Charlottetown, PE, June 23, 2022 – The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival will feature a variety of celebrity and local chefs, oyster shuckers, fishermen, junior chefs and bartenders competing for over $22,000 in cash prizes. Festival-goers will experience the largest shellfish celebration in the smallest Canadian Province, with 3 days jam-packed with live competitions, Eastlink kitchen parties, celebrity chef culinary demonstrations and indulge in the world’s best shellfish.
“We are incredibly excited about the Garland Canada International Chef Challenge chef lineup at this year’s Shellfish Festival”, says Liam Dolan, Chair of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival. “For the first time, two local chefs from Prince Edward Island are competing. We are anticipating a fast-paced competition and look forward to welcoming chefs from across Canada and the United States.”
“The Government of Canada is committed to the recovery and growth of the tourism sector, which is driving economic development and creating jobs in all regions of the country. The 2022 PEI International Shellfish Festival marks a quarter-century of positive contributions to our economy; showcasing the Islands culinary excellence, outstanding entertainment, and unmatched hospitality. After two long years, it is more exciting than ever to welcome residents and visitors back to celebrate our Islands culture and take part in the 25th Anniversary of the PEI International Shellfish Festival.”
– Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA”
Chefs competing for the $10,000 cash prize are:
- Edgar Guttierez, Chef and Owner, Kanto Eatery; Edmonton, Alberta
- Carmen Ingham, Executive Chef, Wickaninnish Inn; Tofino, British Columbia
- Samantha Medeiros, Chef de Cuisine at La Palma and Casa La Palma; Toronto, Ontario
- Kyle Puddester, Chef and Owner, Fork; Mobile, Newfoundland
- Imrun Texeria, Chef and Owner, Wanderlust by Imrun Texeria; Toronto, Ontario
- Jamie Power, Executive Chef, Blue Mussel Cafe and Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House; North Rustico & Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Jaeyoung Park, Junior Sous Chef, Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar; Vancouver, British Columbia
- Ruby Gatt, Chef and Owner, Caffe Un Po’ Di Piu; Montreal, Quebec
- William Kresky, Chef de Cuisine, Richmond Station; Toronto, Ontario
- Andrew Smith, Executive Chef, Red Shores Racetrack & Casino; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Leia Gaccione, Chef and Owner, South + Pine American Eatery; Morristown, New Jersey
- Michael Roszell, Chef de Cuisine, Quaaout Lodge; Chase, British Columbia
Competition judges include Ned Bell, Owner and Executive Chef, Naramata Inn; Naramata, British Columbia; Paul Lillakas, Private Chef; Toronto, Ontario; and Nuit Regular, Co-Owner and Executive Chef; PAI Northern Thai Kitchen, Toronto, Ontario.
“The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is a beloved tradition for both Islanders and visitors. We can’t wait to welcome chefs, shuckers, fishermen and mixologists from across the country and the United States to showcase their talents and enjoy their delicious delicacies,” said Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture Matthew MacKay. “Congratulations on 25 years of fun, food and lasting memories. We look forward to celebrating this iconic festival for many years to come.”
The Junior Chef Challenge competition returns for competitors between 15 and 18 years of age. The festival is accepting applications now for those who love to cook and are comfortable cooking with shellfish, are outgoing and confident to compete in front of a live audience. The deadline for applications is July 7, 2022.
Other exciting competitions include:
- Irish Point Oysters Shucking Championship, September 16th and Raspberry Point International Oyster Shucking Championship, September 17th
- Mott’s Clamato Best Caesar in Town, September 15th and 16th
- Tie One On Mussel Industry Competition, September 17th
- PEI Potato Chowder Championship, September 17th and 18th
“We’re delighted to see the return of the PEI International Shellfish Festival, an event that showcases everything there is to love about Charlottetown,” said Charlottetown Mayor Philip Brown. “Building on 25 years of momentum, this festival will provide an opportunity for Islanders to enjoy vibrant entertainment and exceptional culinary talent at both the local and international level.”
Early bird pricing is available until July 31, 2022, or while supplies last. Tickets prices are $10 per Friday and Saturday afternoon only pass, $40 per Friday and Saturday all day pass, $10 per Sunday all day pass and $70 for the weekend pass. Tickets are selling fast. Shellfish bucks can be pre-purchased online now and used through tap at all vendors.
