The Rockhound Gemboree is one of Bancroft’s many tourist-attracting events and it has been recognized provincially.
Festivals and Events Ontario creates a top 100 list every year to “represent a select group of the most well-known and respected celebrations in the province,” they say.
This is the eighth year in a row the Gemboree has been included on the list. Coordinator Maureen Cummings says she’s excited to see it included because it means more people will be visiting to see the event. “The people that come are from all over the world,” she says. Cummings estimated that between 7,000 and 8,000 paying customers went to the Gemboree last year. She says that the event brings in around $1 million to businesses in Bancroft as well.
This year’s Gemboree vendors aren’t finalized yet, but Cummings can confirm that many that came last year will return. “Every year everything is different,” she adds. “We have all kinds of new stuff coming.”
The Rockhound Gemboree will be from August 1st until the 4th this year. “If you haven’t booked your hotel by now, you may have a hard time,” Cummings says with a laugh.
FEO’s full list of Ontario’s top festivals can be found on their website.