Norfolk County celebrates prestigious Ontario Tourism Award for AMPLIFY Norfolk initiative

Norfolk County is proud to announce that its flagship entertainment initiative, AMPLIFY Norfolk, has been recognized with the prestigious Ontario Tourism Award of Excellence.

The Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence, organized by the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), celebrate success and recognize those who have made outstanding contributions to Ontario’s tourism industry. AMPLIFY Norfolk’s achievement highlights the County’s commitment to positioning itself as a vibrant live entertainment destination, supporting local not-for-profits, enhancing existing events, and fostering long-term growth.

The initiative’s success was marked by two signature events: Fairgrounds Festival 2023 and Pumpkinfest 2023.

Fairgrounds Festival, held in partnership with the Norfolk County Agricultural Society on June 9-10, 2023, included several headline performers such as Felicia McMinn, The Beaches, Bif Naked, Sloan, and Finger Eleven, as well as 72 artisans and food vendors.

Pumpkinfest 2023, which took place on October 14, 2023, featured Canadian indie-rock icons Bedouin Soundclash, with support from Alysha Brilla and Logan Staats.

AMPLIFY Norfolk’s marketing efforts included a variety of methods, such as digital strategies and partnerships with influencers and music publications like Indie88 and NOW Magazine. These campaigns reached over 3 million people, significantly increasing Norfolk County’s tourism traffic and supporting local businesses throughout the shoulder seasons.

The award from TIAO underscores Norfolk County’s innovative approach and collaborative spirit in boosting tourism and economic growth, establishing it as a model for other communities to follow. As Norfolk continues to build on this success, residents and visitors alike can look forward to even more exciting entertainment and cultural events in the coming years.

About AMPLIFY Norfolk

The AMPLIFY program provides grants to not-for-profit organizations to produce new live entertainment events where the applicant is responsible for production and presentation costs, including artist fees, venue rental, production costs, and items for headlining artists’ technical and hospitality riders. The program is currently accepting applications for 2025. Visit norfolkCounty.ca/Amplify to learn more and apply. The application deadline is November 3, 2024.

Quotes

Mayor Amy Martin
“This award is a testament to Norfolk County’s dedication to fostering economic recovery and cultural growth through innovative live entertainment. We are proud to see our efforts recognized, and we remain committed to building on this momentum to bring even more exciting events and experiences to Norfolk.”

Angela Hogeveen, Norfolk County Agricultural Society
“The Fairgrounds Festival was a milestone event that not only showcased incredible talent but also highlighted Norfolk County’s dedication to creating memorable community experiences. We are thrilled to be a part of AMPLIFY Norfolk’s success and excited for the future.”

John Regan, Director of Economic Development, Norfolk County
“AMPLIFY Norfolk has been a game-changer for our local economy. By supporting and enhancing events like Fairgrounds Festival and Pumpkinfest, we have not only boosted tourism but also created lasting opportunities for our local businesses and cultural talent. This award validates our strategy, and we look forward to continuing our work in positioning Norfolk County as a top-tier entertainment destination.”

Lara Rockefeller, Social Media Chair, Waterford Pumpkinfest
“Despite weather challenges, Pumpkinfest 2023 was a resounding success. The community’s enthusiasm and support, combined with the strategic marketing efforts of AMPLIFY Norfolk, ensured we reached and exceeded our goals. It’s clear that Norfolk County is on the map as a live entertainment hotspot.”