Funding will help attract visitors, support local businesses and strengthen the local economy
BRIGHTON, ON – The Ontario government is investing $20,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support Brighton Applefest, helping attract visitors, support local businesses and showcase the community’s agricultural heritage.
David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South, made the announcement at this year’s Brighton Applefest during the Opening Ceremonies at Memorial Park. The event brings together more than 150 vendors, local businesses, food vendors and growers for an annual celebration that attracts visitors from across the region.
Brighton’s Applefest has been recognized as one of Ontario’s Top 100 Festivals and Events in both 2025 and 2026.
Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting festivals and events of all sizes across the province, strengthening tourism and supporting local economies while celebrating the people, places and traditions that make Ontario unique.
“Our government is proud to support rural communities like Brighton that bring people together and showcase what makes them special,” said David Piccini, MPP for Northumberland-Peterborough South. “Brighton Applefest is a great opportunity to celebrate our community, support local businesses and highlight the agricultural heritage that makes this area so unique. It was a pleasure to join the Brighton community and see firsthand the work that goes into making this event such a success.”
QUICK FACTS
- Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.
- The government also supports festivals and events through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, which provides eligible organizations with funding for marketing and promotional costs.
- Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.
QUOTES
“Applefest is Brighton’s premier event, drawing residents and visitors together to celebrate all things Brighton. We are grateful to the Province of Ontario and MPP David Piccini for this Experience Ontario investment, which will help enhance programming and ensure Applefest continues to be a vibrant and memorable event for all who attend.”
– Brian Ostrander, Mayor of Brighton