Not just for laughs

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The Durham Region Comedy Festival is planning to achieve more than just laughs in their first annual bash.
The festival, set for three days in September, plans to attract over 12,000 spectators and seize the stages at the most popular hotspots in the region, including the General Motors Centre, the Regent Theatre and the Corral in downtown Oshawa. Festival president, Rich Weisz even has big dreams to shut down the main streets to create a true carnival spectacular.

But Septembers big dreams start right now. Festival organizers are inviting potential partners, sponsors and volunteers out to an event at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 12 at the back of Riley’s Olde Towne Pub, The Junction Nightclub. It won’t just be a night of planning and discussion, as hilarity is sure to ensue once open mic night starts at 8 p.m.
 
 

 
Admission to what is only the beginning of a series of “LOL-worthy” events is free of charge, but donations will be accepted for Weisz’s charity of choice, Make-A-Wish Foundation. Contributions will continue to be collected throughout the festival’s events, as Weisz hopes to raise between $25,000 and $50,000 by the time the final curtain falls.
“I was born and raised here, so I think it will create a positive stir for our city,” Weisz says. “The reason I’m doing this is because I experienced in Toronto and I really wanted to bring it back to our local community.”
Wednesday’s event is just the start of monthly open mic nights for locals to enjoy some laughs and raise awareness both for the festival and its charitable donations.