(Orillia) - Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop today visited Tudhope Park to officially present a $20,000 cheque from the Eves government. The funding has helped organizers promote the Mariposa Folk Festival in the Greater Toronto Area to boost attendance. It comes from the Ministry of Tourism and Recreation"s Tourism Event Marketing Partnership (TEMP) program.

"Our government is proud to sponsor this successful event for a fourth consecutive year," said Dunlop. "This is an opportunity to once again showcase Orillia to the community and beyond, as well as generate more economic benefits for the local area."

The 43rd Mariposa Folk Festival will be held July 4-6, 2003 inclusive. Featuring local and national performers and artisans, the festival incorporates music on seven stages, dance, arts and crafts, children's activities, food vendors, and a music and collectibles emporium. This year, organizers expect well over 25,000 people to attend.

"We're enormously pleased with the Mariposa Folk Festival's successful return to Orillia," said Gordon Ball, Secretary, Mariposa Folk Foundation. "Provincial government support has been instrumental in building Orillia"s profile across the country as a festival destination."

The Mariposa Folk Festival has also secured a substantial amount of private sector funding from major contributing companies. In addition, supporting partnerships have been developed with the City of Orillia, North American Folk Alliance, Ontario's Lake Country, G'Nadjiwon Ki Aboriginal Tourism Association, Mnjikaning First Nation, and Huronia Tourism Association.

Contacts:
Garfield Dunlop
(705) 327-4500 (cell)

Julie Kwiecinski
(416) 325-6176