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Community Builders Awards: This year’s Economic Development Award winner is a leader in fostering growth in Orillia

The Mariposa Folk Festival is a prime example of community building year after year
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Pam Carter and Chris Hazel are pictured accepting this year's Economic Development award for Mariposa Folk Festival / Connor Earl

The Mariposa Folk Festival, an iconic three-day music event founded right here in Orillia, has been instrumental in promoting and boosting tourism in our city each year.

The festival - which was first held in 1961- attracts thousands of visitors to Tudhope Park each year, all coming together to celebrate music, story, dance and art. Throughout the years, the Mariposa Folk Festival has grown to become one of Canada's most legendary musical gatherings. 

Pam Carter, president of The Mariposa Folk Festival, was overjoyed to hear about the festival’s Community Builders Award win for Economic Development. 

“There are so many organizations within the community that are deserving, so it's a real honour for Mariposa to be chosen. It means a lot to us,” she said. “It’s recognition for all of the hard work that the volunteers put into hosting the festival and it’s a testament to all of the support we get from the community.”

“The Mariposa Folk Festival has had huge support from the citizens, businesses and volunteers that come together to make this happen. Without their efforts, Mariposa wouldn't be what it is today,” Pam shared.

The festival contributes significantly to the economic development of Orillia, bringing in an abundance of tourists, while also contributing to the arts and entertainment sector consistently each year.

In addition to this, The Mariposa Folk Festival is dedicated to environmental sustainability, working to create the least amount of environmental impact possible, making it an event that truly sets the gold standard for social responsibility and community building. 

“When it comes to being entertaining, fun, affordable, celebratory and community-building, the Mariposa Folk Festival always delivers. A truly remarkable achievement,” said Leslie Merklinger, executive director at CBC Podcasts.

The Economic Development award goes to an individual or group that has had an important impact on the economic well-being of the community. 

Congratulations, Mariposa Folk Festival!

This award is proudly sponsored by CC Fashions Bak 2 Basics.


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Zaafina Naqvi, Community Cares team

About the Author: Zaafina Naqvi, Community Cares team

Zaafina Naqvi is a writer and editor at SooToday.
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