Oshawa’s Bright and Merry Market has been named the Best New Festival or Event by Festivals & Events Ontario (FEO).
In addition, both Bright and Merry Market and Oshawa’s Peony Festival, earned their place in the Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario for 2020.
This is the eighth consecutive win for the Peony Festival and the first time Bright and Merry Market has made the Top-100 list, according to a city release.
Bright and Merry Market was expanded into a two-day event in November 2019 by the city along with its partners, Downtown Oshawa BIA, LivingRoom Community Art Studio, Oshawa Public Libraries, Oshawa Museum, Oshawa Senior Community Centres, The Robert McLaughlin Gallery, Simcoe Street United Church and St. George’s Memorial Church.
Festivities took place November 15 and 16 and included the city’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, activities and entertainment at partner facilities as well as a holiday market hosted by the Downtown BIA. Bright and Merry Market returns to Oshawa on Friday, November 20.
The 2020 Peony Festival will celebrate the festival’s 16th anniversary and takes place Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14 at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens. Hosted by the city, this free event displays 300 types of peonies in the gardens. Artisans, live music, gardening advice, a judged Peony Show, bonsai display, Children’s Garden, an art competition and photo contest are all part of this flower festival. For more details, visit www.oshawa.ca/peony.
“Once again, our city staff with the BIA and our terrific community partners have developed and delivered a new community event, The Bright and Merry Market, which has brought well-deserved recognition to the City of Oshawa. In addition, our fabulous Peony Festival has been recognized year after year as one of the top events in the entire province!” said Councillor Rick Kerr, Chair of the Community Services Committee.
“We’re extremely proud of the work our City staff, Downtown BIA, and other partners have put into these events, and the significant recognition from Festival and Events Ontario confirms what those of us who attended both last year can tell you: they are fantastic events and you don’t want to miss them in 2020!” said Councillor Derek Giberson, Vice-Chair of the Community Services Committee.