Ahead of the Tall Pines Music & Arts Festival kicking off next month, Gravenhurst council has approved allowing staff to camp in Gull Lake Rotary Park.
The festival is being held at the park this year instead of its usual location at the Muskoka Wharf because of the “Bay and Beyond” infrastructure project.
Kevin Goodman, chief entertainment officer of Front Row Center Music and Entertainment Marketing, spoke to council in May asking for approval to have festival staff camp towards the south end of the site in an area that the public won’t be able to access. He said organizers have had difficulty finding accommodations near the festival grounds.
He added the festival grounds will be under 24-hour security from the time they arrive on Wednesday, July 17 to when they pack up the following Monday.
Shawna Patterson, the town’s director of recreation, arts, and culture, said the only concern that was brought up was by Kevin McKelvey, fire prevention officer, who pointed out no fires will be allowed. Patterson confirmed with Goodman that no fires would be started.
She added no concerns were brought to council’s attention since last month’s meeting.
Coun. Erin Strength expressed her appreciation for how Goodman has handled the festival since it was established in 2022.
“I think Mr. Goodman, for the time that he’s been in Gravenhurst, has asked for something and has proven positive every time,” she said. “I think this event is nothing but positive and I’m sure it will be an asset to the event to have his staff on site 24/7.”
In his remarks to council last month, Goodman said the festival has yet to turn a profit. He added the festival saw 40 percent growth between the first and second editions with Goodman expecting around 5,000 people to attend this year.
He suggested the festival will bring a $1 million economic impact to the area this year.