MCGUINTY GOVERNMENT GIVES BOOST TO FERGUS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL AND HIGHLAND GAMES

Funding Helps Expand Programming And Attract More Visitors

FERGUS — The McGuinty government is investing more than $120,000 to draw more people to kick up their heels at the newly expanded Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games, Tourism Minister Jim Bradley announced today.
                            
“The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games has been celebrating the area’s rich cultural heritage for more than 60 years, drawing tourists from across Canada, the United States and Scotland,” said Bradley.  “The Ontario government is pleased to help this great festival add new features and attract new visitors.”

The festival received $113,750 from the government to include additional features in this year’s event, including a special tribute concert honouring the late Canadian singer and “godfather of Celtic music” John Allan Cameron. The government provided an additional $10,000 to help market the event in Ontario and the United States.

The festival runs until August 12 and features traditional Scottish athletic games, Highland Dance competitions, children’s activities, as well as performances by Canadian and Scottish musicians.

“Thanks to the support provided by the Ontario government, we were able to develop and market a bigger and better festival for our visitors,” said festival president Craig MacGregor. 

The Fergus festival is one of 57 events receiving funds from the McGuinty government’s Celebrate Ontario program, launched earlier this year to help expand and enhance festivals and events across the province.

“Festivals and events provide fun for visitors and residents, boosting tourism and bringing economic benefits to communities all across the province,” Bradley said.

“Ontario has a strong Scottish community that takes pride in its history, culture and traditions,” said Minister of Culture Caroline Di Cocco. “The Fergus Scottish Festival and Highland Games does a wonderful job of celebrating those traditions and sharing them with everyone.”

– 30 –

Contacts:
David Oved, Minister’s Office, (416) 314-1400
Guy Lepage, Communications Branch, (416) 314-3497