Second Annual Stompin’ Tom Festival Celebrates Canadian Icon
News release
2018 festival at Stompin’ Tom Homestead runs June 29 to July 1
June 28, 2018 – Skinners Pond, PE – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
In 2017, Canadians welcomed a record of 20.8 million international visitors to our shores. The tourism industry is vibrant from coast to coast to coast, as one in 10 jobs in Canada is associated with the visitor economy. Investing in tourism in both big cities and small towns throughout Atlantic Canada is essential to growing this important economic sector for Canadians. By investing in our tourism sector, we attract new visitors, grow businesses and create new ones, generating economic growth for the middle class.
This is why the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are supporting organizations such as the Tignish Initiatives Corporation that attract visitors to the region, extend length of stay and provide economic benefits to local businesses.
Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), along with the Honourable Chris Palmer, provincial Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, today announced support for the Tignish Initiative Corporation’s second annual Stompin’ Tom Festival. The 2018 festival takes place June 29 to July 1 in Skinners Pond at the Stompin’ Tom Centre to celebrate the iconic Canadian singer-songwriter’s legacy.
The Government of Canada is providing $40,000 in non-repayable assistance for the 2018 event through ACOA’s Business Development Program. The Government of Prince Edward Island is providing $30,000. The Stompin’ Tom festival includes a diverse schedule of singer-songwriter performances featuring local and off-Island musicians and storytellers, culinary events and engaging workshops.
This investment builds on commitments made by the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces to drive economic growth through the Atlantic Growth Strategy by helping the tourism industry attract more visitors and create new jobs across the region. This bold new approach is in line with Canada’s Tourism Vision, which seeks to make Canada a top-ten global tourism destination by 2025.
Quotes
“Cultural activities provide an opportunity to celebrate the values of openness, diversity and inclusion that define Canadians. The Stompin’ Tom festival highlights the legacy of a remarkable Canadian artist and provides attendees with an opportunity to hear his story. With a variety of performances at this year’s festival, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Congratulations to the Stompin’ Tom Festival on its second year of celebrating this renowned Canadian musician.”
- Bobby Morrissey, Member of Parliament for Egmont
“Not only does the Stompin’ Tom Festival celebrate the life and achievements of one of Canada, and Prince Edward Island’s, most recognizable and important cultural icons, but it also helps draw visitors to western PEI so they can experience all of the beauty and culture the region has to offer.”
- The Honourable Chris Palmer, Minister of Economic Development and Tourism
“This support helps present exceptional Canadian talent at a festival that celebrates the legacy of one of the most dynamic Canadian artists of his time – Stompin’ Tom Connors. We encourage Islanders and visitors alike to visit the new Homestead and Schoolhouse to take in performances and learn something new.”
- Anne Arsenault, General Manager, Tignish Initiative Corporation
Contacts
Chris Brooks
Director of Communications
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-566-7569
Andrew Sprague
Senior Communications Officer
Department of Economic Development and Tourism
902-368-5535
asgsprague@gov.pe.ca
Anne Arsenault
General Manager
Tignish Initiative Corporation
(902) 882-2230
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