Summer means enjoying the hot, humid weather and taking in one of the many festivals being held in the villages of Port Credit and Streetsville – and this year is no exception. Several major festivals and events will be held throughout the summer, including the Streetsville Bread & Honey Festival, Port Credit Busker Fest 5, Canada Day celebrations in both villages, Mississauga Waterfront Festival, the Tim Horton's Southside Shuffle and the year-long celebrations for Port Credit's 175th anniversary.

Event organizers say that 2010 will be the biggest and best year yet in terms of entertainment and attractions. "All the events in the city drive community spirit," says Southside Shuffle chairman Bruce Forth.

Festivals and community events can invigorate communities and bring in tourists, driving local business. The economic impact is rewarding, and provides revenue for the villages.

From boat shows and native ceremonies to 3-day festivals and holiday celebrations, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Local festivals also encourage people to shop in the villages, says Streetsville Canada Day Celebrations event manager Lorraine Baddeley. "If you live in the community, you don't need to go to big-box stores. Everything you need is right here in the villages," she said.

Pictured with the Credit River, which links the villages of Port Credit and Streetsville (L-R): John Bozzo, chair of the Port Credit Paint The Town Red Canada Day Festival (Valentino shirt and pants from Bourbon Street Tailors), Lucie Muldoon, parade manager of the Mississauga Santa Claus Parade (shirt from Savannah Rowe), Lorraine Baddeley, event manager of the Streetsville Canada Day Celebrations (clothing from Savannah Rowe and glasses from Queen Spectacle), Lydia Ordonez-Niles, chair of the Port Credit 175th Anniversary committee (clothing from Gems Fashions and accessory from Impressionable Gifts), The Three-Legged Man from Port Credit Busker Fest 5, David Mosley, chair of the Streetsville Bread & Honey Festival (Boss Orange shirt and jeans from Joe Lad), Patricia Anderson, chair of the Mississauga Waterfront Festival (clothing by Josy's Bridal Boutique) and Bruce Forth, chair of the Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle (Ed Hardy t-shirt and 7 For All Mankind jeans from Joe Lad) posing with a Hyundai Genesis Coupe from Streetsville Hyundai and motorcycle provided by Pannon Moto Sports