| durhamregion.com | This Week | Thursday, December 15, 2023 | | 30 *Annual rate of return. Rate is subject to change without notice.ukrainiancu.com 800.461.0777 Promo code: DS1122 Take advantage of this great rate today! Earn 5.0%* interest for 20 monthS UCU - the Credit Union that helps you build a brighter financial future For new money transferred to UCU from other financial institutions Oshawa Tourism has revealed plans to bring a new music festival to the city in September 2023. Organizers say the vision for Convergence Music Festival is something similar to Peterborough Musicfest, which is Canada's longest running, free admission summer concert series and drew 135,000 attendees in 2019. "This will be a huge free outdoor music festival for our both our community and beyond," said Krista Licsi, Oshawa's tourism lead. "We really want to grow this into an annual event that becomes one of the things Oshawa is known for throughout Ontario." The festival is part of Oshawa Tourism's plan to position Oshawa as the "musical epicentre" of Durham. Licsi says the event will feature a mix of local artists and big name acts, from a variety of music genres. Oshawa Tourism officially launched Nov. 1, as a branch of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Using the hashtag #IHadNoIdea, the goal is to let residents and visitors alike know about the city's interesting spots and hidden gems, from catching live music at the Biltmore Theatre, to taking the kids to the Oshawa Zoo. The initial goal is marketing Oshawa to, well ... Oshawa. Jason King, CEO of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, says many residents aren't aware of the businesses, attractions, amenities and events the city has to offer. "That's how we came up with the #IHadNoIdea hook, because a lot of people had no idea," he said. "It's not about positioning Oshawa as being great, it's about highlighting the things that already are great." That includes a burgeoning culinary scene, a thriving music scene, historical and sports attractions, interesting small businesses and natural spaces. "All that stuff makes Oshawa really livable -- and livability supports all the other economic growth," King said. "If I'm trying to get Google or SpaceX, or somebody to open in this city, first I have to be able to point to, what does life look like for the employees of this big organization? We're ... highlighting the livability here in Oshawa and how great we've got it." Another immediate goal is empowering local businesses to be better prepared for tourism opportunities. For example, the 2023 Skate Canada national Figure Skating Championships are taking place in Oshawa from Jan. 9 to 15, bringing an estimated 5,000 spectators to the city each day. Oshawa Tourism has made a formal request to the city for financial sponsorship for the upcoming music festival, as well as waiving of fees. On Nov. 28, council's corporate and finance services committee referred the request to the 2023 budget process for consideration. Got an Oshawa story to share? Email reporter Jillian Follert at jfollert@durhamregion.com. 'HUGE' FREE MUSIC FESTIVAL PLANNED FOR 2023 Oshawa Tourism's Krista Licsi and Jason King on Simcoe Street. Oshawa Tourism had its official launch Nov. 1. The new organization will promote the city's events, attractions, businesses and food. Susie Kockerscheidt/Metroland JILLIAN FOLLERT jfoller t@durhamregion.com NEWS OSHAWA TOURISM LAUNCHED NOV. 1