Experience Ontario funding will support expanded family attractions, strengthen fall tourism, and enhance visitor experiences
WASAGA BEACH, ON, June 8, 2026 /CNW/ – The Town of Wasaga Beach is excited to announce a $20,000 investment from the Province of Ontario through Experience Ontario. This funding will help boost local tourism, stimulate economic growth, and expand one of the community’s favorite fall events.
Returning October 3-4, 2026, at Klondike Sports Park, the Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo and Hootenanny Fall Festival has rapidly gained popularity as a major regional event. It attracts thousands from across Ontario for a weekend filled with live performances, professional rodeo action, family-friendly activities, artisan vendors, food trucks, and seasonal fun.
“We are thankful to Minister Cho and the Province of Ontario for acknowledging how much festivals and events mean to communities like Wasaga Beach,” said Mayor Brian Smith. “The Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo and Hootenanny Fall Festival has become one of our town’s hallmark events. It draws visitors from all over while supporting local businesses and organizations. This funding will enable us to enhance the rodeo and festival experience for families and guests alike with additions like a Ferris wheel, more seating options, diverse food selections, extra washrooms, communal areas, and an unforgettable 2-Step Social Under the Stars.”
The provincial funding will facilitate expanded family programming along with new midway attractions while improving accessibility features and visitor amenities as the Town aims to grow this event further and boost fall tourism in our area.
This investment highlights how essential festivals and events are in supporting businesses in Wasaga Beach. They create economic activity that helps establish Wasaga Beach as a year-round destination.
“Festivals and events are among the best ways to bring people into a community. They support local businesses while creating memorable experiences that encourage repeat visits,” said Steve Harlow, Chair of the Town’s Economic Development and Tourism Advisory Committee. “This funding from the Province allows us to build on what we’ve achieved with the Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo and Hootenanny Fall Festival while continuing to promote fall tourism here in Wasaga Beach. It’s precisely this kind of backing that empowers communities to provide better visitor experiences year-round.”
Last year’s inaugural Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo also managed to raise over $55,000 for a new regional hospital-transforming an entertaining weekend into crucial support for families needing healthcare.
Tickets for the 2026 Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo are now available at wasagabeach. com/Rodeo. You can take advantage of Early Bird pricing until July 5, 2026.
Quotes:
“This funding acknowledges how important festivals and events are in attracting visitors while bolstering local businesses across Simcoe-Grey. Wasaga Beach continues crafting exciting experiences that highlight our culture while fostering tourism growth-and our government is proud to back this success through Experience Ontario.”
– Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey “Events such as the Hootenanny Fall Festival and Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo really benefit our local business scene. When visitors come to Wasaga Beach for these weekends they shop locally-dining out or exploring all we have on offer-which helps restaurants accommodations retailers service providers along with tourism operators throughout our community. Ongoing investment in events strengthens both jobs within those sectors alongside ensuring long-term stability for Wasaga Beach’s economy.”
– Karin Greig, President of the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Quick Facts: Each year sees upwards of 2 million visitors coming through the Town of Wasaga Beach’s stunning beachfront community driven by local shops lively music festivals various happenings plus its impressive stretch featuring 14 km sandy shoreline-the longest freshwater beach worldwide. The Hootenanny Fall Festival combined with Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo forms part of Wasaga Beach’s expanding array set-up featuring year-long festivities. The Experience Ontario initiative is committing $20 million towards over 400 different festivals along with events happening right across Ontario designed specifically aimed at boosting tourism aiding nearby economies creating fresh job opportunities within both small large towns alike. Related news
Wasaga Beach Unveils Summer 2026 Lineup with 80+ Live Music Performances New Beach Life Festival First-Ever Canada Day Symphony Fireworks Media contact:
Karla Findlay
Special Projects Leader
Email Karla Sandra Watts
General Manager of External Relations | Director of Communications Destination Marketing & Intergovernmental Affairs
Email Sandra SOURCE Town of Wasaga Beach![]()
– Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey “Events such as the Hootenanny Fall Festival and Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo really benefit our local business scene. When visitors come to Wasaga Beach for these weekends they shop locally-dining out or exploring all we have on offer-which helps restaurants accommodations retailers service providers along with tourism operators throughout our community. Ongoing investment in events strengthens both jobs within those sectors alongside ensuring long-term stability for Wasaga Beach’s economy.”
– Karin Greig, President of the Wasaga Beach Chamber of Commerce & Tourism Quick Facts: Each year sees upwards of 2 million visitors coming through the Town of Wasaga Beach’s stunning beachfront community driven by local shops lively music festivals various happenings plus its impressive stretch featuring 14 km sandy shoreline-the longest freshwater beach worldwide. The Hootenanny Fall Festival combined with Mayor’s Charity RAM Rodeo forms part of Wasaga Beach’s expanding array set-up featuring year-long festivities. The Experience Ontario initiative is committing $20 million towards over 400 different festivals along with events happening right across Ontario designed specifically aimed at boosting tourism aiding nearby economies creating fresh job opportunities within both small large towns alike. Related news
Wasaga Beach Unveils Summer 2026 Lineup with 80+ Live Music Performances New Beach Life Festival First-Ever Canada Day Symphony Fireworks Media contact:
Karla Findlay
Special Projects Leader
Email Karla Sandra Watts
General Manager of External Relations | Director of Communications Destination Marketing & Intergovernmental Affairs
Email Sandra SOURCE Town of Wasaga Beach
