Stewart Park Festival (file)
The Ontario government is investing more than $322,000 into festivals and events across Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, aiming to draw visitors and support local economies.
The funding, announced by MPP John Jordan, comes through the 2026 Experience Ontario program. It is part of a province-wide investment of more than $20 million to help communities deliver events for all ages.
Jordan says the funding supports some of the region’s most popular events while helping bring tourism dollars into local towns.
Among the recipients, the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow in Smiths Falls and the Stewart Park Festival in Perth will each receive $20,000.
Almonte Celtfest and the Puppets Up! International Puppet Festival will also receive the same amount.
The Festival of Small Halls in Mississippi Mills is getting $55,000, while the Blue Skies Music Festival in Clarendon Station receives $20,000.
Smiths Falls Mayor Shawn Pankow says the investment will help celebrate Indigenous culture, strengthen community connections and welcome visitors to the town for a meaningful experience.
Pankow adds that events like the Spirit of the Drum Pow Wow highlight local culture while bringing people together.
Perth’s Cathy McNally says support for the Stewart Park Festival helps keep a long-standing local tradition strong.
The province says tourism remains a key economic driver, with visitors spending $33 billion in Ontario in 2024 and supporting more than 300,000 jobs.
