Tecumseh Seeks Input On Future Vision Of The Annual Corn Festival

Hello time traveller!!
This article is 1548 days old.
The information listed below is likely outdated and has been preserved for archival purposes.

Corn Festival 2019

The Town of Tecumseh is seeking public input on the annual Corn Festival and the future direction of the summer event.

The festival, going into its 45th year, has under gone numerous programming changes over the years and  Town Council has asked administration with direction to undertake consultations including a public session, and report back to them with a proposed festival program for 2020 and beyond.

“Over the years the festival program has been reviewed and, were required, changes have been made to ensure programming meets the festival visitors expectations. Council and I understand that this long-standing event will not be the same as it was 20 years or even 40 years later which is why we are reviewing the current program asking the public to provide input as to how the Corn Festival may evolve going forward,” said Gary McNamara, Mayor of Tecumseh. “We also have to consider the growing number of regional entertainment events and ensure we are getting the best value for our community. Over the last five years we have seen our costs for headliners, insurance and policing increase to a level that is not sustainable.”

The Town will host a Public Information Centre  on Wednesday, February 12th from 6pm to 8pm at the Tecumseh Recreation Complex & Arena in the Horwood Room. Information on the events and schedules from previous years will be available for members of the public to comment on. Comments may also be provided through the Town’s website at a  future date.

“Municipalities providing Community Festivals are faced with the challenge of keeping an historic community event ongoing all the while attempting to keep operating costs in line. Operational costs for events continue to rise annually while grant opportunities and sponsorship dollars that help offset the costs for events are decreasing,” said Paul Anthony, Director Parks and Recreation. “We know there is a desire in the community for more family focused events that provide entertainment and activities. We want to hear from the public on expectations for the future of this community event.”

Comments collected at the PIC along with Council and stakeholder consultations will formulate a recommendation for a revised 2020 festival program. The proposed festival program will be presented at a future Council meeting for their consideration and direction.