SummerFest Planned for Muskoka

Politicians were thinking ahead to midsummer last week when they approved several bylaw exemptions for Muskoka SummerFest.

This will be the second annual SummerFest and, this year, the event will include live music and entertainment, local cuisine, a kid zone, a wine/beer/spirits tent, shopping, exhibits and cultural activities, among other attractions.

The event is planned for July 10-12 in Bracebridge’s Kelvin Grove Park. A temporary road closing, noise exemption and sign variances were all approved at the town’s recent general committee meeting.

The noise exemption will permit amplified sound in the park and Bracebridge Bay areas on July 10 between noon and 10 p.m., on July 11 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. and on July 12 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The temporary road closure affects Wharf Road from Ontario Street to Dill Street, including one lane of Ontario Street from Wharf Road to Manitoba Street for four consecutive days, beginning July 9 at 7 p.m. through to 11 p.m. July 12.

The sign variance allows festival organizers ExpoFest Event Management to place directional/promotional signage on municipal road allowances, advertising Muskoka SummerFest.

Lakeland Power has said it would see what it could do about having low flows at the falls for the event. Lakeland operates hydroelectricity generating plants on the Muskoka River, and can restrict flow levels if necessary.

Town clerk Lori McDonald explained that event organizers will make use of a barge in Bracebridge Bay during the event. “They may not want major forces of water pushing up against it.”

The Bracebridge Examiner and Gravenhurst Banner - Town approves plans for SummerFest

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