Land Acknowledgment
Kempenfest acknowledges the traditional territory of the Anishinaabeg people, which include the Odawa, Ojibwe, and Pottawatomi Nations collectively known as the Three Fires Confederacy. We also acknowledge the Wendat Nation (Huron) who occupied these lands prior to the middle of the 17th century.
We are dedicated to honouring Indigenous history and culture and recognize the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples on this land. We are committed to moving forward in the spirit of reconciliation and respect with all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit People.
Sponsor Recognition
Kempenfest has been truly blessed by some of the most incredible partners we could ask for. The cost to present a major festival like Kempenfest have surpassed a half million dollars this year. And the only way to keep Kempenfest free to attend (except for the evening concerts) is by relying on the generous support of our partners. Many of them are here on site throughout the weekend, so when you see them – thank them – for helping Kempenfest thrive for over 50 years.
If you would like to explore a partnership with Kempenfest please complete the application form here and our Sponsorship Coordinator Tom Aikins will respond as soon as possible.
We are thrilled to announce that TD continues as our Presenting Sponsor. Their three-year commitment to Kempenfest will help ensure the long term health of our organization. As part of their sponsorship of Kempenfest TD is providing our Free Shuttle system that helps people get around the event, and back and forth from our off-site Park ‘n’ Ride parking lots. Look for TD in the Kids Village.
OLG has been been a partner of Kempenfest for over two decades and are one of the biggest reasons our music programming has grown to the extent it has.
Providing sponsorship support to worthwhile community events is one way that OLG helps make life better for people across Ontario. OLG contributes to local cultural, tourism and economic development events helping to build stronger communities.
We are excited to welcome LandShark Lager as our new beer supplier. LandShark Lager is a golden island-style lager brewed with subtle hop notes to keep it easy to drink and amazingly refreshing. It’s about good times, good friends, good food and a great beer. A perfect fit for Kempenfest! Fins Up!
Napoleon has also supported Kempenfest for the past two decades. Their giant showroom they build on the South Shore next to our concert beer garden is a mecca for BBQ and Fireplace shoppers looking for great deals. As one of the areas largest employers Napoleon give back to this community in so many ways.
The Osborne Goddard Team of RE/MAX has been part of Kempenfest for the past decade. Serving the communities of Barrie, Bradford and Newmarket, the Osborne Goddard team brings a “no worries” attitude to buying and selling your home.
Ontario Turkey Farmers have been supporters of Kempenfest for many years. This year they are presenting our Kids Village next to the Midway in Centennial Park. The Ontario Turkey Farmers Kids Village features all sorts of free activities for kids; arts and crafts, paint a giant mural for us, play some games and sample new products. Plus the KOOL FM Family Stage features music, magic shows, a drum circle plus lots more throughout the weekend. And in the centre of it all – yes that’s a professional wrestling ring. Join us Saturday and Sunday nights for pro wrestling.
At Tim Hortons, you’re always welcome. We’re happy to serve you each day and even happier when we can work together to help make a difference in our community. This is why we are proud partners of Kempenfest. We are excited about Tim Hortons sponsorship of Kempenfest this year – which includes a special timbits night at the Midway.
Paul Sadlon has been part of this community for almost as long as Kempenfest has. His support has included The Sadlon Centre Arena, the Sadlon Health Science Centre at Georgian College, and the dealership is the official car supplier to Kempenfest.
We are also excited to welcome Georgian Bay Spirit Co. as our official supplier of spirit and spirits. Their line of Smash coolers are among the top-selling RTD (ready to drink) category and we look forward to offering some new flavours at this year’s event. And join us in the VIP section of the concert area (ticket required) where we have additional specialty cocktails to try out. Your favourite coolers can be found in both the Rotary Beer Gardens and the Knight’s Oasis in Centennial Park South.
We are pleased to welcome back Freedom Mobile to our line-up of sponsors this year. As their name suggests, Freedom Mobile offers customers freedom from data overages, and freedom from price-gouging. Plus many other features customers have been longing for. Check them out at Kempenfest.
Mercer Equipment continues their support of Kempenfest. They are experts in all things in lawn and garden equipment. Check out their full line of products at their mobile showroom they’ve set up on the South Shore just outside the beer gardens.
Welcome one of our newest sponsors – LeafFilter – from roof to foundation, the damage caused by clogged gutters can be devastating for your home. With LeafFilter your are protected forever.
FIKA is a new type of cannabis retail. It is a state of mind, a lifestyle.
We practice a considered approach to the modern cannabis consumer — embracing a new identity that is sophisticated, stylish, and shameless.
Media Partners
Without these great folks, Kempenfest would be the worlds best-kept secret. Instead, our media partners play a critical role in promoting the festival to hundreds of thousands of consumers. Whichever is your go-to favourite for news, information or music – you’ll be kept up to date on what’s happening at Kempenfest.
Live Concert Partners
Music is such a major part of Kempenfest with nearly 50 hours of programming between two stages. We thank our key partners in making this all possible.
Government and Industry Partners
An event the magnitude of Kempenfest could not be possible without tremendous support at all levels of Government – from the City of Barrie and Tourism Barrie, to the County of Simcoe and the Province’s Regional Tourism Organization RTO7, the Trillium Foundation, Festivals and Events Ontario to our national Armed Forces at Base Borden. Our community is strong and vast – and we thank all of our government and industry supporters.
Our Non-Profit Organizers
An event the magnitude of Kempenfest could not be possible without the non-profit groups who organize and staff the festival. They are the heart and soul of Kempenfest, and sole beneficiaries of the funds raised through exhibitor fees, food sales, sponsorships and so much more. And when we say they are the beneficiaries, it’s actually our community who benefits because nearly every dollar raised at Kempenfest is poured back into the community through hundreds of projects these groups support.
Official Suppliers
An event the magnitude of Kempenfest could not be possible without the support of countless suppliers and we’d like to thank the following businesses for their dedication and support of Kempenfest.
