CHARLOTTETOWN, P.E.I. — Robbie Doherty says being added to the Old Home Week lineup this year is a dream come true.
A press conference was held in Charlottetown on Wednesday where details around the Aug. 9-17 event were announced.
Doherty, 30, a children’s entertainer, made a pitch to the Old Home Week committee to bring his show, Silly Robbie, to this year’s festival.
“For me, it’s special because I grew up here,’’ Doherty said. “A lot of time the (Old Home Week) entertainers are not from here. They might be fabulous entertainers, but they might not have that sentimental feeling, which it does for me. Old Home Week, I never missed a day when I was little. I’ve never missed a parade.’’
One of the reasons Doherty got into children’s entertainment was he had the opportunity to fill in with a group from Toronto three years ago.
“I knew then this is what I want to do.’’
So, this past year he decided to make a pitch to the Old Home Week committee and he was successful.
“Hopefully this is the start of big things.’’
Other children’s entertainment includes Kids Wild West and All About Screams.
More than 80,000 people are expected to walk through the gates to see the agricultural, 4-H and Women’s Institute displays, ride the Campbell Amusement rides and watch the harness racing. Big ticket items like the Sounds of the Island Concert Series, the P.E.I. leg of the Maritime 4-Horse Hitch Classic and the youth talent competition are also back.
Monday, Aug. 12, will be Acadian Day at the exhibition grounds in recognition of the 2019 World Acadian Congress (Congrés mondial acadien) which P.E.I. and New Brunswick are hosting, Aug. 10-24.
Claudette Theriault, chairwoman of the congress, said she’s happy that Charlottetown is one of several host municipalities, adding that it makes perfect sense to include it as part of Old Home Week.
“Bringing communities and people together, this is what Congrés mondial acadien is all about,’’ Theriault said.
Sandra Hodder Acorn, general manager of Old Home Week, said the event is literally engrained into the Island culture.
“It’s (part) of the Island way of life, that for nine days in August you come to Old Home Week,’’ Hodder Acorn said. “I think that’s what keeps it alive. It’s traditions passed from generation to generation.’’
Details were also unveiled about the 58th annual Gold Cup Parade on Friday, Aug. 16.
The theme is Vive l’Acadie, again celebrating the World Acadian Congress. Lt.-Gov. Antoinette Perry will serve as the parade marshal and will be accompanied by iconic Acadian figures Gabriel and Evangeline.
Ray Murphy, chairman of the parade, encourages everyone to incorporate the theme into their floats.
Children’s entertainers Paw Patrol and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back in the parade and will take part in a special meet-and-greet at the exhibition grounds at 2 p.m. Admission to the grounds will be free for children 12 and under from noon to 2 p.m. on parade day.
Need to know
- Event passes are $25 and will be available as of July 1
- Passes are available at all Murphy’s Pharmacies, Red Shores Charlottetown and Summerside and Eastlink Centre
- Midway bracelets will be available in advance as always with a portion of the proceeds to the Children’s Wish Foundation
- For more information, visit www.oldhomeweekpei.com
