Here is what you need to know about the 53rd annual Kempenfest

53rd annual Kempenfest returns to downtown Barrie

Kempenfest will take over Barrie’s downtown from Aug 1 - Aug 4.

The annual event is one of Ontario’s largest festivals and is located along Barrie’s waterfront.

Over 300 arts and crafts vendors, a midway, kids village, antiques, face painters, two concert stages and more.

The festival runs all weekend including 10:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday and 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. on Monday.

Laurie Rowe-Gregory is the owner of Natural Stitch Design and is participating in her first Kempenfest as a vendor.

“It was so nice that we got accepted to come in for the first time and experience Kempenfest,” said Rowe-Gregory “It’s so nice to be here as a vendor and it’s been a great experience, everyone is wonderful, and taking lots of orders.”

Natural Stich Design are handmade products.

“Everything is completely handmade from start to finish, we order the rope and natural cotton and it’s just really lovely to create different designs and everybody just loves it,” said Rowe-Gregory.Shawn Desman headlined the Friday night stage while Colin James is set to rock the main stage Saturday night.

The Washboard Union will headline the main stage on Sunday night presented by Pure Country 106.

100,000 people walked through the 52nd annual Kempenfest last year.