MOUNT FOREST – In 2023, the Mount Forest BIA welcomed four new directors, implemented two hardscape projects in the downtown core and launched its new website.
The BIA now has a goal for 2024 to implement “a handful” of events that can be looked forward to each year, the latest one being Winter Family Fun Fest, set to take place on Feb. 17.
“There was a group of people that were putting on events in Mount Forest … the feedback was really great and everybody enjoyed them,” said Mount Forest BIA administrative coordinator Kailyn Cudney.
“We decided to make a BIA events committee so that way we could have a team that could spearhead these events.”
One of the events Cudney provided as an example is the Mount Forest “Haunting on Main” event.
The Halloween-themed event is what sparked the idea for hosting four annual events and to spread them out “evenly over the year.”
The winter festival on Family Day weekend will be the first of these events by the BIA for this initiative.
What to expect
The event will run from noon until 5pm with the main “hub” location being King Street West.
Local vendors with items such as candles, crocheting and wood decor will fill the street along with some live music and food by Magpie’s Baker at the Mount Forest Legion.
Street hockey will also take place near BMO. The street will be closed to traffic, and Mount Forest Patriots players will be refereeing games in various age groups.
“We’re going to have it run in time increments; 15 to 20-minute games,” said Cudney.
There will also be time slots for parents and families, and anyone interested can “just show up,” as there is no need to register.
Scavenger hunt
A scavenger hunt will take place on Main Street for those interested as well.
Business owners in the downtown core who are interested in hosting an activity at their shop and business location will sign a ballot when participants come to visit and complete the activity.
“We have about eight confirmed businesses right now,” Cudney explained to the Advertiser.
“At the end, [participants] will go back to the hub and submit their ballot for a chance to win a prize.”
The main objective of the Winter Family Fun Fest is to get the community and visitors to spend time together in the downtown area and explore local businesses.
The Mount Forest BIA is still looking to fill more spots for vendors and is still accepting sponsorships. Anyone interested in showcasing their talents and or business by becoming a vendor at the event should visit http://bit.ly/mfbia-vendorapplication or email: mountforestbia@gmail.com.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event in any capacity should contact the BIA using the email above. For any questions, reach out to the BIA via Facebook, Instagram and email.
“I will be posting more updates as things get closer, and hopefully more details,” said Cudney.
“We hope it goes over without a hitch, and I think it would be a lot of fun and a great way for people to get outside.”
