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Media statements – Applications open for regional event funding support

  • Applications open for 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme
  • Total funding of up to $1.1 million available for smaller and developing regional events across WA
  • Includes $250,000 for events supported through the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme
  • Supported by the McGowan Government through Tourism WA

Regional event holders are encouraged to apply for funding available through the 2023-24 Regional Events Scheme, which opens today.

 

Event holders can apply for funding between $5,000 and $40,000 for events to be held between 1 July, 2023 and 30 June, 2024.

 

The annual funding round supports smaller and developing events in regional Western Australia, with a total pool of up to $1.1 million of funding available.

 

The funding includes $250,000 for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES) – an increase of $100,000 on the previous funding round – to support events that showcase and celebrate Aboriginal activities and experiences through the leadership and participation of Aboriginal people.

 

Sixty-eight regional events around the State were awarded funding under the 2022-23 RES, including seven through the RAES, such as the A Taste of Broome Festival and the Karijini Experience.

 

The scheme is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA and Royalties for Regions.

 

Applications close at 5pm, Tuesday 18 October, 2022. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.tourism.wa.gov.au/res.

 

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook:

 

“Our regional events play such an important role in showcasing the unique places that make our State a popular holiday destination for visitors, particularly as we reconnect with the world and draw back international visitors.

 

“I encourage all eligible regional event holders to apply for the Regional Events Scheme to help their event become even bigger and better, and appeal to an even more diverse audience.

 

“These events help create a vibrant atmosphere, give people a time-specific reason to visit, and help to generate media coverage in our regions, which is all great news for local businesses.”

           

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

 

“It is great to see events happening all around the State which not only bring communities together but also attract visitors from near and far, supporting regional economies and jobs.

 

“The Regional Events Scheme provides a significant boost to regional event holders, supporting them to pursue their program of activities with confidence.

 

“Events are an essential part of the fabric of Western Australia’s regions, celebrating our communities’ diversity and talents, while providing opportunities for connection and support – essential to help maintain strong, robust communities.”

 

Minister’s office – 6552 6500

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Waikato events secure $3m in Government funding

Waikato events secure $3m in Government funding

Among the events that received funding in the first round was the Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon, staged at Hobbiton Movie Set. Photo / Supplied

A total of 34 events across the Waikato, Rotorua, Taupō and Ruapehu regions will receive nearly $3 million in funding from the Government’s Thermal Explorer Regional Events Fund.

The fund was set up by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment to support and provide new domestic visitation opportunities for the events and tourism sectors which have been severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Regional tourism organisations from across the country have been appointed as facilitators of the fund.

Last year’s round of funding supported 15 events in the region with $1.6m while the latest allocation gives $1.3m to 19 events.

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The events receiving funding support are a mixture of new and existing ones from diverse interest areas including business, sport, fitness, trail running, cars, music, and culture.

In total, the 34 events are predicted to attract over 300,000 people, with two-thirds being visitors from outside each host region. Some events have three-year funding agreements while others have received a one-year investment to boost their development.

Among the events that received funding in the first round was the Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon, staged at Hobbiton Movie Set at the end of April this year.

This inaugural event drew in 2500 people including 1000 competitors, some of whom dressed in costume. They ran or walked one of two distances around the picturesque village of Hobbiton, either the halfling (21.1km) or the eleventy-first (11.1km).

Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon event director Matt Reilly, of The Events Agency, says the Thermal Explorer funding enabled the event to get off the ground.

“The support gave us the seed funding necessary for us to be able to confidently move forward with developing what proved to be a successful event even in its first year and will only grow in the years to come.

“We’re already out there inviting runners and their supporters to mark their calendars for next year’s Middle-Earth Halfling Marathon.”

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell. Photo / Supplied
Hamilton & Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell. Photo / Supplied

Other events that secured funding include New Zealand’s Fitness Festival and hunting and outdoor expo Sika Show, both set to take place at Mystery Creek in October, the Waitomo Trail Run in November and the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival in February and March next year.

The Thermal Explorer Event Investment Panel that facilitates the fund is made up of eight members and Hamilton & Waikato Tourism is the lead entity.

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism chief executive Nicola Greenwell says the regions and event organisers are “immensely excited” about the opportunities made possible through the funding.

