From www.theobserver.ca The observer
Organizers of Sarnia’s famous music festival added another feather to their caps this week.
Rogers Bayfest was named a “Festival of Distinction,” at the annual Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO) Conference being held in Ottawa.
Michael Chan, Minister of Tourism and Culture, made the announcement Thursday night at the conference, where both Michele Stokley, and her nephew Nick, are in attendance.
Bayfest landed a position on the province’s “Top 100 Festivals and Events,” which will officially be announced Saturday.
From that list, about 20 events are acknowledged as “Festivals and Events of Distinction,” selected by the FEO on the basis of their ability to generate significant international, trans-border, domestic or intra-provincial travel, while commanding top levels of consumer awareness and respect from peers in the genre in which they operate.
“It’s really the creme-de-la-creme of events and festivals,” said Gary Masters, executive director of FEO. “They’re amongst the very best.”
Bayfest was founded by Stokley and her late husband Jim more than a decade ago.
In recent years, the event has attracted fans from across the globe.
Today, more than three-quarters of Bayfest’s attendees are from outside Sarnia-Lambton.
“We’re talking international superstars,” said Masters, noting acts like Bon Jovi, Tim McGraw and KISS. “It’s great for the economy.”
A recent economic study noted that Bayfest brings in some $5 million to the local economy, annually.
Last year’s Festivals and Events of Distinction honours included Kitchener’s “Oktoberfest,” Toronto Caribana, the Niagara Falls Festival of Lights, and the Toronto International Film Festival.
Earlier this week, Bayfest was nominated as one of the top four contenders for “Best Festival in Canada,” by the Canadian Event Industry Awards (CEIA).
Observer Article ID# 2478553
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