Oshawa Peony Festival finalist for Ontario Tourism Event of the Year

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Published October 30, 2024 at 4:05 pm

Oshawa MPP Jennifer French at the Oshawa Peony Festival
Oshawa MPP Jennifer French at the Oshawa Peony Festival

Oshawa’s popular Peony Festival is up for the 2024 Ontario Tourism Event of the Year.

A first-time finalist and long-time honoured event – the Peony Festival has been named as one of Ontario’s Top 100 events from Festival and Events Ontario for 12 years running – the celebration of the humble but strikingly beautiful flower attracts upwards of 7,000 visitors each year.

This past June was the Oshawa Peony Festival’s 20th year of operation and it showcases Canada’s largest contemporary peony collection, with more than 300 types in full bloom. The festival features a mix of artisans, live music, expert gardening advice, a judged peony show, a bonsai display, a children’s garden, an art competition, and a photo contest.

“The City of Oshawa is thrilled that the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario has recognized the Peony Festival as a finalist for Tourism Event of the Year,” said Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter. “This festival is a hallmark event for our community and receiving this recognition in our centennial year is a remarkable achievement.”

The festival is up against the Winter Festival of Lights by Niagara Falls Tourism, Blumination by Blue Mountain Village Association, the World Cup of Hockey and the defending champion, Tall Pines Music and Arts Festival.

“The Oshawa Peony Festival is one of Ontario’s most highly anticipated and popular summer events, attracting thousands of visitors from across Canada to our city,” said Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, Chair of the Economic and Development Services Committee. “We are honoured to have the Oshawa Peony Festival named a finalist for Tourism Event of the Year.”

The 2025 Peony Festival will be held June 7 and 8. For more information visit oshawa.ca/Peony.

For more information about the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario and the 2024 Ontario Tourism Awards of Excellence nominees list visit tiaontario.ca.

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