MOUNT FOREST – Last year’s post-pandemic return of the Mount Forest Fireworks Festival made for a stellar comeback, but this year’s will be “one for the records,” says festival chair Sharon Wenger.
Each year’s festival relies on funds raised the previous year, which meant that after two years on lockdown it was as though the 2022 festival started anew.
Funds from the 2019 festival were spent on keeping the Mount Forest Chamber of Commerce alive throughout 2020-21, according to Wenger.
Worry over how much support there would be for the 2022 return proved unnecessary.
The community’s support last year was “amazing,” Wenger said, with “record numbers at all of our events.”
Wenger estimates there were around 10,000 people in the park the Saturday of the festival last year — roughly double a typical Saturday turnout.
“With the success of last year’s festival we are able to bring this one with even more gusto,” she told the Advertiser.
The 21st Mount Forest Fireworks Festival takes place this weekend, from July 13 to July 16, with two fireworks displays set to music. A teaser show begins at 10pm on July 14, with the big show happening at 10pm on July 15.
New this year is a Smash Wrestling event at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex on July 15 at 5:30pm. Special VIP tickets are available for purchase and include in-ring photos with the champions.
In addition to the festival’s classic car show on July 15, with more than 300 vehicles on display, the Mount Forest Firefighters Association will also be showcasing antique trucks and apparatus.
“The car show this year is going to stretch all the way (downtown) from Highway 89 up to Sligo Road,” Wenger said.
Robert’s Farm Equipment is also showcasing antique tractors at its location (435 Sligo Road West) from noon to 4pm.
A shuttle bus service to the main festival area will run from Robert’s from 1 to 11pm.
Staple attractions, such as the Albion Amusements midway, the Krusher Stunt Team, inflatables, axe throwing, live music and food trucks — to name only some — are making a return this weekend as well.
“Our kid zone is bigger than ever this year,” Wenger said.
Around 300 volunteers make the festival happen, according to Wenger.
“I think we’re really lucky; I think it’s something fun that people want to be involved with,” she said of the number of volunteers who chip in.
“Without them this festival would not happen.”
Festival organizers want more volunteers to help out this weekend, specifically with ticket booths and parking.
Those who volunteer for at least two hours get free festival admission and are entered into a prize draw.
The festival is “a lot of hard work,” Wenger said, “But when you see the finishing result … it’s worth every bit.”
The festival kicks off with a ribfest on July 13 from 6 to 9pm at the Mount Forest and District Sports Complex.
“I think it’s a really great event for all of the local families … you get a city-like experience close to home,” Wenger said, encouraging the community to come out and enjoy a “really happening weekend.”
For a complete event listing and information on volunteering, visit mountforestfireworks.ca.
