By: Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Essex Free Press
The dedication of the members of the Essex Festival Committee – and the unwavering commitment from a long-list of volunteers and sponsors – vastly contributed to the Essex Fun Fest making Festivals and Events Ontario’s (FEO) 2026 Top 100 Festivals & Events in Ontario list.
In fact, it also made the Top 25 list, as well.
“It’s pretty exciting to be ranked in the Top 100 and Top 25,” Essex Festival Committee Co- Chairperson, Councillor Joe Garon, said after hearing the news. “The Committee is thrilled.”
In the FEO 2026 Top 100 Ontario Festivals & Events, announced last week, the Essex Fun Fest joined other local festivals in the RTO 1 – Southwest Ontario Tourism Region, including Amherstburg River Lights Winter Festival, Amherstburg Uncommon Festival, Bright Lights Windsor, LaSalle Strawberry Festival, and the Chatham Crowfest.
The Essex Festival Committee earned these distinctions two-years ago, as well.
Earning the distinctions is a great accolade for the Essex Fun Fest. The nod of approval notes the local fair is being noticed by others in the festivals and events industry, Garon said. That is helpful in finding sponsors, getting more through the gates, and attracting great entertainment.
It means “we are doing things right,” he added.
Garon was grateful to Committee member Nicole Atkinson, who represented the Essex Fun Fest at the FEO Conference and for accepting the award on behalf of the Essex Festival Committee. This annual Conference acknowledges and recognizes industry excellence through the annual Awards Program, information on the FEO website notes.
During the conference, he added, Atkinson was able to learn a lot of good information that she will be able to bring home to help the Committee continue to deliver the annual four-day
festival in July that offers a little something for everyone – any age.
Garon noted Essex Festival Committee members made a submission to FEO to be considered for an award in the fall. All submissions – made from across the province – were assessed by an independent panel of judges.
Though Garon admits he is unsure exactly what the festival offered that made it stand out to judges specifically, he is sure getting great weather is a baseline for success. Beyond that, the Essex Festival Committee is very organized, connects with vendors, visitors, and entertainment to ensure the best outcome.
The Essex Fun Fest also offers a lot to pique the interests of just about anyone, from the parade, to live music entertainment from different genres, to the car show, Sip ‘n Shop, fireworks, and midway. New features are always being added, such as the rock-climbing component last year.
“The committee is really good,” Garon added. “We all have input.”
Garon and fellow Committee members are well into planning the 2026 event, which will take place between July 2-5 at the Essex Centre Sports Complex grounds. Garon is excited to implement some landscape changes, along with some other tweaks, to better serve the festival and everyone who enjoys it. Those changes will be announced in the coming weeks.
“This year’s Essex Fun Fest will elevate your experience in ways we can’t wait to reveal. Stay tuned,” the Committee teased on its social media page.
Those interested in becoming a sponsor, volunteer, or vendor – or want to keep up to date as announcements on the 2026 show are announced – can do so by logging onto the newly revamped www.essexfunfest.com. It has been redesigned for ease of use on various devices.