The Jack Frost Children's WinterFest returns with another exciting line-up. Eight years in the running, the three-day festival targets Islanders and visitors alike seeking a magical winter family weekend.
"Our Government is pleased to partner with groups like Tourism Charlottetown to build a strong tourism industry," said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, on behalf of the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and La Francophonie. "Building year-round activities into the P.E.I. tourism industry gives off-island visitors more reason to travel here and extend their stay."
The 2012 festival dates are February 10 to 12 and feature indoor and outdoor activities at three central venues.
"Events such as the Jack Frost Children's WinterFest attract many visitors to Prince Edward Island, supporting our local businesses and strengthening our Island economy," said Robert Henderson, Minister of Tourism and Culture for Prince Edward Island. "The Prince Edward Island government is pleased to support events such as this to grow our tourism industry year-round."
The outdoor snow playland returns to the popular Sherwood Greens site, located next to the Charlottetown Mall. It features a live outdoor stage where participants will be entertained with everything from giant slides and pond hockey to Pop Idol performances and Fireworks. The winter wonderland that surrounds the main stage is filled with activities that will please every member of the family.
"The Jack Frost Children's WinterFest has quickly become a wonderful way for children and families from across P.E.I. and the region to celebrate the winter season together. Charlottetown lends itself well to hosting the variety of programming offered at venues across our city, allowing families to enjoy time together outside in the fresh air," said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee. "Events like the Jack Frost Children's WinterFest are a welcomed breath of fresh air, infusing excitement in our community and a boost to our economy. Tourism Charlottetown is to be commended for their leadership and organization of this incredible event."
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) will host indoor activities at the UPEI Sports Centre, including the always popular Princess Pretty Boutique and Superhero Training Camp. Empire Theatres, located at the Charlottetown Mall, will offer featured movies to Festival tag holders.
"Tourism Charlottetown is proud to coordinate this popular family event," says Tourism Charlottetown President Doug Newson. "Last year the festival had over 14,000 attendees and had the streets of Charlottetown buzzing in an otherwise slower tourism time. This year we look forward to even more excitement as the event partners with Scotiabank Hockey Day in Canada. Among other stops, the famous Stanley Cup will be visiting the Jack Frost Children's Winterfest on Friday, February 10th."
For more details on the 2012 Jack Frost Children's WinterFest, call the Jack Frost hotline at 1-800-955-1864 or visit www.jackfrostfest.com.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $75,000 to support the group in its product development and marketing efforts. The Government of Prince Edward Island has invested $15,000 and the City of Charlottetown has added $14,000 in cash and a $30,000 in-kind contribution in this initiative.