FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 PRESENTED BY SUNCOR IS BACK THIS SUMMER IN A MODIFIED FORMAT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORT MCMURRAY FOOD FESTIVAL 2020 PRESENTED BY SUNCOR IS BACK THIS SUMMER IN A MODIFIED FORMAT
(June 12, 2020, Fort McMurray, AB) - The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor is returning this summer with a series of events modified to follow Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines as they relate to COVID-19. The fourth-annual Festival will take place from July 23-27, 2020. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting Waypoints, a local social profit organization that works to support and assist individuals and families of domestic violence, abuse, sexual assault and homelessness through prevention, treatment, intervention and referrals.
Suncor has been a key partner for the Fort McMurray Food Festival since its inception in 2017. This year Suncor has partnered as the title sponsor. Additionally, with respect to the current environment, Suncor has committed one of their professional advisors on health and safety to volunteer and support the organizers on COVID-19 safety protocol. This will help ensure official events are managed with the safety of our community members in mind.
“Suncor is proud to support the Food Festival. This will be an event that safely brings people together, promotes local businesses, and helps reconnect the community,” says Len Savoy, Suncor’s Manager of Stakeholder Relations and Community Partnerships.
The Fort McMurray Food Festival is organized by a committee of volunteers, who bring the community together to celebrate summer, support local restaurants, and raise funds for Waypoints. Although events this year will be adjusted for public health and safety, the core pillars of the Fort McMurray Food Festival remains the same.
“The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 is back for its fourth year, in a modified and safe way,” says Festival volunteer co-chair Krista Balsom. “Suncor’s commitment to the Festival and safety has always been strong, so it was a natural fit when they also offered to support the committee with a health and safety professional to advise us on how to carry out our festival in a safe way that will protect our community.”
The Fort McMurray Food Festival 2020 presented by Suncor has an objective to promote and support the local restaurants, pubs and food establishments that have struggled during these unpredictable times. The Food Festival will be working closely with participating businesses to cover costs while still creating a donation supporting Waypoints, making our community stronger together.
“We’re excited to be able to host the Fort McMurray Food Festival again this year. Although this year’s events are not exactly what we had in mind when we had our first committee meeting in January, I’m very pleased with the creative ideas and innovations the team has come up with to continue to celebrate the best of food and entertainment in our region and support such an amazing cause,” adds Festival co-chair Clarence Buchanan.
This year’s event line-up (see below) will have something for everyone. With a variety of options for families and the 18-plus crowd, all in COVID-modified formats to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.
“We’re grateful to Suncor for once again stepping up and being a great community partner. And to all of our local vendors, partners, and to the incredible volunteers that make the Festival happen,” says Waypoints Board Chair Cliff Dimm.
The Fort McMurray Food Festival Committee is looking forward to offering the community we call home a safe and fun festival that showcases just some of the wonderful places our region has to offer. We hope all residents will find some way to participate and enjoy the festival with us. If you are looking for more information about how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer or vendor with the 2020 festival, please visit our website at FortMcMurrayFoodFestival.ca or email Jason Beck at jason.beck@waypointswb.ca.
Website FortMcMurrayFoodFestival.ca | Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @YMMFoodFestival
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For more information please contact:
Jason Beckjason.beck@waypointswb.ca
EVENT LINE-UP
Taste of YMM Eats presented by Suncor
July 15-31, 2020 | In-restaurant purchase
To keep one of our original signature events this year “Taste of Fort McMurray” has been combined with our “YMM Eats” program. The COVID-modified format will see participating restaurants offer a tasting menu and guests will be able to vote online for their favourite and win prizes by participating. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Waypoints.
Best Pub Food Club
Friday, July 24, 2020 | Ticketed event
A festival favourite, this event will be COVID-modified to accommodate physical distancing and other AHS guidelines. Guests will visit local establishments and vote on the best food and drinks of the night. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Waypoints.
Anzac Beach Party
Saturday, July 25, 2020 | By donation
A beautiful day at the beach with BBQ and safe COVID-modified activities is the best way to enjoy a family fun summer Saturday. Donations to Waypoints will be accepted via tap on credit or debit cards.
Virtual Patio Party presented by Coldwell Banker Fort McMurray
Saturday, July 25, 2020 | By donation and purchase options
The Patio Party’s COVID-modified format means the event is going mostly virtual this year. With a few officially hosted locations throughout the region, the whole region will be able to participate on their own patios via Zoom. Participating restaurants will provide Patio Party Kits for pickup or contactless delivery with a portion of the proceeds donated to Waypoints. Virtual party-goers can compete against each other for prizes and bragging rights all-night long!
Strongman Community Breakfast presented by MacDonald Island Park
Sunday, July 26, 2020 | By donation
This event was a family favourite last year and the committee is happy to bring it back in a COVID-modified format. Bring the kids, watch some amazing feats of strength and enjoy a free stack of pancakes. Donations to Waypoints will be accepted via tap on credit or debit cards.
Food Festival Golf Classic presented by A.P.E Maintenance
Monday, July 27, 2020 | Ticketed event
Get your foursome together and enjoy an evening of golf, friendly competition and of course food! The golf course already has COVID-modified protocols in place and the organizers will be making sure our additional fun activities are just as safe. One thing will be unchanged: delicious food and beverages in this food and fun-forward tournament.
*Please note that all events are subject to change or be cancelled based on safety and environment concerns. We will continue to monitor to ensure we are in adherence with all AHS and government guidelines in relation to COVID-19.
If you are looking for more information about how to get involved as a sponsor, volunteer or vendor with the 2020 festival, please email Jason Beck at jason.beck@waypointswb.ca or visit the website www.fortmcmurrayfoodfestival.ca