A brand-new festival is heading to the region this weekend. Couchiching Fest will bring together the community for a free event to celebrate small business and local creativity at the Port of Orillia on Saturday and Sunday. Residents and visitors can enjoy a local shopping experience at a vendor market featuring artisans, handcrafted goods and unique products and treats along the waterfront. Organized by the Orillia and District Chamber of Commerce, the event will also feature a paddle board race on Saturday at 3 p.m. Participants will begin the race at A-Dock. “We’re excited to launch Couchiching Fest and bring a new event to the Orillia waterfront,” said Allan Lafontaine, Executive Director of the Orillia & District Chamber of Commerce. “We wanted to create an event that brings people together, highlights local businesses and gives the community another opportunity to enjoy everything our waterfront has to offer. We also want to encourage people to shop local and support the businesses, artisans and makers who help make our community such a great place to live and visit.”
