Some changes are slated for this year’s Downtown Acton BIA Leathertown Festival. According to BIA coordinator Matt Galliford, this year's focus will be on family-oriented activities. Displays will include a children's inflatable midway and carnival games. Brampton Batman and his Batmobile will be part of the car show located in the Thrift Store parking lot, and members of the Toronto Ghost Busters franchise will be in full regalia along with a 30 foot inflatable marshmallow.
Galliford points to a bulging folder of vendor applications on his desk. “It's going to be a better festival with just as many craftspeople and artisans and more vendors. Over 90% of last year's vendors have so far indicated they are returning, and we're getting a professional SL75 stage.”
According to Galliford: “The [BIA] Board wanted to take more control of the programming. Despite running a successful festival, the feedback they were getting was that Leathertown was becoming more of a music festival and less family-oriented. So the community stage, known as the Rotary stage is gone now. Instead of local bands we're moving in the direction of buskers. We want to get some street entertainers and pay them a bit.”
But there will be no shortage of music on the main stage by the railroad tracks according to Galliford. “Monty Greig has agreed to be MC again and he will be performing with his band The Crew, followed by Smile N Wave, Pulse X and Wicked Truth.”
Galliford says that the Leathertown Festival operates on a budget of $18,000 but would not be able to stage the event without the major sponsorships from Sarah Brophy of Coldwell Banker and No Frills, who have already committed.
“Our budget has to be tight when we send it to Town Council for approval,” he said. “The budget is about the same as last year but we have to turn a profit. Last year we made a couple of hundred dollars.”
Galliford explained the significance of a couple of attractions he has signed. “It's the 35th anniversary of the release of the 1989 Batman movie and 40th anniversary of the release of the original Ghostbusters. I got lucky lining these up. The Ghostbusters are the result of a late night Facebook deep dive down too many rabbit holes [until] I finally met with Jimmy, the contact at Ontario Ghostbusters. Batman I chased after last year. I had to book and commit to his appearance back in February.”
Galliford is excited about this year's lineup. “The Kids Zone will feature games for the whole family: Stuffy Riders--ride on plush animals, activities and kid-friendly vendors. Old favourite vendors like Troy's Diner, the ice cream trucks, Trinity Church Pie Sale, MissyLi's Meats and Sweets and many long-time vendors are returning,” he said.
“Many of the local stores will be open to welcome locals and visitors alike to browse, enjoy an excellent meal, or learn about the services offered here in our great community...and the businesses that make up the BIA district.”
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