RBC boosts the Kempenfest spirit by standing by their sponsorship commitment and giving our community hope.

Barrie ON, July 24th, 2020 – Kempenfest presented by RBC is Barrie’s signature event and it means so much to the local community. Kempenfest (Barrie) Inc. is grateful for the outpouring of support we have been shown since we had to cancel our 50th Anniversary celebration.

While festival goers won’t be able to enjoy Kempenfest’s 50th anniversary celebrations this year that didn’t stop RBC from showing their support and giving hope for the Festival’s future. Live events, festivals and tourism are one of the hardest hit industries during this pandemic.

“Knowing that we have partners like RBC who will go above and beyond to save the festival is what has kept us going this last few months, we can feel the love from our community and that motivates us to come back stronger than ever. We will continue to keep the Kempenfest spirit alive anyway we can.” states Louise Jackson, General Manager.

“At times like these, music brings us together, makes us feel better,” said Randy Tredenick, Regional Vice-President for RBC in Barrie and area. “We’ve been proud supporters of Kempenfest and local talent over the past two years. This is just one way RBC is helping our community and the festival industry. I look forward to seeing the Festival back stronger than ever next summer.”

Barrie’s marquee festival and the community groups it supports need your help. Kempenfest has launched a new website and will be showcasing local musicians, vendors, partners and more through their social media channels from July 31 to August 3. The organizers are asking for donations to help support the festival’s future and the community groups they support. Kempenfest is a major fundraiser for the service groups involved in the even and has an $11.5 million economic impact on the region. They are asking for the public’s support to ensure its success for the next 50 years.

“We were sad to have to cancel this year’s event, but for the safety of all those involved, from our great volunteers, service clubs, patrons etc it just couldn’t happen. Not having the event this year will greatly affect the service clubs involved as this event is usually the largest fundraiser for all of them. On a positive note, we are working hard to make next year’s event our best ever. Our 50th will be amazing and we will be stronger than ever before,” says Todd Tuckey, Chair of Kempenfest.

Kempenfest’s 50th anniversary is a momentous celebration, and although it is not happening this year there is still a way to celebrate and enjoy local talent and vendors. Join online and share your best memories of Kempenfest while listening to live music, do some yoga and most importantly visit your favourite vendor’s website and go shopping.

Community matters, and we are all in this together. Kempenfest will miss seeing their guests this year but the magic of Kempenfest can still be celebrated, just a little differently this year. The Kempenfest committee looks forward to seeing you again soon.

Kempenfest – For immediate release – July 24 2020