Waterfront Festival

	story Mike Beggs It’s the traditional local summer kickoff, and one of several events that have helped make Port Credit one of the GTA’s hotter destination locations. And the buzz is palpable this year, with the Festival celebrating its’ 15th anniversary, June 17 to 19 in Port Credit Memorial Park – and organizers offering added value with a $15 weekend pass for adults, and $10 pass for children! Over the years, the Festival has featured a who’s who of Canadian stars including Jann Arden, Glass Tiger, The Stampeders, April Wine, Chantal Kreviazuk, Sam Roberts, 54-40, Tom Cochrane, Colin James, Bruce Cockburn, The Spoons, Suzie McNeil and Rik Emmett. This year they’re keeping up the standard, with the Friday night Main Stage lineup featuring veteran Vancouver folk/rock stalwarts Spirit Of The West and former Barenaked Ladies front man Steven Page. The Saturday Rocks show is headed up by hard rock hitmakers Goddo on their reunion tour. “We keep offering the best,” says artistic director Patti Jannetta-Baker, “and even in children’s entertainment -- this year, we’ve got Shrek.” “We’re known for bringing some of the greatest Canadian entertainment to Mississauga and this year is no exception. Who hasn’t kicked up their heels to (the classic Spirit Of The West party song) Home For a Rest?” “And I didn’t really know how many people would be so excited about Goddo coming here,” she adds. “So many women remember the songs— “Oh, I love Chantal.”” The Mississauga Waterfront Festival also serves as a stepping stone for emerging domestic talent (Justin Nozuka, Crash Parallel for example), while the annual Mississauga Future Stars competition allows indie acts (ages 15 to 25) to vie for local bragging rights and prizes. Meanwhile, the Festival’s Family Fun Village offers a weekend full of fun between the Reptile show, the Trampoline show, the Sports Zone, pioneer exhibits, pizza-making workshops, the Great Canadian Dad Contest, perennial favourites like the petting zoo, and dog competition, the many craft and food stalls, and the fun of the Carnival rides and games, Named one of Canada’s Top 100 festivals for the past seven years running, the Mississauga Waterfront Festival attracts upwards of 65,000 people annually, providing a sizable booster shot to the Village By The Lake’s restaurants, pubs, and shops. Meanwhile, its Sponsor A Child program has provided 31,500 underprivileged residents with the chance to attend for free over the years—even providing transportation. Festival chair Pat Anderson stresses it’s a family event, first and foremost – driven by a dedicated volunteer Board of Directors and onsite crew. “It just gives so much back,” she comments. “It’s so well-rounded, in what we do – creating an event where all the community is invited, and beyond. Our reach is way beyond our own community.” While acknowledging this event, “like all festivals has its challenges in these economic times,” Anderson is excited by Port Credit’s recent designation as a “cultural node” by the City (under a pilot project, “to test the use of planning tools, incentives, and supports that could be used to promote village main streets, and create great public spaces”) and by an apparent agreement among the Port Credit festivals to form an alliance (to strategically negotiate with suppliers, put out a calendar of events, and work to together to cross-promote each other). “There are so many events down here. That’s why we’re so excited by the designation as a cultural node,” she comments. “If you go to any city in the world, the best things are happening on the waterfront—and they celebrate it – and we should do the same. Port Credit is very attractive.” Admission at the gate is $10 for adults and $5 for kids and seniors on Saturday and Sunday. Visit mississaugawaterfrontfestival.com for more information, or call the festival hotline at (905) 891-0002. GL	Steven Page Spirit Of The West