Porchfest Belleville

Don’t sit at home and twiddle your sanitized thumbs, head on down to 116 Bistro on Pinnacle and check out this great line-up of entertainment. Enjoy the sunshine and stay safe. #notporchfest

Howdy Porchfesters- In light of new Provincial restrictions, new COVID-19 cases and changing sentiment both Porchfest and the planned Afterparty in Downtown Belleville have been cancelled. There will be no active venues in the Old East Hill or Downtown. We apologize to our artists, hosts, patrons and volunteers. We are as disappointed as all of you.... Let’s come back healthier, stronger and bigger when circumstances allow. Until then - ROCK THE PORCH!

Porchfest Cancelled Due to this morning's announcement from the Ontario Government regarding open-air gatherings, Porchfest has been canceled for next weekend. Stay tuned though as the Downtown District is working on an alternate outdoor event with interested musicians over multiple days next weekend that would be a combination of music, food, and retail while staying within the new guidelines. ... Because restaurants already have monitored restrictions in place they are not affected by the new restrictions.

https://news.ontario.ca//lower-social-gathering-limits-ado Porchfesters - Please see the link above.... In light of Premier Ford’s announcement Saturday morning (Sept 19) we are regretfully forced to cancel Porchfest 2020. Unmonitored events must now control crowds to 25 or less across the province. Rotary’s ability to monitor and control groups to less than 25 is not feasible over the 36+ venues that we had planned throughout the Old East Hill and Downtown. Public health was threatening fines starting at $10,000 for organizers/hosts. We were reminded of this by our local health unit. City officials warned us that by law enforcement officers would be at the event leaving me and Rotary in a very uncomfortable position despite our planning, protocols and best efforts. Our club has also received several public complaints about the event and concern over proceeding during COVID-19. That said, the Downtown District in cooperation with Porchfest is trying to pivot and provide willing artists with venues downtown. I’ll be working directly with Marijo and Kelsey from Downtown District to place performers that are willing and wanting to perform. It won’t be Porchfest and it won’t be in the East Hill. It may require different timing over multiple days to control crowds per restrictions pertaining to private business. To Porch Hosts - you are off the hook. We are sorry to have to cancel just one week before the event but this morning’s announcement changes things materially. To artists - please reply to this email and let me know if you are willing to perform Saturday 1-4 in Downtown Belleville. Downtown District may also have venues available at other times too over the weekend. They won’t be able to confirm anything until they speak with the health unit. We are sad to have to make this decision. As a performer, I know how important this event is - especially at a time like this. Public Health will be contacted on Monday (they are not available now) and Marijo will have a better idea of the plan for Downtown Belleville at that time. For those that contact me and are willing to perform downtown, stand by. Regretfully, Sam Chair of Porchfest Rotary Club of Belleville

The Impish Grins will be at Porchfest 2020 across from Glanmore on Bridge from 2:30-4pm. This delicious rainbow of Grinners would like to remind all Porchfesters to bring a mask, remain socially distant with those outside your bubble, and bring some hand sanitizer. Avoid large crowds where possible and wear a mask if you can’t. Run as fast as you can if the crowd looks bigger than 100. #porchfest #porchfest2020 #bayofquinte #PSA