Increased investments in the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival have allowed the festival to expand and attract a wider audience, says Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Ron MacKinley.

“The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival has been a popular draw in western Prince Edward Island for 50 years,” said Minister MacKinley. “These investments will allow the festival to grow and attract a wider variety of visitors which should have a positive impact on local business, the surrounding community, and the oyster industry.”

The Department of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development has provided the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival with $38,775 through the Island Community Fund to build the necessary infrastructure needed to host the festival’s “Rock the Boat” concert, a new event added to this year’s festival. The department has also invested $5,000 to sponsor the Canadian Oyster Shucking Championship and the festival’s attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the most oysters shucked in one hour by 10 oyster shuckers.

“The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival continues to grow in popularity each year and we are pleased with the level of support we have received from the provincial government to develop a concert site at Green Park to continue to expand our festival,” said Jeff Noye, President of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival.

“The Province of Prince Edward Island values our rural communities and the people who live and work in them,” said Minister MacKinley. “We will continue to place a priority on projects that enhance economic opportunity and ensures the long-term sustainability and growth of our communities.”

The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival runs from July 31 to August 3. For more information on the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival visit www.peioysterfest.com.