For immediate release
December 16, 2008

FESTIVAL FUNDING APPLICATION DEADLINE AROUND THE CORNER
Barrett encourages local organizers to ensure rural
events/festivals are not forgotten

SIMCOE – MPP Barrett is encouraging area festival and event organizers to get their names in the cue for Celebrate Ontario funding.

The program hands out $9 million to increase the economic potential of new and existing tourism festivals and events, and is open to festivals and events taking p lace in Ontario between April 1, 2009 and March 31, 2010.

The program offers three levels of financial support:

• Up to $50,000 for festivals and events with operating budgets of less than $250,000
• Up to $100,000 for festivals and events with operating budgets between $250,000 and $1 million annually
• Up to $400,000 for festivals and events with operating budgets in excess of $1 million.

To apply for funding, applicants are asked to fill out the Celebrate Ontario 2009 application form, available through http://www.tourism.gov.on.ca, and review the application guide carefully before submitting.

The deadline for applications is January 16, 2009.

“I find that rural events and festivals are not always that well represented when the final list of funding recipients comes down – with much of the money going to Ontario’s more urban centres,” Barrett stated. “I’m hopeful that this year we can see a few more local names on that list to help energize our local celebrations.”

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For more information please contact MPP Toby Barrett at: 1-800-903-8629