Charlottetown, PE, September 11, 2023 – This year’s PEI International Shellfish Festival presented by Dairy Farmers of PEI runs from Thursday, September 14th to Sunday, September 17th, a celebration of PEI’s world famous shellfish. Up to 10,000 people are expected to attend the 4-day festival that is jam packed with competitions, culinary demos and the biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada.
The Mott’s Clamato National Best Caesar in Town Competition is coming to the PEI International Shellfish Festival featuring bartenders and mixologists from across Canada who earned their spots on stage after winning their hometown competition. During the finals, the Caesars are auctioned off in the crowd and all proceeds go toward the charity of choice, We Care. In 2022, $1,450 was fundraised through the Caesar auction at the PEI International Shellfish Festival and a total of $53,091 was donated to We Care with 100% of the funds raised going directly to providing life-changing camp experiences for Easter Seals kids on PEI. The National Best Caesar in Town Competition will be held Friday, September 15 and the line up of competitors can be seen online.
The Gray Group is sponsoring the PEI International Shellfish Festival’s sustainability initiative. Through the oyster shell recovery program, the empty shells will be recycled at the festival. Oysters are helpful to the environment and clean the water as well as protect the land from storms and erosion. The festival sources sustainable dishware for its culinary demos, food sampling and food pavilion.
The Festival hosts world class chefs to compete in the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge and introduces chefs to PEI’s high-quality shellfish products. An industry tour on Thursday, September 14 will provide education and connections for industry to showcase their facilities and products for future export opportunities. The chefs will visit Atlantic Beef Products in Albany, Raspberry Point Oysters in Cavendish, Atlantic Aqua Farms in Stanley Bridge and Smith Farms in Kinkora.
Tickets are available online at www.peishellfish.com or at the on site box office at Charlottetown Event Grounds. For festival details, tickets, and the full lineup of events, please visit our website at www.peishellfish.com.
Quotes:
“This fun-packed, flavour-filled festival has grown into a major tourism draw for P.E.I., providing an economic boost at the end of the summer season, and further establishing the Island’s reputation as a year-round culinary destination,” said Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the ACOA. “I am proud the Government of Canada is supporting events and organizations like this one that build on the unique strengths and offerings of our region.”
“The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a great event where we get to showcase our local producers and our vibrant aquaculture industry,” said Honourable Cory Deagle, Minister of Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture. “I encourage Islanders to attend the festival and enjoy PEI’s amazing shellfish.”
“Charlottetown is thrilled to once again host the International Shellfish Festival and to showcase PEI’s world-famous shellfish right here in our city,” said Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown. “This festival has become a highlight of the year for residents and visitors alike, and plays a key role in driving economic, social, and cultural benefits into the fall.”
“We are setting the stage to shine a spotlight on PEI shellfish,” said Liam Dolan, Chair of the of the PEI International Shellfish Festival. “Our goal is not only to celebrate our exceptional shellfish industry but also to gain further exposure worldwide for our world-class shellfish on Prince Edward Island.”
“The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a September staple in Prince Edward Island that showcases incredible culinary experiences and chronicles the journey our food take from land and sea to table,” said Aidan Northcott, Dairy Farmers of PEI Marketing Coordinator. “As Title Sponsors of the Festival, we’re extremely excited to celebrate the festival this week and see everyone throughout the weekend. Don’t forget to pass the butter!”
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Backgrounder:
Oysters, mussels and lobster take centre stage during this 4 day celebration of PEI’s world-famous shellfish. Join us for a jam-packed schedule of exciting culinary competitions and demos by day, and roof-raising kitchen parties by night.
Supported by Fisheries, Tourism, Sport and Culture, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, City of Charlottetown, Innovation PEI and City of Charlottetown Special Events Reserve Fund, among many other valued partners, the festival has grown to become the world’s largest shellfish festival. Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is an initiative of the Prince Edward Island Shellfish Association and Prince Edward Island Aquaculture Alliance.
Tickets:
Tickets on sale now at www.peishellfish.com
Afternoon only ticket / $11.00 : Afternoon access from 12pm-5:30pm
All day pass / $44.00 : Bonus! With the purchase of an All Day Pass, you will receive a complimentary All Day Pass to the Festival on Sunday Sept 18, 2023
Weekend Pass / $70.00
Shellfish Bucks, our contactless payment system, can be purchased starting at $50 increments up to $500.