Two Collingwood events have been named best in the province by Festival and Events Ontario (FEO). Collingwood Elvis Festival and Sidelaunch Days made the list of the top-100 events in the province put out by the organization.
“These top 100 recipients represent festivals and events that excel within the industry,” stated a press release issued by the FEO.
This is the second year both festivals have made it on the list.
Dean Collver, director of Parks, Recreation, and Culture for the town of Collingwood said the town was grateful for the recognition of two local events.
“Any time the community receives recognition for accomplishments, it obviously makes staff very proud of the role we play in making these events happen,” said Collver. “For the last two years, it’s been great to see a veteran festival like Elvis continued to be recognized, alongside the relatively new festival offering in Sidelaunch Days.”
This year marks the 25th annual Collingwood Elvis Festival. The event takes place over three days and features paid and free concerts by Elvis Presley Tribute Artists, as well as vendors and other themed activities. The festival includes a complete shutdown of Hurontario Street. Sidelaunch Days began in 2015, and takes place along Collingwood’s waterfront with events such as a wakeboarding competition, paddleboard races, vendors, and family-friendly activities.
“Elvis [Festival] continues to celebrate not only the legacy of Elvis Presley, but also the incredible talent of the Tribute Artists that come here every year to perform,” said Collver. “Sidelaunch Days is a homegrown festival that draws attention to one of the community’s greatest natural assets, our waterfront.”
According to a press release from FEO, award winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges from a selection of festivals and events from “every corner of Ontario.”
The 2019 Top 100 Awards were given out on Thursday, February 28th during FEO’s Annual Conference “ENGAGE” in London, Ontario.
Collingwood is part of Regional Tourism Organization 7, which includes Bruce Peninsula, Southern Georgian Bay, and Lake Simcoe Tourism Region. Other area events on the list include the Barrie Automotive Flea Market, Barrie Winterfest, Carrot Fest in Bradford West Gwillimbury, Cobble Beach Concours d’Elegence, First Light at Sainte Marie Among the Hurons, and Creemore Springs Turas Mór.
