The launch of Canfest 2010 was inordinately successful and our committee received overwhelming thanks and support from many businesses in town. As with all festivals, we learned many things but the greatest was how much Port Stanley needs events such as Canfest and how wide our demographic appeal truly is.

Our objective has always been to lay the foundation for the future success of Port Stanley Canfest as an on-going, annual festival that generates continually increasing revenue and traffic for all of the local businesses in Port Stanley, while providing our visitors with a truly enjoyable and memorable experience.

Key to this has been the development of sponsoring partnerships. The funding our sponsors provide allows us to provide quality entertainment and services for our visitors and enhance the potential for marketing the festival.

Special note needs to be made of the continuing support from Canadian Heritage for the Canada Day fireworks display each year on main beach. This very popular event draws Canadians and visitors alike together to celebrate our wonderful country.

The strong support from Labatt's continues to be a major contributor in the number and quality of live bands the festival is able to offer, and the marketing partnership provided by Astral Media is indispensable to the success of the festival.

Two local sponsors also deserve special mention. The Municipality of Central Elgin has been instrumental in reducing costs associated with putting on this festival and in providing much-needed support services. As well, the work and financial support from the Port Stanley Fire Rescue Association volunteers have and continue to be pivotal in building Canfest into the successful festival we have envisioned from the start.

Last, but certainly not least, the support from our local businesses, Port Stanley BIA, and local community groups continues to encourage and inspire the festival organizers on the Canfest Committee each year. Without this community support this festival would not happen.

At this time I would like to publicly thank all of our sponsors and encourage all of our visitors to become familiar with our sponsoring business and the wonderful products and services they have to offer.

Sincerely,

Carol Gates
Port Stanley Canfest Committee Chair
Port Stanley BIA Chair
Owner, GT's Beach Bar & Grill