“The support allows the funded events to be developed, positioned and marketed to be or become an iconic or anchor event for the host region, growing exponentially each event, attracting out-of-region visitation, encouraging economic benefit and boosting capability in our events sector.”

Greenwell says the focus will now be on developing events sector capability across the Thermal Explorer regions.

“The ongoing upskilling of our events sector will best position the events being staged in our regions to be extraordinarily successful and sought after – not only by our local communities but also visitors to each of our regions.

“We’ve already held some well-attended capability-building workshops and webinars and we are expanding these along with other development initiatives.”

For more information on the Thermal Explorer Regional Events Fund and to view the full list of funding recipients, visit the Hamilton & Waikato Tourism website.

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York County winery’s free Freedom Festival tops list of regional holiday events

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Jim Miller is the owner of Moon Dancer Winery in York County, known as much for its perchhigh above the Susquehanna River that provides it with a fabulous view as for its extensive line of Moon Dog Cellars sweet wines.

Beer, cider, and the Moon Dancer line of wines are also sold there along with wood-fired pizza inside the French Country chateau that serves as the tasting room. The winery opened in 2004, and now has become one of the best-known wine destinations in central Pa.

Its Freedom Festival, scheduled for 2 to 8:30 p.m. today, highlights a list of wine festivals and events spread throughout the long weekend.

Owner Jim Miller said the event started as a result of the COVID lockdowns and the need to get past the pandemic restrictions a couple of years ago. This year, with inflation high and high gas prices through the roof, he said that the decision was made to make the event free. The music lineup includes Evan Crider, Crazy Joe n You Never Know, Unsupervised, and the headliner … Jeremiah Tall Band. Fireworks are planned to cap the event.

On the beverage production side, Miller said that the winery just brought in a “new bottling line from Italy to keep up with production with corks, screw caps and crown cap finish on our new releases. Also added an inline carbonator for our cider, seltzer, hard soda and sparkling wine production.”

The system should be operational in the next few weeks, he said.

Here’s a quick-hitting list of some of the other winery-related festivals and events scheduled around the region this weekend:

Pennsylvania

Adams County Winery, Orrtanna: Apple Pie wine release at the winery and Gettysburg shop, live music featuring The Willys at the winery from 1 to 4 p.m. Guests can enjoy wine slushies, wine flights, wine by the glass or bottle, local craft beers, handmade wood-fired pizzas – 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. today

Springgate Vineyards, Harrisburg: 4th of July Weekend festival, including live music and food trucks – noon to 11 p.m. today and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

Chaddsford Winery, Chaddsford: 4th of July party, including wine by the glass, flights, the White Sangria Slushie and a Sunset Blush Cosmo, plus music and food truck fare from Common Good Pizza – today through Monday

Pennswoods Winery, Chaddsford: July 4th at the Winery with lawn seating and live music (first-come, first-serve seating) – noon to 5:30 p.m. Monday

Setter Ridge Vineyards, Kutztown: BBQ 4th, enjoy ice cream flights plus wine and beers specials until noon, then Cetronia Soul Shakers will be playing from 1 to 4 p.m. BBQ from winery favorite Blazing Swine – 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

Shady Brook Farm Market, Yardley: Summer unWINED with fireworks, with live music – gates open at 5 with the music starting at 6:30, and fireworks ($18, you can purchase online) – event is scheduled for today

Cherry Valley Vineyards, Saylorsburg: Strawberry festival – noon to 6 p.m. today and Sunday

Moon Dancer Winery

Moon Dancer Winery overlooks the Susquehanna River from its location in Wrightsville, York County.

New Jersey

Villa Milagro Vineyards, Philipsburg: Chillin’ at the Villa (all day) – Dave Read performs today and Lou Pompilio on Sunday. $15 cover charge includes music, seating, wine tasting, with reservations required for groups of 4 or more – Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday

Four Sisters Winery, Belvidere: 4th of July Weekend Celebration, with Bistro menu available from noon to 5 p.m. all weekend. Live music all three days. – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and Sunday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday

Old York Cellars Winery, Ringoes: Celebrate 4th of July Weekend, multiple wine tasting experiences to choose from, live music and food; here’s a link to all the details – 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. today through Monday