Join the conversation online #peishellfishfest | www.peishellfish.com
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More Information
Jennifer Paynter
Director of Marketing
Tel: 902-370-3397
jennifer@versatilegroup.ca
Web: www.peishellfish.com
Backgrounder: The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival is brought to you by the PEI Aquaculture Alliance and the PEI Shellfish Association. The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival takes place in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island at the Charlottetown Event Grounds on September 15th to 18th, 2022.
The Government of Canada, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is providing a $135,000 contribution to support the 25th PEI International Shellfish Festival.
Schedule of Events: https://peishellfish.com/schedule-events/
Online Media Kit: https://peishellfish.com/online-media-kit/
PEI International Shellfish Festival to celebrate its 25th anniversary
Charlottetown, PE, May 25, 2022 – It’s time to welcome back the PEI International Shellfish Festival taking place September 15th-18th in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Tickets for the 25th anniversary celebration are currently on sale with a variety of ticket options to accommodate all festival goers. New information about the festival was also announced today, including the Shellfish Festival’s exciting entertainment lineup, full schedule of events, and our guest chef hosting this year’s events.
The Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival will offer three jam-packed days and nights of shellfish celebrations, featuring an incredible line-up of live entertainment, as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The weekend’s festivities will be hosted by Chef Ned Bell, founder of Chefs for Oceans and Chef Ambassador for Ocean Wise.
“It’s great to be able to offer events again here in PEI and this September we couldn’t be more excited to be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival. There is no better place to showcase the renowned seafood, entertainment and community that PEI has to offer” said Liam Dolan, Chair of the PEI International Shellfish Festival. “We’re thrilled to be able to put on this event and welcome back our previous attendees. I think everyone is looking forward to reconnecting and celebrating our Island culture. We anticipate a busy festival so make sure to grab your tickets soon.”
Feast & Frolic, presented by The Lobster Fishers of PEI, is the perfect way to kick off the PEI International Shellfish Festival celebrations! Feast & Frolic is the ultimate event for shellfish enthusiasts, with a surf n’ turf meal prepared by local Chef Jesse MacDonald, Chef Andrew Smith and Canadian Chef of the Year, Irwin Mackinnon and live East Coast entertainment. This Fall Flavours Signature event will take place Thursday September 15th, at the Charlottetown Event Grounds.
This year’s headlining acts at the Shellfish Festival’s Eastlink Kitchen Party include Signal Hill, Big Bad Party Band and Ellis Family Band. The Love Junkies, Vintage 4.0 and Boys in the Kitchen will also make appearances on the main stage, along with other talented Island entertainers.
A new ticketing format at the PEI International Shellfish Festival will allow festival goers more flexibility to choose between an afternoon-only pass starting at $10, an all-day pass starting at $40, or a weekend pass starting at $70. The new afternoon pass will allow entry between 12pm – 5:30pm to enjoy the live competitions, food pavilion, and local entertainment on the mainstage, but excludes access to the tent during the evening headlining acts. Festival goers will also be able to enjoy contactless payment, with the introduction of a rechargeable card that can be pre-loaded with Shellfish Bucks and used through tap at all vendors.
Tickets for the PEI International Shellfish Festival are now on sale. Receive early bird pricing when you buy before July 31, 2022 at 11:59pm, or while supplies last. For more information and to purchase, please visit www.peishellfish.com.
“For 25 years, the PEI International Shellfish Festival has paired the best from land and sea with famous Island hospitality to showcase PEI’s culinary delights. I’m thrilled to see the return of this signature tourism event to celebrate the passion and dedication of the industry. As the sector recovers, we are proud to support its continued growth, which drives economic prosperity and creates jobs across the province and throughout Atlantic Canada.”
– The Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
“We can’t wait to welcome the big white tent back to the Charlottetown Event Grounds for the PEI International Shellfish Festival this September. More than ever before, Islanders and visitors are craving connection, excitement and delicious food. This festival is the perfect opportunity to get together with family and friends to enjoy everything Prince Edward Island is so well known for.”
– The Honourable Matthew MacKay, Minister of Economic Growth, Tourism and Culture
“It’s wonderful to see the great tradition of the PEI International Shellfish Festival return for its 25th anniversary. We have long looked forward to reconnecting with each other, and this festival is a terrific opportunity to enjoy the creativity and passion of our local performing artists, chefs and business owners.”
– Mayor Philip Brown, City of Charlottetown
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More Information
Jennifer Paynter
Director of Marketing
Tel: 902-370-3397
Email: jennifer@versatilegroup.ca
Web: www.peishellfish.com