Charlottetown SummerFest 2010 kicks-off Wednesday, June 30 with a very impressive family line-up of entertainment. Event sponsors and media this morning were given a glimpse of a Cirque du Soleil performance.
“Our Government understands that tourism is a highly competitive and global industry,” said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans on behalf of the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. “To compete successfully, event planning has to be innovative and more creative to attract visitors, and this event certainly exceeds these criteria.”
"The Department of Tourism and Culture recognizes the importance of signature festivals that help to attract visitors and create economic spin-offs," said Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Vessey. "Attracting an event with a world-renowned brand like Cirque du Soleil gives PEI additional credibility as a major vacation destination. The Charlottetown SummerFest offers an exciting line-up of activities that make for a very entertaining week of fun for people of all ages to enjoy."
Through its Business Development Program, ACOA has approved assistance of up to $450,000 over three years to assist Tourism Charlottetown & the PEI Convention Partnership in its efforts to create Charlottetown SummerFest. The provincial government is contributing $250,000 in 2010 for the Festival. The City of Charlottetown/ Special Events Reserve Fund will invest $25,000 in 2010 towards the Cirque du Soleil portion of the event, with the City also providing financial contributions annually to Charlottetown SummerFest.
Over a decade ago, the ever popular “Festival of Lights” was introduced in Charlottetown. The festival had grown from a weekend to a five-day event and would draw over 70,000 Islanders and visitors to the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront annually. This year, Tourism Charlottetown has rebranded the longstanding event into, “Charlottetown SummerFest.”
"Charlottetown SummerFest, a wonderful rebranded and revamped event, is an exciting celebration of culturally diverse performing arts and entertainment that offers something for everyone. With the Cirque du Soleil as the anchoring performance, SummerFest is an event not to be missed," said Mayor Clifford Lee. "This festival is the first of many to be held in our city during the summer months and is the cornerstone that marks the beginning of our tourism season. Tourism Charlottetown, along with their partners, are to be commended for their leadership and vision in rejuvenating this signature event which brings substantial economic and cultural prosperity to our community."
The Festival will offer a wide variety of activities for children of all age levels. A three-on-three hockey event, skateboard and BMX demonstrations, the ever popular SandLand are all on the line up along with many other unique events. And, the staple features of great music and a large firework display will be yet another reason to visit the Waterfront.
“The wait is almost over – the anticipation of the Cirque du Soleil production designed especially for Charlottetown will be unveiled Wednesday night on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront,” said Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, CEO Tourism Charlottetown and the PEI Convention Partnership. “In addition to this exclusive event, Charlottetown SummerFest 2010 has been jam-packed with an array of fun activities for a variety of age levels. Simply put, come join the fun, it’s a must-attend event.”
The most anticipated feature of the event is a custom-made Cirque du Soleil spectacle. This production has been designed specifically for Charlottetown SummerFest. The exclusive performance has been secured for two more consecutive summers.