Although council will need to confirm their decisions next week, three projects in the county received preliminary approval in council chambers for the 2025 Amplify Norfolk program.
These three projects were shortlisted by council from a longer list of proposals, though not without some debate.
Two of the approved events are initiatives in the Long Point area.
The first is a co-production with the Long Point Chamber of Commerce for the Sandpines Campfire Concert Series.
The second is a collaboration with the Long Point Bayfest for the co-production of their annual concert.
The fact that two of the three events came from one community was a sticking point for Mayor Amy Martin.
While she supported the ideas behind both events, she expressed reservations about allocating $80,000—$40,000 for each event—to a single community.
Ward 1 Councillor Tom Masschaele disagreed with this perspective, arguing that events in his ward should not be penalized simply because one community came up with two strong proposals.
He emphasized that these initiatives should be viewed as two excellent events happening in Norfolk that everyone can enjoy, rather than a divisive matter of ward-versus-ward competition.
Ultimately, the majority of council voted in favour of funding these two Long Point initiatives.
One event that passed with relatively little opposition was an initiative in Port Dover, put forward by Councillor Adam Veri.
The event, WrestleFest, will receive $20,000 in funding.
It is a collaboration between the Port Dover Board of Trade and Norfolk County Championship Wrestling (NCCW).
Council will need to reconfirm these funding allocations next week before any money is distributed.
Below is a breakdown of each event, as it was submitted for funding:
Bayfest Concert
Event Date: September, 27, 2025
Event Overview: Create an annual community concert with a focus on the Port Rowan and Long Point community, in celebration of Bayfest and the end of a busy summer season for our area.
With a long history of traditions and community spirit this event will bring people together to celebrate our area through live music, food trucks and vendors.
With a successful concert series over the summer of 2024, we are confident that with this grant money, this will bring people into the community, support local business and showcase the area even more than it did in 2024.
Sandpines Campfire Concert Series
Event Date: June 28th, 2025
Event Overview: This project will be a continuation of a unique concert series produced and developed in this area in Norfolk County for community enrichment and economic development.
We will include local tourism, local businesses and community organizations, specifically, a campaign will be initiated that will include bundling and the participation of every local business in our area that is willing and interested in this project.
As a Chamber of Commerce, we are committed to being the recognized voice of business committed to enhancing the economic prosperity in the County of Norfolk.
By bringing on an experienced producer with 15 years of experience in this industry, we feel confident that we are well positioned to imminently succeed in this 5 year planned concert series.
WrestleFest
Event Date: Fall 2025
Event Overview: The Port Dover Board of Trade will collaborate with Norfolk County Championship Wrestling (NCCW) to host the “Norfolk County Wrestlefest” at the Port Dover Community Centre in fall 2025.
The event will feature two live professional wrestling performances — one family-friendly matinee and one evening show for older teens and adults — along with concessions and vendor opportunities.
NCCW, which has previously hosted successful events in Port Dover and Simcoe, is seeking Amplify Norfolk funding to expand the event to two shows and include appearances by retired wrestling stars to attract larger audiences.
The grant will cover performer fees, while production costs will be shared by NCCW and the Board of Trade, reducing financial risks.
This partnership aims to provide a unique shoulder-season attraction, boost local tourism, grow NCCW’s audience, and generate additional revenue for both parties.