JR DiGS hosting big rock act add-on to Norfolk bash
Hamilton comedy and concert promoting stalwart JR DiGS is striking up the bands at the first-ever Norfolk County Fairgrounds Festival in Simcoe the weekend of June 9 and 10 with such headliners as big name rock acts The Beaches, Bif Naked, Sloan, Dizzy and Finger Eleven.
Known for his high-energy and engaging stage presence, DiGS will host the two-day blast, an extension of the highly successful 2022 Norfolk Night Market which featured live local musical acts, artisan vendors, food trucks, local beer and wine gardens, and interactive games.
The addition of the star attractions this year, over two evenings, is being billed as the Party on the Track Concerts. It is all part of the Amplify Norfolk initiative, an effort to attract tourists to Norfolk County through live entertainment events and generate spillover for Norfolk businesses, establishing Norfolk County as a premiere destination.
Having so many of my favourite bands on one stage, at the perfect venue in Norfolk County over this two night festival is incredible and most certainly one of the most spectacular things that has happened in Norfolk and for Norfolk tourism in a decade" said DiGS.
The festival takes place on the historic fairgrounds, at 172 South Dr., Simcoe, and is expected to draw thousands to the area. As with the night market last year, this year's event will feature local beer, wine, spirits and cider, local musicians, artisan vendors, food trucks and also such activities as workshops, drop-in soccer, yoga and axe-throwing, for all ages.
JR DiGS is best known as a late-night television host, whose talk show aired nationally on Global Television on Saturday nights for 15 years in the 2000s and garnered several best host screen award nominations. He has deep roots in Norfolk County and special memories of the Fairgrounds, as the grandson of Harold B. Stewart, a longtime photographer for the Simcoe Reformer. Stewart was also the official photographer, over several decades, for the Norfolk County Fair & Horse Show.
My grandfather was a legend to me and growing up watching him capture and tell the stories of Norfolk County through the pictures he would take was inspiring to me," says DiGS, who now splits his time between Hamilton and Long Point in Norfolk County where he owns Long Point Lodge.
Having the opportunity to be back in Norfolk now and be a part of the amazing things that are happening at the Norfolk County Fairgrounds is truly a thrill for me."
For complete schedule of acts and activities see fairgroundsfestival.ca for updates and more information.
Jeff Mahoney is a Hamilton-based reporter and columnist covering culture and lifestyle stories, commentary and humour for The Spectator.jmahoney@thespec.com