White Horse Winery, Hammonton: 4th of July festivities, including live music by Oliver Dagum from 1 to 4 p.m., food by Pic-a-Lilli from noon to 4 p.m. and axe throwing – noon to 5 Monday

Sharrott Winery, Hammonton: July 4th Live Music from 1 to 4 p.m. It will be held on their covered patio or indoors, depending on the weather. Their Wine Bar Kitchen is also open – noon to 6 Monday

Maryland

Basignani Winery, Glencoe: Saturday Band Night series will feature wine, brick oven pizza, and live music from Liberty Road Plant. Tickets are $10 per person. – 6 to 9 p.m. today

Lands Point Winery & Vineyard, Chestertown: Opened for the first time on Friday and is open noon to 7 p.m. today. The winery is located on a historic farm with historic buildings that are listed on the Maryland Historical Trust State Historic Site Survey. Dave and Eileen Smack have been Maryland Eastern Shore residents a majority of their lives and now have taken a hobby on the historic Lands Point Farm in 2008 and made it an experience worth sharing – noon to 7 today

Catoctin Breeze Vineyard, Thurmont: Independence Day Celebration, featuring Basic Bowl Bros. (noon to 4 p.m.) with music performed by Faded Denim (1 to 4 p.m.) – 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday

More:

Eastern Pa. winery’s new release features a unique blend, approach

Winery on Md.’s Eastern Shore one of a group finding strength in numbers

Family-run central Pa. winery shuts its tasting room, switches to new distribution model

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All skill levels welcome at 2022 Southern Alberta Regional Events

All skill levels welcome at 2022 Southern Alberta Regional Events

“It’s a great way to go meet friends, right? I think that’s one of the best benefits we get from sports, is the new social connections.”

He also says that sports are a productive use of time for youths because the experiences gained will always be worthwhile.

“Being able to provide different levels of those experiences is so important for the community,” says Parker. “I think we sometimes lose sight of grassroots sports [and] focus on high performance. It’s more impressive when people are competing at the highest level, but there will always, always, always be an important place for grassroots sports and fun competition.”

A report to the European Commission defines grassroots sport as a “physical leisure activity, organized and non-organized, practised regularly at non-professional level for health, educational or social purposes.” The 2016 report was a proposal to the European Commission to promote grassroots sport in Europe.

In Canada, the Southern Alberta Recreation Association (SARA) annually organizes a sporting event that shares that same idea.

According to the SARA website, the annual Southern Alberta Summer Games (SASG) provides people of various ages, and skill levels in different sports the opportunity to compete in a regional competition. It was last held in 2019 for SASG’s 50th anniversary and has not run since then to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

In a news release from April 19, 2022, SARA noted that it was postponing the 51st annual SASG, which would have been hosted by the Town of Raymond, due to ongoing pandemic restrictions. The postponement was announced before the provincial government lifted the remaining COVID-19 health restrictions on June 15, 2022.

READ MORE: Lethbridge and Alberta lift remaining COVID-19 restrictions

Despite SASG’s postponement, SARA stated that the 2022 summer season would have sporting events hosted by 13 regions across southern Alberta, under the 2022 Southern Alberta Regional Events banner.

“We are excited to keep regional events going in 2022 and look forward to bringing back a full Southern Alberta Summer Games event in 2023,” the organization stated in the same news release.

To register and find out more, visit the Southern Alberta Regional Events registration webpage.

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Media Statements – Regional events to reignite tourism around the State

  • Up to $1 million to be awarded to nearly 70 events under Tourism WA’s annual Regional Events Scheme, including 13 new events
  • Includes $150,000 to deliver Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme
  • Next RES funding round will open August 23, 2022 for 2023-24
  • Supported by the McGowan Government through Tourism WA 

Regional economies are set to soar with up to $1 million to be awarded to 68 regional events through Tourism Western Australia’s 2022-2023 Regional Events Scheme (RES).

 

The annual funding round supports smaller and developing regional events, which attract new visitors, create jobs and stimulate local economies.

 

The funding includes $150,000 reserved for the Regional Aboriginal Events Scheme (RAES), for events that deliver Aboriginal activities or experiences and celebrate the promotion and leadership of Aboriginal people.

 

The scheme is supported by the State Government through Tourism WA.

