Cavendish Anticipates Boost from Sommo Festival

The picturesque community of Cavendish in Prince Edward Island is preparing for a bustling weekend as thousands are expected to attend the second annual Sommo Festival. With its offerings of music, food, and drink, the two-day festival has quickly become a staple event according to organizer Ben Murphy.

Murphy expressed enthusiasm about the festival’s growth, stating “We’d be close to double of last year, which is pretty impressive especially with the change of date.” With increased attendance expected, local businesses are preparing to extend their seasons to accommodate the influx of visitors. The festival, featuring renowned acts such as Vermont’s folk-pop artist Noah Kahan and Grammy-winning rock group Greta Van Fleet, promises a diverse musical lineup.

On the culinary side, the festival features interactive demonstrations, including those by TikTok personality Fritz from Old Time Hawkey. Fritz, excited to cook in the Maritimes, remarked, “First impression is awesome. It reminds me a lot of home.” He plans to prepare “pudgy pies,” a specialty from his region, emerging as a crowd pleaser.

The festival’s shift to September, as highlighted by business owners like Jane Doyle, a co-manager at Samuel’s Coffee House in Avonlea Village, has brought a notable increase in activity. Doyle mentioned, “Even earlier this week, it’s gotten a lot steadier,” implying the festival’s positive impact on local businesses that typically experience a slowdown in September.

The decision to reschedule the festival has been well-received, benefiting accommodation providers like Kenny Singleton, owner of Cavendish Bosom Buddies Cottage Resort. Singleton reported fully booked cottages, stating “We’ve been looking forward to this weekend — and with the weather, it’s just going to be amazing.” This enthusiasm is shared by business owners around the Cavendish Boardwalk, who hope for a business boost as festival-goers explore the area.

With promising weather forecasts and high expectations, Cavendish businesses are eager to capitalize on the Sommo Festival, hopeful it will prolong their busy season beyond its usual end. This sentiment is echoed by Devon Cudmore, president of Coastal Culture, who anticipates the festival attracting more visitors, leading to increased sales in items suited for cooler fall evenings.