Media Releases

Archway Insurance, Ultramar are platinum sponsors for ‘A Fest

Archway Insurance and Ultramar have stepped up in a big way to help this town celebrate everything that is Amherst.

The two local businesses have become platinum sponsors of the second annual ‘A Fest, which runs from Sept. 12-15, by donating $1,000 each towards the staging of the event.

“Archway Insurance is a proud member of the Amherst business community and is pleased to support ‘A Fest,” Archway’s Amherst office manager Ed Pettigrew said. “This event celebrates the many great things about living in or visiting our community. Thanks to the organizers for what is sure to be a memorable festival.”

“As a company with local employees, we like to be involved in the community and to support the local people where we can,” Ultramar branch manager Greg Smith said. “Sponsoring this great event that celebrates our community is just one way our company can do that.”

Deputy-Mayor Sheila Christie welcomed the donations.

“Archway Insurance and Ultramar are great corporate citizens,” Christie said. “Their contribution to this event and to many other community activities is just one of the reasons Amherst is a vibrant community that is a great place to live, work and play.”

The festival’s aim is to celebrate our community by offering a full schedule of events and activities for people of all ages.

One of the festival highlights is the Downtown Date Night on Thursday, Sept. 12. You are invited to take your favourite person to downtown Amherst, where participating restaurants are offering 2-for-1 dining specials. There will also be a scavenger hunt.

Blues Icon Theresa Malenfant and Scott Medford will also perform from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre on Sept. 12. Tickets are $15.

The official opening of the festival will take place on Friday, Sept. 13, at 5:30 p.m. in Victoria Square. Members of Amherst town council will serve healthy snacks prepared by D&E Smoked Meats following the opening ceremony. The Amherst Jr. A Ramblers will also be holding a corn boil and introducing the 2019-20 team.

In addition, there will be vendors and live music by Second Toe as well as a family outdoor movie – the Secret Life of Pets 2 – that will begin at about 8 p.m.

A Family Fun Day at Dickey Park will highlight Saturday, Sept. 14. Running from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., it features the Active Amherst Family Parade, laser tag, inflatables, petting zoo, walking trivia, ultimate bungee and more.

There will also be live music. Drew Moore will take the stage at 11 a.m. He will be followed at noon by Mike Blakeney. Ken Beattie will perform at 1 p.m. and The Siddals will entertain at 2 p.m.

The Amherst Jr. A Ramblers will battle the Summerside Western Capitals in their home opener, beginning at 7 p.m. Following the game, the Celebrate Canada Fireworks Show will be held at the Robb Complex beginning at about 9:30 p.m.

The final day of ‘A Fest, Sunday, Sept. 15, will feature the annual Terry Fox Run, beginning at 9 a.m., the Battle of Britain ceremony, starting at noon, and the Legion Hootenanny, which begins at 3 p.m.

For a full list of events go to amherst.ca.