Gravelle announces $40,000 grant for Red Rock summer event  

The Ontario government is providing a significant boost to a popular annual event in Red Rock.  MPP Michael Gravelle, Thunder Bay-Superior North was in Red Rock today to announce $40,000 funding from the province’s “Celebrate Ontario” program to support the “Live from the Rock” Folk Festival, scheduled for August 6 – 8, 2010.   

“I am absolutely delighted to be here to announce this support for such an important part of Red Rock’s arts and culture.  Our government recognizes that not only do events like these enrich the lives of northerners, but they are very important economic drivers for tourism and tourist spending.  In just a few short years, ‘Live from the Rock’ has become one of the premiere folk festivals in Canada, and I’m very proud that we are contributing to the success of this year’s event with this funding announcement today,” said Gravelle. 

Jackie Brewer, Chair of this year’s “Live from the Rock” Festival said  Without funding from grant programs such as ‘Celebrate Ontario’, the festival would not be possible and we would not be able to bring superior entertainers to our town.  We’re so grateful for this financial boost, and festival-goers will not be disappointed!”  Festival Artistic Director Liz Harvey-Foulds added “It’s the ongoing financial support of the Ontario government, in addition to the efforts of our hundreds of volunteers, that has enabled a small community like ours to present a world-class music festival for the past eight years.”

 “This is a big help to Red Rock in these hard times.  It’s one of the few things that Red Rock has going for us and I know that this year’s festival, with the help from Celebrate Ontario, will be bigger and better.  All the many  volunteers and the citizens of Red Rock would like to thank our M.P.P. Michael Gravelle and the Ontario Government for this great support,” said Red Rock Mayor Gary Nelson. 

The “Live from the Rock” Folk Festival, in its eighth year of operation, attracts approximately 3,000 visitors annually.  This year’s festival features 25 acts performing concerts and workshops on five stages throughout Red Rock’s Waterfront Park.  

Celebrate Ontario 2010 is an $11 million program to increase the economic potential of new and existing tourism festivals and events.  This year’s program was open to festivals and events taking place in Ontario between April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011. 

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