Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport

Inducted in 2015

Darren Winger's long history of involvement with FEO and with countless community events across Southwestern Ontario spans almost two decades. His commitment, his vision and his tireless dedication on both the local and provincial level has created positive change and measurable growth within the sector.

He was an FEO Board Member in 2000-2002 initiating the creation of a stand-alone not for profit organization. While on the board, Darren and his fellow board members introduced several impactful initiatives including developing a brand for FEO, launching the Via Rail Top 50 Festivals and Events (now the Top 100), creating MIFEN- the Major International Festival & Event Network and the FEO Hall of Fame.

Darren was a founding member of the Canada South Festival Network and acted as chair from 1999-2002. In 2002, Darren joined the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Sport and the Ministry of Citizenship,

Immigration & International Trade as a Regional Advisor for Chatham-Kent and Sarnia-Lambton. He assisted municipal staff in creating a Municipal Festivals & Events operation manual and mentored regional festivals on board governance, creation of a festival and events master event manuals and succession planning of volunteers and board members.

From 2003-2007 Darren co-chaired the International Dragon Boat Festival.