The Huronia Festival of Arts and Crafts has a rich history that dates back to 1971. It was established with the aim of celebrating and promoting “original art only” in the city of Barrie and surrounding areas. The festival began as a small local event, showcasing the works of 20 local artists. By 1975, it grew in popularity and size, attracting artists and visitors from all over the province and beyond. The Kiwanis Club joined forces with the Barrie Art Club to co-sponsor the event, add food to its venue, and “crafters” were invited to sell their wares. To this day, HFAC remains the same original partnership, having welcomed hundreds of artists, makers and creators over the 50+ years since its inception and has become known as one of North America’s largest outdoor arts & crafts festivals.

The festival not only fosters creativity and artistic expression but also contributes to the cultural and economic development of the Barrie and beyond. In 2019, HFAC introduced its Emerging Talent exhibition, a space to feature 12 small business owners focused on handmade products, who had never attended the festival before as an exhibitor and given the opportunity to experience Kempenfest on a smaller scale.