The Owen Sound Emancipation Festival board has decided it will NOT move the 149th annual event to Kelso Beach this year.
Board Chair Blaine Courtney tells Bayshore Broadcasting News they must stay at Harrison Park this year in order to ensure the event continues.
There was some opposition to the move — and Courtney admits they were concerned some people would host their own picnic at Harrison Park while they moved to Kelso Beach.
Courtney says they should have realized the connection to Harrison Park since they have hosted the picnic at the Park for 98 years.
He believes their decision — in consultation with members — will heal the rift in the community.
Courtney adds they will celebrate the 150th Festival next year at both Harrison Park and Kelso Beach.
Courtney anticipates they will have well over one thousand visitors to next year’s event and they need a larger location.
He adds they also plan to add more children’s programs and family based activities to the 149th Emancipation Festival this August.
The Owen Sound Emancipation Festival is the longest running event in Grey and Bruce Counties.
Courtney has had the ‘Acting” removed their his Chair title — and he says they only have one more position to fill on the board for its April 9th meeting.
