The Cat Came Back To The Leathertown Festival

The Cat Came Back To Leathertown Festival

This past Sunday August 11th, Acton saw its 2019 Leathertown Festival.

The weather was beautiful, big fluffy clouds, not too hot with a gentle breeze. Event organizers came with coffee in hand as early as 7am to set up booths, stages and barricades for the 10am opening. At 10am people gathered from across Canada and the World, with some noted coming as far as Saint John New Brunswick and even Virgina, USA to our small community. Mayor Rick Bonnette and MP Michael Chong welcomed the crowds estimated at roughly 15,000 over the day, who came to get their chance to see what was promised to be a bigger and better Leathertown Festival.

“ We were promised a much better better festival, but I don’t think it is much different than other years” said one Festival goer. “It was always good, how can you improve on good?” said another.

So what were some differences?

Well beyond the big new stage sponsored by Party Cinemas, there were also bigger prices for vendors to make the event more sustainable for the future. Leathertown Festival was also listed for the first time ever on FEO (Festivals and Events Ontario) which was also sure to draw more attention. This year’s event has also improved to attract several major new sponsors, including Cogeco, AZZ Galvcast, Royal Bank of Canada, and Maple Lodge Farms. Returning long time sponsors included were Superior Glove, Party Cinemas, Georgetown Toyota, and The Red Harp Pub.

The Festival was divided into different zones, including "Leathertown Alley" with a focus on leather craft, "Discovery Zones" featuring culinary and restoration zones, a "Kids Fun Zone", and of course, the "Classic Car Show".

This year had over 100 vendors including local shops, restaurants, and artisans. Artisians and community groups also hosted several workshops with a focus on craftsmanship. As always Leathertown Festival had a great line UP of musicians including Vivian Hicks, Darrell London, and many more, plus this years headliner, Fred Penner.

“Its great to be here” said Penner. “It’s pretty awesome. I mean, I’ve been doing this for 45 years, so it’s been part of my life for most of my adult life, and to have people come UP to me, and to have their kids come UP and introduce me to their child and to their grandchildren, it’s pretty overwhelming to know I’ve been doing this as long as I have and that connection still seems to be there and there is still sort of a cool factor.” Fred also mentions “I am touched by the depth of connection that comes to me from my audience. I respect their feelings. Very powerful."

Fred Penner’s presence at the festival was meant to appeal to both younger and older generations, and judging by the parents and children smiles and song was a success.

“Fred Penner was warm and gentle with everyone he met. A truly remarkable human being. Took individual time and did not rush with anyone he met. He walked down the street, posed for pictures, asked names, and visited vendors to buy a gift or two for his family in BC. He remembered each individual’s name when they returned to buy merchandise or have a photo taken with him following his two performances. Sang his most famous tunes including The Cat Came Back.” said Festival Organizer Kim Duncanson.

“I can say the event is a growing draw to Downtown Acton, one of two major events in our town that draw tourists.”

“It’s been fabulous” said Chair for The Acton BIA, Linda Olson, “We’ve seen more people this year than I can remember.” Linda added, “ Thanks to our wonderful sponsors and volunteers”.

Some of the suggestions for the BIA and Leathertown organizers from attendees for next year is to include more seating for people especially by the stages. People would also like to see a turf put in by stages for kids and so people do not have to sit on concrete.

Leathertown organizers and the BIA are hoping to continue to build off the success that is the Leathertown Festival for next year and years to come.

“We invite everyone to bring your friends and join us again next August here in Acton” said Olson.

You can find out more information about the Acton Leathertown Festival on their website www.leathertownfestival.com.