 

This year’s RES funds 13 new events, including the Morawa Biennial Art Awards and Exhibition in the Mid-West, the Pilbara’s unique and challenging outdoor multi-sport adventure experience Red Dog Relay and Festival, and RAES event Bandak Mereny Yanginy (Outdoor Giving of Food), an Indigenous food-inspired event in the Great Southern region.

 

Events sponsored in the new funding round will be held across the State from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023.

 

To see the full list of recipients and for more information about the RES, visit Tourism WA’s corporate website.

 

Comments attributed to Tourism Minister Roger Cook:

 

“As Western Australia opens up to the rest of the world, regional events provide an opportunity for local, interstate and international visitors to go beyond city limits and to experience the unique features in each of our State’s wonderful regions.

 

“Our clear message to the rest of the country and the world is that Western Australia is well and truly open for business – all over the State. Regional events play an important role in attracting visitors to these areas, stimulating local economies by creating jobs and adding vibrancy to our dynamic regional communities.

 

“The State Government, through Tourism WA, is proud to support these 68 events in WA’s regions, which have been awarded funding through this round of the Regional Events Scheme.

 

“There really is something for everyone, from Aboriginal cultural and food experiences to adrenaline-oriented adventures and gastronomic delights – each event embodying its own distinctive regional offering.”

 

Comments attributed to Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:

 

“Regional events are back on the calendar across all nine regions of Western Australia, celebrating each area’s unique culture, art and cuisine, and delighting visitors and locals.

 

“Events showcase the talent, skills and culture of WA’s regional areas while encouraging community engagement, creating jobs and boosting local economies.

 

“Whether it’s revelling in Mullewa’s new astro, geo and sporting-focused Ancient Land Under Blue Skies Festival, marvelling at nature’s beauty at the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival or enjoying authentic music at the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival, we encourage everyone to get out into our State’s spectacular regions, wander out yonder to somewhere they’ve never been before and have an unforgettable WA experience.”

 

Tourism Minister’s office – 6552 6500

Regional Development Minister’s office – 6552 6200

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Upcoming local and regional events

Upcoming local and regional events
Actress Olympia Dukakis

Actress Olympia Dukakis

(Courtesy of North Coast Rep

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North Coast Rep to present ‘Remembering Olympia’

“Remembering Olympia” will be performed on Monday, June 13 at 7:30 p.m. at North Coast Repertory in Solana Beach. “Remembering Olympia” is a tribute and a celebration of the life and career of the late actress Olympia Dukakis created in her loving memory by her brother Apollo. Consisting of a one-act play chronicling their turbulent but close relationship the evening also salutes her films, stage work and family and friends through a montage of film clips and photos. The brother and sister will be performed by Kandis Chappell and Apollo Dukakis. The evening concludes with a Q&A with the audience.

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at northcoastrep.org or at the box office: (858) 481-1055. North Coast Repertory Theatre is located at 987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive Solana Beach, 92075.

San Diego County Fair returns June 8-July 4

The San Diego County Fair will take place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds from June 8 to July 4. In addition to the usual rides, the fair will also include competitive exhibits. The summer concert series includes artists such as Jason Derulo, Shaggy, Los Tigres Del Norte, Goo Goo Dolls and Gabriel Iglesias. The original theme planned for 2020, Heroes Unite, will be resurrected this year as Heroes Reunite. There will also be an exhibit that honors the stories of “heroes next door.” Visit sdfair.com.

Summer Solstice event in Del Mar

The Del Mar Village Association, Uncle Ed’s Damn Good Vodka and Monarch Ocean Pub will present the popular Summer Solstice event Thursday, June 16, 5-8 p.m. at Powerhouse Park in Del Mar. Summer Solstice features tastes from local restaurants, sips from craft cocktails, wine and beer from nationally-recognized brands, music and more. For tickets and more information, visit www.visitdelmarvillage.com/summersolstice2022

Powerhouse Park is located at 1658 Coast Boulevard, Del Mar, 92014.

Summer movie series brings ‘Encanto’ to Pacific Highlands Ranch Park

It’s time to talk about Bruno: “Encanto” will play under the stars on Saturday, June 11 at Pacific Highlands Ranch Community Park as part of the city’s Summer Movies in the Park series. The event starts at 6 p.m. with crafts and activities and the movie will begin 15 minutes after sunset. Bring your own blankets, chairs and picnic dinner and movie snacks—dogs on leash are welcome. Parking is located at Canyon Crest Academy or Pacific Trails Middle School. PHR is a smoke and alcohol-free park.

