Community homecoming to be held July 13-15, 2018

Tide Fest will be back July 13-15 2018 at the East Hants Sportsplex, following a successful inaugural event this past summer. Kody Blois, President of the Come Home East Hants Association, confirmed that the event will return July 13-15, 2018, explaining that organizers felt it was worthwhile to pursue a second event.

“The feedback was extremely positive, our association was able to make a small surplus in year 1. Ultimately, we felt there was a lot of benefit to the community, so that guided our decision to pursue the concept for at least another year,” explained Blois.

The 2017 event saw an estimated 3,500 people attend the various events, which included a Guinness World Record attempt for the largest washer toss tournament; a ball hockey tournament; the East Hants Sport Hall of Fame Induction ceremony; a music festival; a sport and cultural fair open to the public; and food vendors of local businesses and community groups.

The event drew significant media attention particularly around the World Record attempt, and participants travelled from New Brunswick, Newfoundland, Alberta, and British Columbia. “On Sunday at the washer toss tournament we live streamed on Facebook and reached over 200,000 people. There were people tuning in from Florida and California and we gained a lot of exposure,” said Blois.

“We have a lot of data and feedback from those who purchased tickets online, and we’re working with the numbers to provide an estimate of the benefit of last year’s event.” explained Blois. Although economic impact estimates are not yet available, it is expected the 2017 event created over $300,000 worth of spending in the community.

So, what can participants expect for Tide Fest 2018? Details are still being finalized, but it seems much of the same that drew positive feedback in year one. A return of the popular washer toss tournament, ball hockey, and music are all planned. Organizers hope to have a community component friendly to families, food trucks, and the possibility of antique car show is being explored.  

Tide Fest in 2018 also falls on the weekend prior to the popular Grand Lake Poker Rally, and Kempt Shore Music Festival, something Tide Fest organizers say is a benefit. “Nova Scotia in the summertime, regardless of the weekend is busy, we certainly hope that those who may have been torn of where to go last year will check out Tide Fest this year”.

For more information on Tide Fest, including announcements as they become available can be found at www.tidefest.ca or on Facebook by searching “Tide Fest”.