For the second year in a row, the Cavendish Beach Music Festival has won the Canadian Country Music Association's award for country festival, fair or exhibition of the year.
The popular event that draws thousands of people to Prince Edward Island each summer, beat out four other nominees to take home the top award for a festival. This included Big Valley Jamboree, Camrose, Alta.; Boots and Hearts Music Festival, Oro-Medonte, Ont.; Calgary Stampede, Calgary, Alta. and the Havelock Country Jamboree, Havelock, Ont.
Jeff Squires, president and CEO of Whitecap Entertainment, the organization behind the festival, says he’s “humbled” to receive this award for the second year in a row.
“It’s not a small feat to be recognized by industry as country festival of the year with so many amazing events happening around our country. I am incredibly proud of this festival and especially of the opportunity to showcase Prince Edward Island in the national spotlight.”
The festival already draws visitors from around the country and beyond. In fact, 75 per cent of attendees in 2019 were from off-island. The economic impact from the 2019 festival was $10 million in direct visitor spending within the province.
Along with the impact of the festival as a tourism product for P.E.I., the CBMF is a significant contributor to employment in the the province with $1.2 million in wages paid among full-time and short-term employees in 2019.
The growth and success of Cavendish Beach Music Festival over the years is incredibly remarkable, says Matthew MacKay, minister of economic growth, tourism and culture.
“To receive this award two years in a row certainly shows CBMF is recognized as a world-class festival. Congratulations, this is well-deserved recognition for everyone who helps make this festival come to life every summer.”
The festival has become a key component of the summer experience on P.E.I. Now, with two CCMA awards, the national recognition is sure to attract new interest not only for the festival but for the Island and repeat visitors alike.
Cavendish Beach Music Festival returns July 10-12, 2020. For more information, go to www.cavendishbeachmusic.com
