Tyler Kula, The Sarnia Observer- April 13, 201
A pair of signature summer attractions in Sarnia-Lambton have been gifted provincial grant money to help boost local tourism.
The Sarnia/Port Huron International Powerboat Festival and the Victoria Playhouse Petrolia’s 2015 Summer Season were among more than 270 Ontario festivals and events recently earmarked for shares in $19 million in Celebrate Ontario funding via the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
The powerboat festival’s cut is $45,000, while the VPP is getting $101,000.
“We’re very happy to get this small piece of the large funds that are out there,” said powerboat festival co-organizer Michele Stokley.
Last year the August weekend event featured Offshore Racing Association drivers on the St. Clair River, world-class buskers entertaining in Sarnia’s downtown core, ticketed concerts, boat parades, driver meet-and-greets, and plenty of other attractions — drawing in about 35,000 people, Stokley said.
Heading into its fifth year, plans are to amp up the entertainment, boost advertising to draw even more spectators, and bring in more 100 mph-plus, 50-foot, super class powerboats.
“We will be working hard to do what we’re supposed to do with this grant and that is to increase tourism,” said Stokley.
She recently pegged the economic impact from last year’s festival at $2.8 million, noting plans for the future are to target larger bands, longer races and enhance entertainment.
Outside of ticketed concerts, the event is free and uses proceeds to support local charities, which last year received more than $100,000, Stokely said.
Concert announcements for this year’s Aug. 7 to 9 festival are expected later this month, she said.
Last year, performers included The Trews, Wide Mouth Mason, I Mother Earth and Big Sugar.
More details are available at sarniapowerboats.com.