The series will visit two Carmel Valley parks this summer: “Luca” will play on Friday, July 15 at Ocean Air Community Park and on Friday, July 22, “Space Jam: A New Legacy” will be screened at Carmel Valley Community Park. For the full schedule visit summermoviesinthepark.com

North Coast Women’s Connection ‘Sweet Summertime’ Luncheon

All are invited to attend the North Coast Women’s Connection Spring Luncheon featuring guest speaker Barbara Whitman who will discuss “What it Takes to be Good Enough”. Program: Patrick Desmond, Cal Pacific Orchid Farm, Encinitas, “Learn about orchid care and arrangements”. The event will be held Tuesday, June 14, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lomas Santa Fe County Club. RSVP by June 10. Invite your friends for this heartfelt and inspiring event. Register at conta.cc/3regKqz

San Diego Beer Weekend: A toast to local breweries

The San Diego Brewers Guild, a nonprofit organization promoting local small businesses and entrepreneurs of craft beer, will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the inaugural SD Beer Weekend June 10-12.

Beer enthusiasts are encouraged to celebrate by visiting a small and independent San Diego craft brewery—the number of independent craft brewery locations in San Diego has grown to more than 150 in 2022 from only 15 in 1997, a tenfold increase. Participating breweries will sell limited-edition commemorative pint glasses with 25th anniversary artwork. Boetler, the maker of the glassware, is donating $1 of each unit sold back to the Guild.

You can pick up glassware locally at the Northern Pine tasting room atop the Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s Brewer’s Deck. The full list of participating breweries can be found at sdbeer.com/sdbeerweekend.

Summer Soiree Concert by Pacific Coast Harmony

Pacific Coast Harmony will present “Summer Soirée, a concert of modern four-part harmony music on Sunday, June 12, at 3:15 p.m. at the Rancho Santa Fe Community Center, 5970 La Sendita, Rancho Santa Fe, 92067.

The music spans the Great American Songbook, Broadway theater and film, popular traditional pieces, and beyond. In addition to the chorus, there will be several special quartet appearances. The concert will follow a reception from 2:30 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. with beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres, and a silent auction. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at https://pacificcoastharmony.bpt.me

For more information, visit PacificCoastharmony.org or call (619) 427-6669.

The FF Collective presents Sexy Songs

The FF Collective, a new women-led arts organization founded by San Diego musicians Tasha Koontz, Sarah-Nicole Ruddy Carter, and Katie Hickey, is back this spring with Sexy Songs. The event will be held Saturday, June 11, at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 334 14th Street, Del Mar, 92014. This program features songs by Reynaldo Hahn, some of the performers’ favorite jazz standards, and some cheeky musical theater selections. Sexy Songs will feature favorite San Diego performers of opera. including Tasha Koontz, Bernardo Bermudez, and Danielle Perrault.

Tickets range from $15 to $45, and can be purchased at www.theffcollective.org/projects. Childcare is available upon request for $10 per child. Wine will be available for purchase at intermission and after the show. Due to the Covid-19 omicron variant, audience members will be asked to wear masks for the duration of the concert.

‘Summer in the Ranch’ art reception

The public is welcomed to attend the “Summer in the Ranch” art reception to be held Saturday and Sunday, June 4-5, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The event will be held at 16950 Via de Santa Fe, Rancho Santa Fe (next-door to the RSF Post Office) to view “for sale beautiful local vistas” with music and refreshments. The exhibit will feature work by artists Gordon Bashant, Lorraine Cote, Karen Crowell, Joan Grine, Haixin Li and Margot Wallace.

Batiquitos Lagoon event on ‘California Marine Protected Areas’

Batiquitos Lagoon will host a presentation on June 11 at 10 a.m. titled “California Marine Protected Areas”, presented by Angela Kemsley. A free, family event that will focus on the 124 marine-protected areas in California. These areas are a type of “underwater park” that protect the wetlands, coasts and ocean. There are 11 of these areas in San Diego County that protect sandy shores, tide pools, kelp forests, submarine canyons, and lagoons, including Batiquitos. Come and learn how to help conserve these special places. Meet at the picnic tables next to the Nature Center, 7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad. For more information, visit Batiquitoslagoon.org.

