Pelham Celebrates multiple Honours at 2026 FEO Awards

Pelham, ON – The Town of Pelham is celebrating another successful event year after receiving three awards from Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) at the 2026 FEO “SUSTAIN” Conference, held February 23–25 in Kitchener. Both Pelham Summerfest and the Pelham Summer Chill Series have once again been named among the Top 100 Festivals and Events in Ontario, recognizing their continued excellence and positive impact on Pelham. 

In addition to this recognition, the Pelham Summer Chill Series was awarded the Best Festival or Event Series with a Budget of $100,000 or Less, highlighting the event’s exceptional ability through the collaborative event to deliver high-quality programming, community engagement and positive economic impact while operating within a modest budget.

“These awards are a celebration of what a small and engaged community can achieve when volunteers and residents come together,” said Mayor Marvin Junkin. “Pelham’s festivals reflect the creativity, collaboration, and spirit that define small-town Ontario. Being recognized among the province’s best, shows that communities like ours can create exceptional experiences we can be proud of.”

The awards were presented during the FEO Awards Gala on February 25, where staff from Pelham’s Recreation, Culture and Wellness department accepted the honours on behalf of the municipality and the many volunteers who support the annual events. Festivals and events from across Ontario were evaluated by an independent panel of judges, with winners selected for their innovation, community impact, and excellence in event delivery. 

“It is incredibly rewarding to see Pelham’s signature events recognized once again at the provincial level,” said Vickie vanRavenswaay, Director of Recreation, Culture and Wellness. “These awards reflect the dedication of the volunteers, community partners, businesses, and staff who work tirelessly to create memorable experiences for residents and visitors. Pelham Summerfest and the Summer Chill Series bring people together in ways that showcase the heart of Pelham, and the team is excited to continue building on that momentum again this year.”

Pelham has a strong history of recognition from FEO, including multiple Top 100 awards for both Pelham Summerfest and the Pelham Summer Chill Series, as well as several achievement awards over the past decade. The continued acknowledgement underscores the town’s commitment to delivering high-quality, community-focused events that support culture and tourism. 

Festivals & Events Ontario was established in 1987 as an association devoted to the growth and stability of Ontario's festival and event industry. FEO operates Canada's largest dedicated festival and event Conference and oversees an industry-leading awards recognition program.  

For more information about events in Pelham, visit www.pelham.ca/events.