Buskerfest 2009 wants you!

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT YOUTH
ASSOCIATION

**************************
Buskerfest 2009 takes place Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9 on the streets of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario thanks to continued support from TenarisAlgomaTubes

The Busker Idol competition returns for a second run!

SAULT STE. MARIE, ON - (June 4) - Quickly growing into one of Sault Ste. Marie's most anticipated summer events, Buskerfest 2009 promises to be bigger, better and brighter than ever before.

The Sault Buskerfest Committee, under the direction of the Sault Youth Association (SYA), is proud to once again announce TenarisAlgomaTubes as the festival's title sponsor.

Through their on-going commitment to Buskerfest, TenarisAlgomaTubes and SYA will present the magic, wonder and whimsy that only professional street performers can provide.

The 6th Annual Sault Buskerfest takes place from Friday, August 7 through Sunday, August 9 on Queen Street between East and Spring.

Interested in being a part of the magic?

Here's your chance to help set the city on fire.

Performers

As a curated event, the Sault Ste. Marie Buskerfest features professional street performers from around the globe in order to maintain its high calibre of entertainment.

Acts are carefully chosen by the Sault Buskerfest Committee to ensure the festival reaches its full jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring potential.

Although the performer roster is finalized early into the event's planning, the Buskerfest Committee accepts applications year-round for consideration for future events.

Interested performers are encouraged to forward promotional materials, including website, video, photos, bio, show description, contact information and references, to:

Sault Ste. Marie Buskerfest
c/o The Sault Youth Association
44 Great Northern Rd., Unit 13
Cambrian Mall
Sault Ste. Marie, ON
P6B 4Y5

Your digital promotional package may also be emailed to us at [email protected] with the subject line "Buskerfest - Performer."

To ensure the safety of everyone involved, Sault Buskerfest performers are required to carry at least $1 million in liability insurance.

Performers who cannot provide proof of insurance will not be considered.

Volunteers

The Buskerfest Committee is currently seeking eager and energetic volunteers of all ages to help with various aspects of festival operations.

Volunteer duties may include; event set-up and tear-down, garbage clean-up, equipment security, concession sales, and information booth attendees.

Interested parties may contact the Buskerfest Volunteer Coordinator to request a volunteer application form at [email protected].

Please put "Buskerfest 2009 - Volunteer" in the email subject line.

Artists and Vendors

The Sault Buskerfest vendor categories are:

Arts and Crafts - Products for sale must be handmade by you and photos must be submitted with your vendor application.

Merchandise - Items for sale must be handmade by you and may include clothing, health and beauty products, furniture, etc. Photos must accompany your application.

Confections - This applies to all candy, drink and food products. Photos must accompany your application. It is the vendor's responsibility to meet the rules and regulations of the Algoma Public Health.

Non-Profit Organizations - A limited number of free spaces are available for local non-profit groups.

Other - This includes face painters, balloon artists, sidewalk chalk artists and caricature artists. Photos must accompany your application. The Sault Buskerfest Committee will choose only one in each style for participation in Buskerfest.

In order to be considered as a Buskerfest 2009 vendor, contact us by email at [email protected] with the subject line "Buskerfest 2009 - Vendor."

Please be sure to include a description or your product/craft/service and your full contact information.

All Buskerfest 2009 vendors must be from the Algoma District.

The vendor application deadline is Monday, July 6, 2009 at 5 p.m.

Special consideration will be given to vendors who have participated in Buskerfest in the past, and remain in good standing with the festival.

In order to maintain the unique feel of the festival, those who feature locally produced and/or handmade products, art and crafts will have an advantage.

Busker Idol

2008 saw the Sault's first-ever Busker Idol competition.

Not only did 10-year-old Amber MacKay backflip and cartwheel her way to winning a $100 gift card courtesy of the Station Mall, she also won the opportunity to be the first performer during Buskerfest 2009.

Do you have what it takes to outdo Amber?

Lets see it!

In front of a panel of judges, local entertainers will contend for the Busker Idol crown and be awarded the opening performance spot at next year's festival.

All performance disciplines and ages are invited to participate, however, those applicants under the age of 18 must provide written consent from their primary caregiver or parent.

You must reside within the Algoma District in order to be eligible.

Each performance must be no longer than five minutes in length including set up time.

Interested parties are encouraged to apply by sending an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Buskerfest 2009 - Busker Idol."

All entries must be submitted before 5 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2009.

Please be sure to include your full name, phone number and a brief description of your unique skill.

Buskerfest is held through the initiative and direction of SYA, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to working with youth and being advocates for youth in the city of Sault Ste. Marie to strengthen their community.

In addition to Buskerfest 2009, they launched The Fresh Magazine into the community in 2007.

Through support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation, YMCA, United Way and the City of Sault Ste. Marie, SYA continues to grow with plans to host a number of additional events and youth initiatives throughout the year.

**************************

More SooToday.com entertainment headlines