’s movie screening will feature Wonka, and at 8 p.m., the Festival will present Shakespeare in the Park. A separate story on that performance is coming later this week.

Organizers are promising four full days packed with free, family-friendly activities, live music, delicious food, and an unforgettable sense of community spirit.

While this weekend has always been known for its music and vendors, organizers are placing an even stronger emphasis on making it a blast for kids.

The Young Theatre Players (YTP) KidsZone remains a beloved cornerstone of the event. Children can enjoy:

Arts and crafts
Face painting
Tie-dye stations with Tye Dye by Hez
Interactive performances from Crystal Lake Conservatory
Daily storytimes
Ukulele lessons with Jessica Rayner-Bieri from Art With Heart
Singing on Boon’s Music “Be A Star Stage”

Beyond the KidsZone, the Festival features:

100+ arts, crafts, and commercial vendors
An array of food trucks from across Ontario
The Craft Beverage Zone (opens Saturday) featuring local favourites like Wishbone Brewery, Concession Road Brewery, and Inasphere Winery

Local organizations are once again stepping up to enhance the Festival and raise funds for community causes:

Simcoe Rotary Club – Pancakes in the Park each morning
Lynn Valley Lions – Ice Cream Fest
Simcoe Lions – festival food truck favourites all weekend

Monday also includes the traditional Rubber Duck Race organized by Abel Enterprises. Tickets are available now and throughout the event.

The Festival’s popular 50/50 draw is back:

$5 per ticket or 5 for $20
Available by phone at (548) 331-FEST (3378) or on-site during the weekend

This year’s entertainment lineup is one of the strongest yet, featuring:

N. Jefferson – high-energy soul/R&B
Benjamin Dakota Rogers – JUNO-nominated
Wayward Saints
Local favourites: The Jesse Murphy Band, Pure Vintage, The Felicia McMinn Band

Music will be non-stop across multiple stages, including the Main Stage and Clifton Park Community Stage. Highlights include:

Sunday morning Gospel Jam
Swiftie Song Circle
Songwriter showcases
Illusionist Lucas Wilson performing multiple days

For Moody Veldhuis, there’s always a moment during the weekend that reminds her just how important this event is to the community.

Another new addition is the Simcoe Heritage Friendship Festival Classic Auto Show on Sunday, Aug. 3 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lynnwood Park (rain date: Monday, Aug. 4). Proceeds support the local food bank, Children’s Autism Society, and the Festival itself. A follow-up story is coming soon.

Festival Hours and Schedule Highlights:

Friday, Aug 1: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m. vendors and food trucks; kids’ karaoke at 8 p.m.; WONKA movie at 9 p.m.
Saturday, Aug 2: Vendors 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Craft Beverage Zone noon – 10:30 p.m., Main Stage 11 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug 3: Auto Show 8 a.m. – 3 p.m., vendors 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., full music lineup 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug 4: Vendors 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Festival closes at 4:30 p.m. with KidsZone Parade and awards.

For a full schedule of performances, activities, and updates, visit the Festival website or follow on social media.

To learn more or to get involved, email info@friendshipfest.ca

By 98.9 myFM News/Oldies 99.7 staff