The Town of Newmarket is once again receiving recognition for the quality of its special events.
Festivals and Events Ontario has recognized Newmarket as the municipality of the year for events within the mid-sized municipality category (50,000 to 150,000). The town has also won an achievement award for Sponsor of the Year ($100,001 to $500,000 category), for its collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Newmarket.
“Newmarket is a dynamic town with so much to offer and we are continuing to set the bar even higher,” Mayor John Taylor said in a news release. “Winning Municipality of the Year from Festivals and Events Ontario for two years in a row is a rare feat and underscores the creativity that Newmarket continues to showcase when it comes to music, arts, and local events.”
Festivals and Events Ontario recognizes event achievements through its annual awards program. Awards go to the top events in the province, top sponsors, social media campaigns and the municipality of the year award. Before its win for 2022, the town also received achievement awards in 2021 for several different events.
Winning municipalities are chosen by an independent panel of judges, the organization said. Newmarket was awarded alongside LaSalle (population less than 50,000) and Hamilton (population of 150,000 or more).
“Municipality of the Year is a coveted distinction that reflects how Newmarket continues to lead the way with innovative events and initiatives as a growing community that welcomes many new residents each year,” the town said.
The municipality offers plenty of events throughout the year, including Canada Day, the summer music festival at Riverwalk Commons, the Haunted Halloween Trail, Santa Claus parade, and Frozen Fridays in December.
Mercedez-Benz Newmarket sponsorship has included the Riverwalk Commons skating and water feature, as well as Splash of Culture, Frozen Fridays and the more recent Ice Lounge events.
The town highlighted many regular events that will be returning this year, including:
- Community Cleanup presented by TD, May 4
- Tim Hortons Canada Day daytime event and evening fireworks, July 1
- TD Newmarket Music Series, Thursday nights July 4 to Aug. 22
- Moonlight Movies presented by TD, Aug. 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28
- New’bark’et presented by Global Pet Foods, Sept. 7 and 8
- Haunted Halloween Trail presented by telMAX, Oct. 24 to 26
- Santa Claus Parade, Nov. 16
- Frozen Fridays presented by Mercedes-Benz Newmarket, Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27
- Tim Hortons First Night, Dec. 31
“Thank you to all the staff members who deliver high-calibre events for the community near and far to enjoy,” Taylor said.
