River District Wins Two Festival and Events Ontario Awards

The Owen Sound River District is proud to announce it is the recipient of two Festival and Events Ontario Awards. The Innovation Award was received in recognition of the Wheel & Ride event, and a Top 100 Award was received in recognition of Holiday Magic.

The award ceremony was held Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at the Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) annual conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

The FEO Innovation Award recognizes the achievement of a festival/event that has introduced creative, effective solutions to strengthen events, appeal to a broader audience, or enhance the experience for patrons. This may include new sponsorship activations and fundraising campaigns, the use of innovative technology to increase sales or overall guest experience, a public-private partnership, or other transformational or entrepreneurial methods to strengthen the festival/event.

Top 100 recipients represent festivals and events that excel within the industry.

The Owen Sound River District and the City of Owen Sound would like to thank and share the awards with The Kiwanis Club of Owen Sound, Optimist Club of Sydenham & District, Owen Sound & District Junior Optimist Club, Scenic Cycle and Owen Sound Police Services, without whom these events would not be possible.

The Festival & Events Ontario awards program recognizes exceptional events, municipalities, suppliers, volunteers, and sponsors for their dedication and innovation regarding the Festival and Events industry despite ever-changing parameters, requirements, and conditions.

The nominations were selected from a pool of entries that fit the criteria for each award.

For more information, please contact Viveca Gravel, Community Development Coordinator at 519-376-4440 ext. 1209 or email vgravel@owensound.ca.

Quotes:

“It’s with great honour that the Owen Sound River District is recognized by Festivals & Events Ontario for Wheel & Ride and Holiday Magic. These events reflect a welcoming, inclusive, and fun environment for our citizens, visitors and newcomers that we are very proud of in Owen Sound.  We’re grateful for the community help and support of events in the River District.”

– Mayor Ian Boddy

Quick Facts:

• The River District won two Festival and Events Ontario Awards in 2024
• Holiday Magic won an innovation award in 2023
• The 2024 Wheel & Ride Safety Festival is scheduled for May 25, 2024
• Holiday Magic is scheduled for November 16, 2024
• FEO began in 1987 and is a not-for-profit organization representing, educating, and advocating for the Festival and Events industry. The Awards program has been recognizing exceptional events, municipalities, suppliers, volunteers, and sponsors

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