Sarnia Bayfest began in 1999 featuring a handful of Canadian Rock and Country bands, Sloan and Prairie Oyster most notably. It has since grown into a multi-day, two-weekend festival that draws over 100,000 people per year and attracts internationally sought after performers such as KISS, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Black Eyed Peas, and Keith Urban. Sarnia Bayfest was awarded the Ontario Tourism Best Business/Event of the Year 2009, as well as being nominated for the Best Festival in Canada Award at the Canadian Event Industry Awards. The non-profit organization is aimed at promoting, preserving and perpetuating arts and cultural activities in the Sarnia-Lambton Area. The proceeds from the event are given back to the community through multiple charitable outlets. Local artists compete in contests prior to the event for the chance to perform as an opening act. This opportunity local musicians to showcase themselves to a very large audience, up to 75% of whom are tourists from outside Sarnia-Lambton.
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| Sarnia Bayfest (July, 2009) |
The transition from a small festival to the two-weekend extravaganza that exists today did not happen overnight. Event organizer Michelle Stokely often speaks about the importance of listening to what the fans want. She also pointed out the event's Facebook page in a 2009 article in the Sarnia Observer, noting that discussion and speculation about perspective performers helped gain insight and also created a buzz. By keeping communication lines open between the event and the community and providing a great service to local charities and musicians, a well respected and widely supported festival has emerged.
http://www.sarniabayfest.com
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