“Canada’s new government is pleased to be a partner in an event that not only helps to extend the tourism season but also showcases PEI shellfish as some of the very best in the world,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).

The Government of Canada through ACOA is contributing $195,000 over the next three years for festival marketing and program enhancements. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is also contributing funding to the PEI International Shellfish Festival to help expand international markets for seafood products.

“The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a professional promotion of the industry and the high-quality shellfish produced in Prince Edward Island, which is offered to markets all over the world,” noted the Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism. “The event helps promote our shellfish products, culinary talents, entertainment and hospitality – things that Prince Edward Island is famous for worldwide.”

The Province of Prince Edward Island is providing $27,500 through Tourism PEI, PEI Business Development, and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Aquaculture for the 2006 festival.

The City of Charlottetown will provide $7,500 to support the 2006 festival.

“The City of Charlottetown is a proud funding partner of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival,” said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee. “The festival creates a wonderful opportunity to give more exposure to the shellfish industry while creating a fun and energetic event that attracts visitors to Charlottetown in the shoulder tourism season.”

“People who come to this year’s festival are in for a real treat,” said Liam Dolan, festival co-chair. “Not only will they get to sample the best shellfish around, but they’ll get to watch world-class oyster shucking and some premiere musical acts.”

Program Highlights:

• Enhanced Culinary Institute of Canada Food Pavilion where guests can sample PEI shellfish, get professional tips on preparing shellfish and watch recipe demonstrations. • Two Continents Oyster Shucking Showdown featuring Europe’s top five oyster shuckers competing against the top five in North America in a relay format. • First ever JP’s Shellfish World Invitational Oyster Shucking Championship featuring the best and fastest oyster shuckers in the world. • Music from Canadian country music sensation Emerson Drive, Stephanie Cadman, Richard Wood, Celtic Ladies, Cynthia MacLeod and many others. • Returning festival favorites: Paderno PEI Chowder Championship, Raspberry Point PEI Oyster Shucking Championship, Milk International Chowder Championship, Go Deep International Tie One On Mussel Competition, Mott’s Clamato “Best Caesar in Town” Contest, “Keep on Shucking” with Frank’s RedHot® Oyster Shucking Demos. • International Shellfish Chef Challenge. • International Prince Edward Island Shellfish Chef Challenge Gala Gourmet Dinner. • The World is Your Oyster free children’s program. • Marine Touch Tank presented by the Atlantic Veterinary College.

BACKGROUNDER

The 2006 Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival

The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival began in 1996 and has grown into one of the largest festivals on the Island. The festival, which takes place each year on the third weekend in September on the historic Charlottetown waterfront, offers a unique opportunity to promote Prince Edward Island shellfish by providing a variety of venues where it can be sampled and enjoyed.

Best described as a "great big kitchen party," the festival appeals to a broad base of visitors and Islanders alike, with activities and entertainment to suit a wide range of ages.

Last year’s festival, the tenth annual edition, saw a 25% increase in attendance from the previous year, with 47.6% of the attendees from outside Prince Edward Island.

2006 Event Schedule:

Each year, visitors to the event are treated to the very best in shellfish. This year will be no exception. Once again, chefs and students from the Culinary Institute of Canada will prepare such delectable treats as oysters, mussels, chowders, and other shellfish dishes.

As is the case every year, oyster shucking competitions will feature some of the foremost competitors in the world. The Two Continents Showdown will see Europe’s top five oyster shuckers competing against the top five in North America in a relay format. In addition, the first pan-Atlantic shucking showdown ever held in North America will feature 20 of the best competitors in the world.

This year’s entertainment will be world-class as well. Canadian country music sensations Emerson Drive and fiddler/stepdancer Stephanie Cadman are among this year’s many performers.

Festival Management:

Tourism Charlottetown and the Prince Edward Island Convention Partnership is contracted by the organizing committee to coordinate and market the event to its full potential. This relationship has led to the development of new sponsorships, enhanced programming, increased media exposure and new off-Island marketing initiatives.