Blyth Festival among locals receiving Experience Ontario funding
BY SCOTT STEPHENSON
Huron-Bruce MPP and Minister of Rural Affairs Lisa Thompson visited the Blyth Festival on Wednesday, July 16 to present funding from the provincial government’s Experience Ontario program. The announcement was made during a heatwave as Thompson handed over a cheque for $125,000 to Blyth Festival Artistic Director Gil Garratt and General Manager Rachael King.
The Blyth Centre for the Arts is one of seven local organizations receiving funding through the 2025 Experience Ontario program. According to a press release issued by the province, the Government of Ontario is investing a total of $524,012 into festivals and events across Huron-Bruce. This funding is part of a nearly $20 million investment being distributed throughout the province, with more than 350 events set to receive support.
In Huron-Bruce, the other recipients include Drayton Entertainment, which will receive $125,000 for the Huron County Playhouse; the Lucknow and District Kinsmen Club, which will receive $125,000 for Lucknow’s Music in the Fields; the Kincardine Lighthouse Blues Festival, receiving $20,000; the Town of Goderich, receiving $20,000 for the Goderich Salt and Harvest Festival; the Goderich Celtic Roots Festival, receiving $55,000; and the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest, which will receive $54,012.
Speaking at the Blyth Festival announcement at Memorial Hall, Thompson said, “So, this is one of many [Experience Ontario announcements] that we’re doing today, and it’s good news because we want people to experience Ontario through the Blyth Festival.”
Accepting the funding, King said the investment will have a broad impact on the region. “It allows us to bring the summer theatre season here and all these people who then fuel this community,” she said. “The things that we do here are fueling the stages across this country.”
Garratt emphasized the importance of audience engagement, adding, “Continuing to bring audiences together, that’s the big one.”
In a prepared statement released following the event, Thompson said, “Our provincial government continues to invest in the creativity and community spirit of Huron-Bruce through the 2025 Experience Ontario program. These seven organizations are doing incredible work to bring people of all ages together and celebrate what makes our region unique. This funding will help elevate their events and create memorable experiences that draw people in and showcase the heart and charm of our local communities.”
The press release notes that tourism plays a critical role in the provincial economy. In 2023, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 325,000 jobs. The Experience Ontario program, formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario, has supported more than 2,000 festivals and events since 2021. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming invested more than $20 million to support more than 250 festivals and events.
Organizers who wish to be included in the contact list for Experience Ontario 2026 are encouraged to email [email protected].