Business challenge for Heritage Festival

Jeff Green | Feb 03, 2016

Frontenac Heritage Festival organisers have issued a gentle challenge to businesses and not-for-profits in Central Frontenac. Any demonstration of festival spirit will make the businesses eligible for one of two prizes and will help to publicize the festival and their role in it.

The festival’s organising committee chair, Janet Gutowski, who set up the contest, said she doesn't want businesses to see this as anything that is difficult or a bother to do.

“They do not need to dress up in period costume if they don’t want to, although even if they do, it need not be from 150 years ago. For instance, perhaps the Royal Bank first came to Sharbot Lake in the 1920s. The staff could dress in flapper style and be celebrating their heritage,” said Gutowski.

She said that restaurants could put special dishes on the menu, and stores could put certain products on display. “As long as the establishments are feeling festive they can enter” she said.

And, she added, any kind of enterprise can enter. The not-for-profits, home-based businesses, even trades people, can enter.

In order to register, participants need only send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. saying that they will participate.

The judges, who will be in full costume, will be coming around on Friday Feb. 12, the opening day of the festival. Winners will be announced by Mayor Frances Smith after the opening ceremony, which is set for 6:45 pm at the foyer of Granite Ridge Education Centre. The ceremony will be followed by the annual Variety Show at 7pm.

*Please note – there were errors in the festival insert in the Central Frontenac tax bills. Contrary to what the insert says, there will be no fireworks on the opening night of the festival, and there is no photo contest.