MVDThe 2015 Celebrate Ontario program is funding a record 270 festivals and events across the province this year, including four in our area.  

They include Mattawa Voyageur Days, the River and Sky/Music and Camping Festival, Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival and powwow and the Powassan Maple Syrup Festival.  

In terms of specifics, nearly $2,800 dollars is earmarked for “Kids Time” at the Powassan Maple Syrup Festival on April 25th.

Nearly $29,000 is going towards the Maamwi Kindaaswin Festival and powwow here in North Bay in early June. The 2-day event is being hosted by the North Bay Indian Friendship Centre with the theme of “Honouring Our Veterans” this year.

Mid-July’s River and Sky/Music and Camping Festival in West Nipissing is getting $17,000 and Mattawa Voyageur Days receives the most funding of the four local events.

They’re receiving just over $81,000.

The province says from 2009 to 2013, festivals and events that were supported by Celebrate Ontario reported an increase of 6.2 million tourists and an increase of $1 billion in visitor spending.