Kick It Up in the Kawarthas…

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the “Kick It Up a Notch” seminar held at the Best Western Otonabee Inn in Peterborough. It all had to do with Peterborough and Kawartha Tourism’s “Kick It Up in the Kawarthas” program. The seminar organizers had invited provincial Hall of Fame festival guru, Jan Bonhomme, as the keynote presenter. Members of the “Kick It Up” community were on hand to listen and learn from Jan’s experiences. These experiences include Jan’s managing for a number of years the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and her involvement as chief organizer of the 2007 International Plowing Match held in Leeds-Grenville. Other accomplishments include being the Network Development Manager for Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) and developing and managing the first Ontario provincial Festivals and Events Resource Centre. Jan’s current project is Executive Director of the St. Lawrence War of 1812 Bicentennial Alliance. This group was formed “to encourage the effective formation of Bicentennial celebrations for the War of 1812…” in Eastern Ontario. With this wealth of experience behind her, Jan told our group about the joys and disasters of planning successful festivals and events. Drawing on her years as manager of the Port Elgin Pumpkinfest and the International Plowing Match, Jan regaled us with stories and photos to emphasize her words of wisdom and advice. I know that I, like others in the audience, received a great deal of important information! The whole seminar highlights Peterborough and Kawarthas Tourism’s commitment to excellence in their area. The future looks very “bright” in the Kawarthas! To learn more about “Kick It Up in the Kawarthas” festivals and events, visit their website at http://www.kickitupinthekawarthas.com/.