Return of popular festival is music to fans’ ears
June 30, 2015 – Canso, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Organizers of the Stan Rogers Folk Festival say it is full speed ahead on plans for StanFest 2015 after last year’s event was cancelled due to inclement weather from Hurricane Arthur. In an effort to ensure the revenue loss resulting from the last-minute cancellation would not impede the future of the festival, the Government of Canada, along with suppliers, media and fans have come together to ensure the Festival will continue to be a significant attraction for years to come.
The Government of Canada, through ACOA’s Innovative Communities Fund (ICF), will contribute $159,170 in support of site upgrades and marketing of the event. Site upgrades include improvements to the grounds and electrical systems to ensure the Festival’s high safety standards are being maintained. In addition, tents, a video screen and a projector have been purchased to minimize the annual rental budget. The Society is also engaging tourism marketing expertise to develop an effective, modern marketing strategy to engage fans of all ages using various forms of media.
This year’s festival promises to once again dazzle audiences with the star-studded line-up they’ve come to expect from StanFest. The Festival takes place July 3, 4 and 5, and features more than 45 artists including: local legends Alan Doyle, Dave Gunning, Bruce Guthro, and the Stanfields, along with internationally renowned performers; two-time Grammy winner, Rita Coolidge; and, UK folk stalwarts Steeleye Span. A special kick-off event is planned for today, July 2, to celebrate the determination of festival-goers, volunteers and artists who ensured that StanFest would indeed “Rise Again”.
Quick Facts:
- StanFest 2015 offers concert-goers the opportunity to take in more than 100 shows, on six different stages, throughout the three-day event.
- The Festival is held each year in Canso, a small coastal community on the northeastern tip of mainland Nova Scotia. Canso has a population of slightly more than 800 residents with another 600 living in an approximate 10-km radius.
- Since 1997, the Festival has grown to the extent that it is now attracting in the range of 12,000 people annually over its three days of entertainment.
- A recent economic impact analysis found $1.4 million in direct spending as a result of the Festival, which has a total economic impact of $3.1 million dollars (annually).
Quotes:
“Our Government recognizes the important role that a sustainable tourism industry plays in building strong, healthy communities today and into the future. Our support for the Stan Rogers Festival will help showcase Nova Scotia's roots and diversity, and generate economic benefits for our region, as communities welcome visitors and artists from around the world.”
- The Honourable Peter MacKay, Regional Minister for Nova Scotia, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA)
“The Chedabucto Bay Folk Society is committed to growing cultural activity and stimulating economic development in northeastern Nova Scotia. These important upgrades assist us in fulfilling that commitment, by providing a venue not only for StanFest but for events year-round.”
- Bill MacMillan, Chair of the Chedabucto Bay Folk Society’s Board of Directors
Associated Links:
Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister of State
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Clarissa Lamb
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Justice
613-992-4621
Paul Moore
Manager, Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
(902) 426-3470/ (902) 222-3360 (cell)
E-mail: Paul.moore@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Troy Greencorn
Artistic Director, StanFest
902-237-4608