National Audacity to Hope Day Pickleball Tournament

The Huntington Disease Society of America San Diego Chapter’s “National Audacity to Hope Day Pickleball Tournament” will be held Saturday, June 4 at 5 p.m. The event will be held at Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle in Encinitas. Visit san-diego.hdsa.org/pickleball for more information.

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Niagara Regional Exhibition not ‘picking sides’ by hosting Freedom Tour event

The Niagara Regional Exhibition grounds will be site of a two-day rFeedom Tour event this weekend.

Niagara Regional Exhibition isn’t taking a political stance by allowing a two-day Freedom Tour event to set up at its Welland fairgrounds site this weekend.

That’s according to Mike Gill, president of Niagara Regional Agricultural Society, the organization that operates the site on Niagara Street.

“No one formally opposed it,” he said about event needing approval from the society board.

The event, a “Unity Truck Show,” will run Friday night and Saturday, featuring a number of guest speakers who will discuss “issues they believe in,” said Gill.

“We’re not about to get political in any way. That’s not our place,” said Gill, adding the society is not “picking sides” in the COVID-19 debate.

Events have mostly been non-existent at the fairgrounds since the pandemic started and the society needs the money the event will generate.

“We’re just looking for some rental income,” said Gill.

In 2020, there were “no rentals at all,” which equated to a loss of about $24,000.

In a normal year, the society’s annual budget is about $100,000, with three quarters of that amount coming from one building being rented full time, as well as storage fees for people who keep things such as boats and cars there during the winter.

In 2021, there were four or five events that brought in no more than $9,000 in rental fees, said Gill.

On top of the annual exhibition on the first weekend of June, several other events are on the roster for a full schedule this year, he said.

Asked if the society’s board is concerned about backlash from people who disagree with the messages expected to be shared on the weekend, Gill didn’t seem worried.

“It doesn’t matter what we do. Someone is always unhappy. That’s just the world we live in,” he said.

According to promotional material on social media, the event will include bouncy castles, face-painting and games, part of a “kids fest.”

According to the Freedom Tour website, a “group of like-minded individuals dedicated to spreading the truth of what is happening in our country” will be attending.

A section of the website says the group is “still carrying on about freedom,” due to rules regarding unvaccinated Canadians crossing borders.

People losing jobs due to vaccine mandates is another concern the group shares on its website.

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Special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

WHO/Europe virtual press briefing: Humanitarian emergency in Ukraine and the wider region

10–11 May 2022 (virtual)

In a letter sent on 28 April 2022, 38 Member States of the WHO European Region requested the WHO Regional Director for Europe to convene a special session of the Regional Committee to consider the health situation in Ukraine, and the wider consequences of the ongoing war on health matters in the Region and beyond.

The Regional Committee is the highest decision-making body of the 53 Member States of the Region. It normally meets once a year to shape the political commitment to improving the health and health conditions of the people living in the Region, and to guide the actions undertaken by WHO/Europe.

This request for an urgent special session is triggered under Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Regional Committee, which provides the possibility to convene the Regional Committee within 30 days at the request of at least 8 Member States.

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Special session of the WHO Regional Committee for Europe

WHO/Europe virtual press briefing: Humanitarian emergency in Ukraine and the wider region

10–11 May 2022 (virtual)

In a letter sent on 28 April 2022, 38 Member States of the WHO European Region requested the WHO Regional Director for Europe to convene a special session of the Regional Committee to consider the health situation in Ukraine, and the wider consequences of the ongoing war on health matters in the Region and beyond.

The Regional Committee is the highest decision-making body of the 53 Member States of the Region. It normally meets once a year to shape the political commitment to improving the health and health conditions of the people living in the Region, and to guide the actions undertaken by WHO/Europe.

This request for an urgent special session is triggered under Rule 5 of the Rules of Procedure of the Regional Committee, which provides the possibility to convene the Regional Committee within 30 days at the request of at least 8 Member States.

Regional Director Dr Hans Henri P. Kluge, in close consultation with the President of the 71st session of the Regional Committee and the members of its Standing Committee, is calling Member States from the European Region to meet virtually on 10–11 May.

The meeting will be broadcast online.