Back in the swing of things: recent highlights from AL’s community festivals and events program
It’s been a busy year for festivals and events across Atlantic Canada.
After several years of necessary cancellations and restrictions, festival season is back in full swing and we’re thrilled to help our partners celebrate. Atlantic Lottery has proudly sponsored more than 100 community events since April, with more on the horizon.
“Our sponsorship program is one of many ways we deliver on our commitment to making meaningful contributions to Atlantic Canadians,” said Abbey MacDonald, Atlantic Lottery program manager of sponsorship. “Our goal each year is to support community events in every corner of our four provinces. We’re proud to play a role in bringing people together and helping them celebrate this place we call home.”
The Community Festivals and Events Program supports everything from agricultural exhibitions to music festivals to come home years. At the heart of the program are grassroot events that bring friends, families and neighbours together to foster a sense of community and belonging.
Here’s a look at just a few of the many events we have recently had the opportunity to support:
- Afrifest
Afrifest showcases the rich arts and culture of the African diaspora in Nova Scotia. Organized by the Africa Festival of Arts and Culture Society, thousands of people gather along the Halifax waterfront each summer to take in the festival’s drumming, dance, visual arts, music, food, and workshops. Atlantic Lottery has partnered with Afrifest since 2017, and this year was honored to receive the Afrifest Community Award for our ongoing support.
- Blues d’la Baie Festival
Atlantic Lottery is a major sponsor of the Blues d’la Baie Festival in northern New Brunswick. This four-day event features performances by renowned and emerging blues musicians from the local region and around the world. We were at the festival this year with our 360 Photobooth to help attendees celebrate and capture the moment. It was heartwarming to see the community of Petit-Rocher open its arms with rich Acadian hospitality and transform into a destination for thousands of blues lovers.
- Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival
Seafood, potatoes and beef, oh my! Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival is two-week culinary celebration of the autumnal harvest on Prince Edward Island. Ingredients from the island’s fields and bays take center stage at unique venues, such as a lobster party in a rustic barn or a lavish tasting menu beside the ocean. This year marked the festival’s 15th anniversary and Atlantic Lottery was proud to be the presenting partner of Fall Flavours’ ‘Cheers to 15 Years’ anniversary program.
- Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Fest
Preserving and celebrating local culture is often at the heart of community-based events, and that is no different at the Newfoundland & Labrador Folk Festival. For more than 45 years, the NL Folk Arts Society has hosted a toe-tapping and hand-clapping weekend filled with music, food, workshops and crafts in Bannerman Park, St. John’s. We loved attending and learning about the important contributions that Newfoundland’s folk arts have made to the musical fabric of Canada over the years.
- Celtic Colours International Festival
When October hits, take a drive to Cape Breton to see the red, yellow and orange hues of the changing leaves. And while you’re there, don’t miss the Celtic Colours International Festival! With hundreds of events across the island, the festival celebrates Cape Breton’s living traditional heritage, including its Celtic, Mi’kmaq and Acadian influences. As a long-time sponsor of Celtic Colours, we recommend visiting the Late Night Festival Club in St. Ann’s. With surprise performances from world-class artists, you never know who will show up on stage.
- MOSAIQ Multicultural Festival
Each summer, the MOSAIQ Multicultural Festival invites attendees to explore the diverse tapestry of stories, cultures and perspectives that make up the province of New Brunswick. The Multicultural Agency of Greater Moncton Area welcomes community-based organizations to Riverfront Park to share their heritage through music, art, food, and demonstrations. With Atlantic Lottery’s Head Office located in Moncton, this festival is close to home for many of our employees and it’s always inspiring to be part of the inclusivity and connection at MOSAIQ.
- Norris Point Come Home Year
There’s nothing sweeter than a long-awaited homecoming! Located in northwestern Newfoundland, Norris Point is a rural community with a population of less than 1,000. Like many small towns in Atlantic Canada, Norris Point hosts an annual Come Home Year to remind residents – both current and former — of the wonders in their own backyard. This is especially true for this little town, which is nestled close to Western Brook Pond and Gros Morne Mountain.
- PEI Pride Festival
Atlantic Lottery is a proud sponsor of the PEI Pride Festival, which takes place in various locations across the island to raise awareness for the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. This year, the organization celebrated 28 years of proudly promoting love, diversity and inclusion. PEI Pride hosts dozens of events during the festival, including drag shows, workshops and family picnics, which culminate in the annual Pride Parade. Employees from Atlantic Lottery’s Red Shores joined allies and community members in this summer’s parade to show their support.
Do you have a community event or festival that needs support?
Atlantic Lottery accepts sponsorship applications all year long. However, for events held between May 1 and August 31, applications must be submitted no later than March 15. With this date quickly approaching, we encourage organizations with an upcoming event to apply.
More information, including funding restrictions and the application form, can be found here: www.alc.ca/sponsorships. Applicants will be advised of the status of their request no later than April 1.