FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PEI’s Two Biggest Culinary Festivals Set to Return in Full Force This September
July 19, 2021 – Charlottetown, PE – Canada’s Food Island is getting set to bring back its two biggest culinary festivals this September and both are gearing up to deliver jam-packed event schedules. The PEI Fall Flavours Festival and the PEI International Shellfish Festival will kick-off together for the first time with Feast & Frolic on September 16 at the Charlottetown Event Grounds.
“We’re delighted to be bringing the Fall Flavours Festival back this fall. We’re starting just after travel restrictions are fully lifted and extending the festival until Thanksgiving so more visitors can enjoy the festival,” said Mitch Cobb, chair of Food Island Partnership, the organization that spearheads the festival. “These past sixteen months have really reinforced how important our local farmers and fishers are to our Island community and the festival is a great way to show our support. We’re really looking forward to launching in partnership with the International Shellfish Festival, it’s just going to elevate the excitement to another level.”
The PEI Fall Flavours Festival will run from September 16th to October 10th in communities across the province. Visitors and locals can look forward to the return of popular Signature Events, including Toe Taps & Taters, Beef N’ Blues, and Savour Victoria. An exciting twist on Lobster Party and a brand new 3-day Street Feast in Charlottetown are also part of the festival’s enticing four-week schedule, along with plenty of other culinary events.
This year, Fall Flavours guest chefs, including Chef Michael Smith and Chef Chuck Hughes will be making appearances alongside popular Atlantic Canadian chefs that will be announced in the coming weeks.
The return of the PEI Fall Flavours Festival in 2021 is possible due to the on-going support of its returning title sponsor, Sobeys. The much-beloved Taste of Coastal Communities series is also back with the support of Atlantic Lottery. It will include a Taste of Georgetown, An Exclusive Evening at Red Shores, and an event in the North Cape region.
“We are thrilled that Fall Flavours is back this year and that Atlantic Lottery is able to sponsor the festival,” said Patrick Daigle, Atlantic Lottery President and CEO. “We are looking forward to celebrating the incredible food, culture and people that make Prince Edward Island so special.”
Marking its 25th anniversary this year, the PEI International Shellfish Festival is pulling out all the stops to welcome back loyal fans and impress new festival-goers during its four-day event, which runs from September 16th to 19th.
“After a pause in 2020 due to the pandemic, we are returning this September to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the PEI International Shellfish Festival,” said Liam Dolan, Festival Chair. “The festival has grown from a one day event on the waterfront to PEI’s largest culinary celebration and it is recognized internationally. There’s lots of excitement and anticipation for this year’s return.”
The festival’s signature kick-off event, Feast & Frolic, will take place on Thursday, September 16 and is catered by local chefs Irwin MacKinnon, Andrew Smith, and Jesse MacDonald, along with a guest celebrity chef still to be announced. This trio of talented PEI chefs will be collaborating to create an unforgettable feast of PEI lobster, oysters, mussels, and beef for the event’s 325 guests.
The famous Eastlink Kitchen Party will return and bring high energy and plenty of party vibes to the big tent. Festival-goers can also look forward to more live entertainment during the days in celebration of the Festival’s anniversary will support local musicians and entertainers post-pandemic.
Canada’s biggest shellfish festival will also be bringing back popular competitions including the PEI Potato Chowder Championship, the Tie-One-On Mussel Competition, Mott’s Clamato 2021 Shellfish Festival Caesar Competition, The Raspberry Point International & Irish Point PEI Shucking Competitions, and the NEW Garland Canada International Chef Challenge.
More announcements and tickets will go on sale for the PEI Fall Flavours Festival and PEI International Shellfish Festival on August 5th, 2021. For more information and the most up-to-date details, please visit www.fallflavours.ca and www.peishellfish.com.
For more information:
Jennifer Paynter
Director of Marketing | Fall Flavours & PEI International Shellfish Festival
902.370.3397
jennifer@versatilegroup.ca