Director Parks and Recreation Services presents the PowerPoint presentation titled Future Direction of the Tecumseh Corn Festival. He explains the results of the review and public consultation which comprised of Council, community members, current festival working group, OPP, and municipal staff. The Director announces that the Tecumseh Corn Festival is a 2020 award recipient, being named one of the Top 100 festivals in Ontario by Festival and Events Ontario. This award represents festivals that excel in the industry. The festival has been operating for 17 years.
The Tecumseh Corn Festival is scheduled for Friday, August 28 to Sunday, August 30, 2020. Details on the event can be found in Report PRS-2020-09.
The Director explains that the COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled or rescheduled events across Ontario. He advises that all commitments with vendors have been put on hold and Administration has contingency plans in place depending on the outcome of the pandemic to ensure fiscal responsibility.
The Members discuss the options to hosting the festival. The Chief Administrative Officer explains the options are contingent on the Province lifting restrictions on social distancing, large crowd gatherings, and the prohibition on non-essential workplaces in the upcoming weeks. The Members encourage a cautious and conservative approach when making a final decision on whether to proceed with the festival.