MOUNT FOREST – The Mount Forest Fireworks Festival is back for its 22nd anniversary from July 18 to 21.
What began as a one-day car show and fireworks display in 2000, has now grown into one of Ontario’s top 100 festivals.
The festival has now held that distinction for 13 years, festival chair Sharon Wenger told the Advertiser.
“This event means the world to the community … people in this town have taken ownership that this is their festival,” said Wenger.
She explained online tickets are being sold in places several hours away, noting, “We had to look up some of the places.”
With four days filled with events, on average the festival brings 15,000 people to Mount Forest.
“That triples our town’s population,” she said.
Event venues can be located on the festival website. All funds go back into the festival, so each year new activities and venues may be added.
The 21st Mount Forest Fireworks Festival featured two displays set to music. Submitted photo
A new show called “The Shimmering Night Sky – A Trillium Circus Show” will be performed twice on July 20, at 3:15 and 7:15pm.
The show will be a circus-style aerial trio act by the 2022 semi-finalists on the TV show Canada’s Got Talent.
There will be musical entertainment by artists Peter J Yake, Sam and Robin, Jessica Sole and Max-Life Crisis.
The festival will also include helicopter rides, mascot races, gladiator jousting, live wrestling, a circus lumberjack show, a barbecue chicken dinner and much more for all ages.
“We have two nights of fireworks planned, lots of entertainment with old favourites and a sprinkle of new,” said Wenger.
The festival will begin with the annual Git Yer Hillbilly On Rib competition on July 18. Tickets are $25.
Volunteers are needed, said Wenger, noting all volunteers receive a free wristband for their time and help.
“Just seeing all the smiles, bringing all the happiness to the hometown for that weekend is so rewarding,” Wenger concluded.
To sign up to volunteer or learn more visit mountforestfireworks.ca.
The car show at the 2019 Mount Forest Fireworks Festival. (Advertiser file photo)
