In The Community
Kempenfest Event:
The history of Kempenfest: In 1971 a handful of artists gathered in Barrie at the Formosa Springs Brewery to display their art on snow fencing and hopefully sell a few pieces. It was the birth of what would eventually be called Kempenfest. Kempenfest (Barrie) Inc is a not-for-profit organization whose mandate is to produce an annual art and music festival in Barrie. Fast forward 50 years and Kempenfest is now one of the largest outdoor arts, crafts, and music festivals in Ontario. Kempenfest has given back over $10 million to our community since its inception over 50 years ago. Kempenfest is for people of all ages – there is something for everyone.
In 2022 the Kempenfest organizing committee were looking to highlight different cultural experiences since they recognized the growing population changes happening in Barrie. Making Change came on board to provide exactly that – cultural “edutainment”. Emancipation Day fell on the same weekend which is an important day for Black Communities in Canada. On August 1st we celebrate the day in history when slavery was abolished across the British Empire (including Canada). At Kempenfest Making Change Program Director Laura LaChapelle & Board Chair Michele Newton provided a dedication at Kempenfest for Emancipation 2022.
Carnival North Event:
When two island gals, Kicha Holden and Hillary BURKE, got to talking about where they came from (Jamaica and Trinidad), how they came to Collingwood and how important their culture is to their identity, the idea for Carnival North was born. Dating back hundreds of years to the time of slavery, J’ouvert, Mardi Gras and Caribana are all version of a festival that has become a cornerstone of Caribbean culture. Carnival North is an all-day, family-friendly event. Starting at 11am, The Collingwood Brewery will become an island oasis of Caribbean music, food, drink, and tons of activities for kids, including complimentary face painting. Don’t miss the hottest party of the summer—it starts early and goes late into the night! Making Change was on hand with their own space for festival attendees to add their handprint to our Diversity Tapestry. It’s events such as this one where people are looking to find more representation, resources and new cultural learning experience.
Diversity Tapestry:
It Starts campaign
IT STARTS is a public awareness campaign designed to take a proactive step towards addressing racism and discrimination in Simcoe County.
IT STARTS works to promote a unified community that encourages collective action against racism and discrimination.
Take Action:
- Educate yourself, understand about racism and share your knowledge
- Pick up your campaign card at your local library or go to www.simcoe.ca/itstarts
- Post your picture of your campaign card with the hashtag: #ITSTART and tag @CountyofSimcoe
- Perform acts of inclusivity (host a multicultural lunch, learn about different cultures, ask questions, read international authors)
- Challenge friends, family members, colleagues, and community leaders to take a stand. There is strength in numbers!