Jack Frost Festival questions worry tourism

The increasing likelihood that there will be no Jack Frost Festival in Charlottetown this February has officials at the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I. worried.

For nine years the festival was run by Tourism Charlottetown, but that group is no longer putting on events and so far no one else has come forward to take it over. Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee said last week if a new organizer is not found by early next week it would be unlikely the event could be organized in time.

"The big concern obviously for tourism operators is the gap that it will leave," said TIAPEI executive director Don Cudmore.

"Jack Frost did a great job of filling hotels in Charlottetown and surrounding areas. The restaurants were all busy. It just caused a lot of activity and economic benefit for the Charlottetown area, and further I think. And so to try and fill that gap in February is very difficult."

Cudmorestill hopes someone will come forward to take it over or come up with some sort of replacement event.

Jack Frost attracts families from around the Maritimes. Last year 14,000 people attended.