The Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce announced plans today for an exciting new winter festival designed to draw visitors and brighten up the holiday season.
The private sector is also taking an active role in the festival. The "Maritime Electric Victorian Winter Festival," as it will be known, will consist of themed, seasonal light displays placed throughout historic downtown Charlottetown.
"Prince Edward Island communities are renown for organizing festivals and events that showcase our community spirit," stated the Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island. "I am pleased that partners have come together to create a Victorian Winter Festival that will serve as a new tourist attraction and offer a light show that is unique within Atlantic Canada. Our government is very pleased to be a part of this community-driven project."
"Prince Edward Island should continue to work diligently to develop and promote events such as this winter festival to attract off-Island visitors year-round," said George Proud, Member of Parliament for Hillsborough, on behalf of The Honourable George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). "This is the type of winter tourism draw that will mean increased business and employment opportunities for Islanders."
The "Maritime Electric Victorian Winter Festival" will partner with other events to create a festive atmosphere across the Island throughout its seven-week schedule. Events such as Parks & People, the annual tree lighting ceremony at Province House, and the Capital Commission's Millennimania 2000 will be highlighted.
The City of Charlottetown's Public Works staff will set up, take down and store the displays. "We are delighted to be involved," says Charlottetown Mayor, George MacDonald. "I hope that Islanders and visitors will come back again and again to see the lights. And of course I would urge former Islanders to return home to enjoy Millennimania."
"This is a great event for Prince Edward Island," said Jim Lea, President and Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Electric, the festival's title sponsor. "It is just the type of family-oriented project that Maritime Electric likes to be involved in."
"More than 50 displays with many animated pieces will be featured," said Jim Larkin, board member and chair of special projects for the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce. "Many of the pieces have been specially commissioned to reflect the history and culture of Prince Edward Island."
The displays, which will become part of an annual winter festival, are being purchased by the Greater Charlottetown Area Chamber of Commerce with assistance of funding partners. Major funding partners for the festival are ACOA, contributing $300,000 over two years to the project, the Government of Prince Edward Island, whose contribution is $100,000 over three years. The City of Charlottetown is contributing staff support to set up and take down the displays, and will provide storage for the equipment until the next season. The title sponsor is Maritime Electric, and other corporate and private financial partners have contributed to the project.
The festival will run from November 23, 1999 to January 7, 2000. No admission fee will be charged to view the light displays.