Events tent in parking lot main venue for event

TYNE VALLEY — Organizers of the 2020 Tyne Valley Oyster Festival are still finalizing the exact location for this year’s key activities since the main site was destroyed in a December fire.

Festival dates are July 29 to Aug. 2 with the festival’s Rock the Boat Music Fest on Aug. 1 at its regular location, the Green Park campground.

Signature events, like the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship, Island trivia championship and a community awards show, were traditionally housed in the Tyne Valley and Area Community Sports Centre, which was destroyed by fire Dec. 29.

“We are confident oyster festival activities will take place in a large outdoor space by the rink,” said festival chairman Adam MacLennan. “With not having a rink to host this side of the festival and the unforeseen costs to host the events, we are working to minimize the financial costs for the 2020 festival.”

MacLennan said organizers are looking over the schedule and, in partnership with sponsors, are working to produce the largest, most successful lineup in the festival’s 57-year history.

Funds from the festival support the sports centre and this year’s proceeds will be going towards the cost of building a new arena.

Noye said shuckers from across Canada started reaching out to him since the old rink in his community was destroyed by fire.

“It’s a big thing for them, too,” he said.

“We think it’s our arena, but it’s also theirs, no matter where they are in the country. It’s a big deal to them and it’s kind of their P.E.I. home. It meant a lot to a lot of people.”