Nine York Region festivals, including Richmond Hill's CosmoFEST, get funding boost
Province aims to boost tourism, create jobs

Yorkregion.com
March 16, 2018
Teresa Latchford

Richmond Hill’s Cosmo Music is receiving $75,900 in government funding to support the 2018 CosmoFEST.

Richmond Hill MPP Reza Moridi paid a visit to the business located on Via Renzo Drive to announce the province’s support of festivals and events, like the one in Richmond Hill, to boost a growing tourism sector, create jobs and offer Ontario residents and tourists more reasons to discover and explore the province.

“Because we’re the only event of this kind in Canada, we see many different people from around the world coming to Richmond Hill to connect with others,” Cosmo Music president and CEO Mark Hebert said. “With the help of Celebrate Ontario, we’re able to grow again by bringing many new people to the area that may not have been here before.”

CosmoFEST is Canada’s premier musical instrument and gear exhibition in celebration of live music. Last year’s event saw 12,000 attendees in addition to 200 experts representing over 120 leading brands in a single day. The event, which is held on Cosmo Music’s 4-acre property and in its 56,000 square-foot facility, brings artists, experts, master builders and leaders from across the world to connect directly with fans.

Everyone is invited to this year’s free event taking place June 2 and Hebert said there are some big surprises in store.

“The support our government provides to festivals and events in York Region through Celebrate Ontario are investments in our communities and a boost to our local economy,” Moridi said. “I am pleased to welcome visitors from within the province and abroad to attend CosmoFEST to take part in the exciting festivities and to share in our unique culture and heritage in Richmond Hill.”

Along with CosmoFEST, the province is supporting 328 festivals and events to enhance programming, activities and services so festivals and events can offer new experiences, reach new audiences and support jobs in their communities.

Other York Region funding recipients include Markham’s Taste of Asia festival, $46,000, Markham Contemporary Music Festival, $24,862, Newmarket Music Festival, $36,250, Vaughan Pizzafest, $32,000, Vaughan’s Taste of the Caribbean, $12,663, Markham Jazz Festival, $23,000, Newmarket Music Festival Country Music Night, $45,000 and Stouffville’s Snowflakes and Starlight Winterfest, $2,816.