It looked like it might be a good year. It turned out to be the biggest one yet.

Fall Flavours Festival organizers say attendance at the 2013 Festival was the biggest in its six year history. Total attendance was up more than 16 per cent over 2012, with even greater increases in attendance at the Festival’s key Signature Events, hosted by Food Network Canada guest chefs.

“Attendance this year was simply phenomenal,” says Chef Austin Clement, Chairman of the Prince Edward Island Culinary Alliance. “Event after event was full or very close to it, and feedback from patrons has been outstanding. Next year we’ll need new capacity if we are to keep up with demand. Fall Flavours is certainly showing that it’s a recipe for success.”

The 2013 Fall Flavours Festival took place September 6 to 29. In addition to adding three major new events to the 2013 lineup, the Festival featured eight Food Network Canada television celebrities as guest hosts.

Chef Clement says putting PEI’s outstanding food products in the hands of these renowned chefs produces amazing culinary experiences. “We’re putting on culinary events so good that people are coming from across North America and even further to attend. It’s a real tribute to event organizers and local chefs, as well as the celebrity chefs and food producers. For food lovers, it simply doesn’t get any better than this.”

The Festival included more than sixty different events, ranging from Signature Events hosted by Food Network Canada chefs to Culinary Events and Culinary Adventures. A Restaurant Dining program featuring fall-inspired menus at more than twenty PEI restaurants rounded out the Festival’s featured activities.

“Our Government understands that partnerships produce results, and we remain committed to working with industry partners to promote Canada as a top destination for tourism,” said the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency). “By supporting successful events like Fall Flavours, we are helping generate revenues for local economies and economic growth right here in Atlantic Canada.”

Planning is already underway for Fall Flavours 2014. With major celebrations and events for PEI 2014 taking place throughout the year in Prince Edward Island, Fall Flavours will be looking to bring something new to the table during 2014.

“Both the tourism industry and the province have worked very hard to develop events that showcase the Island and that increase visitation during the fall shoulder season,” said Minister of Tourism and Culture Robert Henderson. “The success of the Fall Flavours Festival is a testament to that hard work and to the excellent product we have on Prince Edward Island.”

“We’ve grown every year,” says Chef Clement. “Outstanding food, great chefs and hospitality that’s uniquely PEI make Fall Flavours something truly special. And just wait and see what all will be in store for us in September 2014!”

Michelle and Chris Gullickson of Alberta took part in the Fall Flavours Festival after winning a trip to the event.

“Getting to taste the best of PEI transformed by the various Food Network Chefs was never a disappointment and having the opportunity to meet a few of the celebrity chefs was very exciting,” said Michelle Gullickson. “Winning the trip to PEI and the Fall Flavours Festival was the opportunity of a lifetime, one to remember and cherish.”

The Fall Flavours Festival, held at venues across Prince Edward Island from September 6 to 29, is an initiative of the Prince Edward Island Culinary Alliance. The Culinary Alliance is a partnership between the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Prince Edward Island Departments of Tourism and Culture, Innovation and Advanced Learning, Agriculture and Forestry, and Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development, as well as industry representatives. The Alliance was created to develop innovative food industry partnerships, culinary experiences and promotional programs.

For information, visit www.fallflavours.ca or call 1-866-960-9912.