Ontario Investing $50K in Carrousel of the Nations

May 20, 2026

Funding will help attract visitors and strengthen Windsor’s economy

WINDSOR –The Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County will receive $20,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program to support the 2026 Carrousel of the Nations festival. This funding is part of a more than $20 million government investment to help municipalities and event organizers deliver high-quality programming and experiences for people of all ages.

“Our government is proud to support Carrousel of the Nations through the Experience Ontario program, helping to grow cultural tourism in Windsor-Essex and strengthening our community,” said Andrew Dowie, MPP for Windsor–Tecumseh. “We look forward to supporting the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County in attracting even more visitors, boosting local businesses, and showcasing the unique cultural experiences Windsor-Essex has to offer.”

In addition to this funding, the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County will receive $30,000 through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund to support the development and presentation of Carrousel of the Nations 2026, bringing total provincial support for the festival to $50,000.

“From Ontario’s charming small towns to its dazzling urban centres, festivals and events bring people together, create lasting memories and showcase the best of our communities,” said Stan Cho, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Gaming. “As we work to protect Ontario, these homegrown experiences play a vital role in celebrating our shared identity, bolstering main street businesses and ensuring our province remains a place people are inspired to explore — and proud to call home.”

In total, Experience Ontario 2026 is supporting festivals and events of all sizes across the province, strengthening tourism and supporting local economies while celebrating the people, places and traditions that make Ontario unique.

“Receiving support through the Government of Ontario’s OCAF and Experience Ontario programs is a tremendous boost for Carrousel of the Nations and for our entire community,” said Fred Francis, Executive Director of the Multicultural Council of Windsor and Essex County. “These investments help increase our marketing efforts, celebrate the rich cultural diversity that defines our region, support cultural groups, and create unforgettable experiences for residents and visitors alike. Carrousel continues to bring people together through culture, food, music, and shared experiences, and we are grateful to the Province of Ontario for recognizing the festival’s impact on tourism, community connection, and economic growth.”

QUICK FACTS

  • Since 2018, the Experience Ontario program (formerly known as Reconnect Ontario and Celebrate Ontario) has supported more than 2,700 Ontario festivals and events.
  • The government also supports festivals and events through the Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund, which provides eligible organizations with funding for marketing and promotional costs.
  • Tourism plays a critical role in the Ontario economy: in 2024, visitors to Ontario spent $33 billion and supported more than 300,000 jobs.

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