CENTRE WELLINGTON – Four local organizations will each get a share of a total $10,000 to help them launch “destination animation” projects through Centre Wellington’s tourism department and the Regional Tourism Organization 4 (RTO4).
These are projects or events that visitors and residents can experience while enjoying the sights and sounds of Elora and Fergus.
The approved projects include:
– the Elora Community Theatre will be presenting a Monster Month Zombie Walk taking place on Saturday nights during Monster Month in Downtown Elora. This event will provide free entertainment during the weekend street closures enhancing the cultural scene of Elora and the already popular Twilight Zoo;
– the Elora Centre for the Arts presenting the Paths that Connect Us, which encompasses artist renderings and production of a bike trail map featured on the grounds of the arts centre. This fund includes cartographer services and a social media campaign;
– the Sunflowers of Elora Festival taking place this fall will include a farm animal and education component featured over four Saturdays in September; and
– the Fergus Scottish Festival has received funding for the creation and promotion of a music video featuring the music and writing of David Leask called the Tartan Kiss of Fergus dedicated to the volunteers, passion and culture of the festival in its 76th year in the community.
“Now more than ever before it is imperative that we continue to provide funding resources to foster novel and creative ways to showcase our community,” said tourism coordinator Deb Dalziel.
“All projects selected this year feature a COVID-19 friendly and safe approach to new experiences within Centre Wellington. The panel was very impressed with the distinctive ideas presented for this year’s program,” she added.
The Township of Centre Wellington and Regional Tourism Organization 4 first launched the Destination Animation Strategic Co-Investment Project in 2017 to encourage Elora and Fergus businesses, organizations and tourism stakeholders to create new visitor experiences and activities.
Projects must be new or enhanced experiences, and funding cannot be applied toward capital or regular operational expenses.
Dalziel said the selected projects align with Elora and Fergus’ destination DNA – heritage town charm, arts and culture, and nature-based assets – and go to great lengths to ensure that not only will the events and experiences be highly shareable but are supported by a strategic marketing plan.
The experiences and events will take place throughout 2021.
Dalziel said many visitors to this community are visiting family and friends who live here, “and these are cool new things to do while they are here.”
