CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Plans are already developing for the next Setting Day Culinary Festival after the success of the inaugural event last weekend.
The first-ever Setting Day Culinary Festival took place May 10-12 at the Charlottetown Yacht Club. Josh Ellis, executive director for Small Halls Inc., which organized the festival, said the goal for next year may be to have the festival in more than one Island location.
“We want to grow it and make it bigger next year, maybe spread it more across P.E.I.,” he said. “This is our first year, and we didn’t know what to expect, so we kept it in one central location.”
The festival is designed to celebrate the first catch of the season while giving thanks to the fishermen and women who dedicate their lives to putting fresh seafood on tables.
“They risk their lives every day to bring us fresh lobster,” said Ellis. “It’s quite a sacrifice that they’re putting forth.”
“We want to grow it and make it bigger next year, maybe spread it more across P.E.I. This is our first year, and we didn’t know what to expect, so we kept it in one central location.”
- Josh Ellis
Fishing and lobster were the overall themes of the festival, which included a chef’s competition, a ceilidh on the wharf, boat tours and more.
A fresh lobster feast, featuring three-time Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter David Francy, was the highlight of the festival.
“We made history,” said Ellis. “It was the first time the Charlottetown Yacht club had a three-time Juno Award-winner (and) four-time Canadian folk music award-winner perform.”
Music was plentiful during the festival with acts like Gordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys, Meaghan Blanchard and Dave Gunning.
Each of the events over three days was sold out.
Ellis said Islanders weren’t the only ones taking advantage of the new festival. People came from all around the world, including Japan, China and the United States.
Ellis said the festival comes at a good time of the year.
“People think that the only time people take vacation is July and August, but the fact is there are people who can’t travel in the summer because of their job,” he said.
