Around town

Summerside celebrates its business community at CUP

More than 1,200 people visited Saturday as local business and organizations were brought together under one roof, in a family-friendly day of discovery and celebration. Members of the public were able to weave their way around “town” and explore a bustling marketplace atmosphere at the Credit Union Place. One of the 75 participants at the event, Catherine Arsenault, of the Silver Fox Entertainment Complex, was giving away fresh Malpeque oysters.

“In the beginning of June, on the top deck at the Silver Fox overlooking the harbour, we are going to have a new oyster bar,” explained Arsenault. The marketplace included pop-up commerce, food trucks and vendors with a seating area, interactive displays, and activities for the kids such as, the biggest bouncy castle on the Island.

Go Girl! Fashions and Accessories Inc. had two young models, Allison Kelly and Rebecca Pike, confidently showcase the store fashions and accessories around the marketplace. “We cater to all groups from the young 20-year-olds to the more mature lady, and different designer fashions,” said owner, Paulette Barke, who also switched outfits from their selection and went from wearing an elegant black dress to causal-smart office attire with eye-catching accessories. Culture Summerside had passersby pause for breath as history came alive through its projected movie screen in honour of Canada’s 150th celebrations.

“What we are seeing today are characters from our past that have come back to talk about the building of Canada,” said board member Lori Ellis. “The characters are people who have built Canada from their hands – farmers, fishermen, blacksmiths – so they are coming back to spark up conversations with contemporary society, pass on advice and information or, perhaps spark up some new dialogue about the future of Canada,” she said. Choose Summerside, presented by the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Summerside and Explore Summerside, was an opportunity to shine the spotlight on the city and its local business scene as a great place to live, work

and raise a family.

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER Kassidy Arsenault dressed as Tracker the search and rescue dog, Fallon Arsenault with Woot the friendly owl, and Rachel Bourgeois of P.E.I. Ground Search and Rescue were among the participants at the CUP on Saturday. “We teach children how to stay...

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER One of the 75 participants at the CUP event, Catherine Arsenault, of the Silver Fox Entertainment Complex, was handing out fresh local Malpeque oysters to shuck.

DESIREE ANSTEY/ JOURNAL PIONEER Allison Kelly, owner Paulette Barke, and Rebecca Pike all showcase a selection of outfits and accessories from the Go Girl! Fashions and Accessories Inc. fashion truck.