Mark your calendars
2017 Lobster Carnival bringing nostalgia back to Summerside
Three of Prince Edward Island’s passions – lobster, harness racing, and quality entertainment – will headline the 2017 edition of the Summerside Lobster Carnival.
With Culture Summerside at the helm, the name Summerside Lobster Carnival has been re-established in celebration of the nostalgia of the 61-year-old event.
Following tradition, the carnival will also return to the grounds of Credit Union Place to reunite with the city’s biggest harness racing event.
The carnival will be reduced from seven days to three, running from Thursday, July 13, through to Saturday, July 15, ending with the Governor’s Plate race.
In planning the 2017 carnival, Culture Summerside researched the history of the carnival and asked for community feedback. This year, East Coast Amusements Midway will bring back some of the bigger rides, while a petting farm and other displays will be onsite.
As per the carnival’s original mandate, celebrating the role of lobster in Island culture and economy will take centre stage through numerous lobster demonstrations, taste-testing opportunities, lobster meals and competitions.
Island Chef Robert Pendergast will be the event chef. Pendergast began his career in 1990 and spent five years in Montreal where he was exposed to various roles that came with being a catering cook and assistant. He spent several years working throughout western Europe, Canada and eventually returned to P.E.I. in 2003. Other Carnival events will include, the step-dancing competition, the P.E.I. Mutual Youth Talent competition, other musical performances and carnival-style shows geared to all ages.
Returning as a fan favourite is the parade, set for Saturday, July 15, at noon.
“We are making an early announcement of the carnival lineup to build a sense of excitement in the community and to encourage participation at various levels. Be sure to mark the dates in your calendar now,” advised Lori Ellis, manager of Culture Summerside. There will be some ticketed events, but admission to the carnival grounds and many activities are free.
Further details will be released Friday, March 31, at Credit Union Place, Summerside, from 7 to 9 a.m., when the public is invited to taste test lobster dishes by Chef Pendergast.