Partner Profile


25 HIGHLIGHTS of the 25TH ANNUAL
EDMONTON INTERNATIONAL STREET PERFORMERS FESTIVAL (LOVINGLY KNOWN AS “STREETFEST”)

1. Over 1500 outdoor performances will take place on the StreetFest site - Sir Winston Churchill Square - between July 3 and 12, 2009.
   
   
2. The StreetFest cast is comprised of over 50 performers from around the globe….from as close as Edmonton to as far away as Australia.
   
   
3. The StreetFest Media Launch will take place at Edmonton’s City Hall Plaza on June 30th at 10:30am. Here, Artistic Producer Shelley Switzer unveils the line-up of artists and events at the 25th Annual Festival…and features some of them in exciting “preview performances.”
   
   
4. StreetFest’s annual “fun”raiser, Feast of Fools, takes place July 2 in the Sutton Place Hotel Ballroom. Party-goers enjoy a feast of a dinner, delectable drinks, a special variety show previewing the 2009 StreetFest line-up, and a chance to bid in a great silent auction.
   
   
5. The StreetFest Opening Ceremony will take place in Sir Winston Churchill Square on July 3 at 11:30am. The festivities will feature the festival cast and a few “special guests.”
   
   
6. StreetFest programs activities for the young and young-at-heart at Kids’ World throughout the festival dates. Children’s performances, games, interactive playtime, and street shows geared to youngsters are the order of the day at Kids’ World.
   
   
7. Festival-goers can test their poise and showcase their talents as part of Be Your Own Busker programs in the ATB Financial Big Tent. From juggling to Hip Hop to face painting…workshops from the best on the street will be offered throughout StreetFest.
   
   
8. StreetFest presents its nightly Troupe du Jour performances July 3 – 11 at 10pm. Audiences gather on the steps in the Square for a zany variety show featuring a different cast of performers each night. Troupe du Jour is an evening of spectacle, laughter and fun for the whole family as the best in the world present the best of their act, new collaborative performances…and spontaneous silliness.
   
   
9. StreetFest proudly presents its heart-warming Comedy Cares program as part of its 25th Anniversary activities. Proving that laughter has the power to heal, festival cast members use their diverse talents to bring smiles, chuckles and giggles to patients, family and staff in local hospitals and long-term care facilities during the festival...and beyond.
   
   
10. It’s late, it’s mad…and it’s back for the 25th Anniversary. It’s Late Night Madness at the Library Theatre, July 10 and 11. Beginning at 11pm, Late Night Madness shows are zany, one-of-a-kind cabaret performances that have become a favourite of mature StreetFest patrons. Each show features a different cast, and is sure to push the envelope and stretch the laugh limit. Director of both 2009 Late Night Madness performances is Michael Kennard…aka “Mump” of “Mump and Smoot” fame.
    
    
11. The festival experience on Sir Winston Churchill Square is enhanced by talented balloon artists, facepainters and colourful rovers. Festival-goers will be thoroughly entertained during focused circle shows…and in between.
    
    
12. Street acts coming to the 25th Anniversary festival include a “who’s who” of the street performance scene including sword-swallower/magician Andrew Elliott, “living statue” Silver Elvis, and rover/comedian OJ Anderson.
    
    
13. Local acts from the Edmonton area who will be part of StreetFest 2009 include Jan Streader as Zu Zu the clown and human fountain John Ullyatt.
    
    
14. Over 200 volunteers will participate in the 25th Annual Fest to ensure all goes smoothly on the street and behind-the-scenes.
    
    
15. The 2009 StreetFest Board of Directors has a magician at the helm…seriously. Ron Pearson, an Edmonton-based magician and street performer has been president of the festival board for two years.
    
    
16. StreetFest expects to attract close to 250,000 visitors to the festival site over the ten day event. Locals and tourists alike love the festival and all the smiles and chuckles it readily delivers.
    
    
17. StreetFest 2009 will continue to be the best deal in town. The pass-the-hat tradition has been a key part of the festival since its inception 25 years ago. (Street performance is truly the last democratic art form…where the audience pays the artist what they feel the performance was worth. No admission is charged for the event, but a hat is passed after each performance. Edmonton audiences are known in the street performance world for their generosity.)
    
    
18. Festival-goers will find vendors on-site who sell everything from the best chicken boona in town, to snow cones and candy floss….all you need to keep you energized for hours of fun laughter.
    
    
19. StreetFest will offer shows every day – rain or shine. Schedules will be adapted, but no matter the weather – the shows go on.
    
    
20. The festival will present its popular “pick your nose” raffle once again. Festival-goers can purchase a “long stemmed nose” and enter to win a fabulous “celebrate Edmonton” prize package including thousands of dollars worth of activities, hotel, dining and attraction passes to enjoy right in our own back yard.
    
    
21. Bringing brand-new artistic work to StreetFest are performers who’ve been part of the festival cast in different incarnations in the past. Watch for new creations by rovers Rick Kunst of Toronto and Andrea House of Edmonton.
    
    
22. StreetFest 2009 will feature a number of special guests appearing at the festival’s Troupe du Jour performances. You may even catch them on the Square in a reminiscent circle show of their own. Among other longtime StreetFest faves, one of these special guests is David Aiken (aka The Checkerboard Guy).
    
    
23. Brand new to the StreetFest cast – for first time performances in Edmonton – are award-winning clown Fraser Hooper Strawberry and interactive comedy troupe Swank, both from England.
    
    
24. Some artists who’ll appear at the 25th annual festival, were also part of the 1st ever Edmonton StreetFest cast. Fire juggler and circus artist Dana Smith is still “on the streets” with a great act he now shares with his performing dog, Lacey. Also look for amazing acrobat and balancer Murph to be back on his ladder…and on the streets.
    
    
25. After 10 days of crazy fun, zany performers, and exceptional street performances, the 25th Annual Edmonton International Street Performers Festival will present a Closing Group Show on Sunday, July 12 at 3 pm. Members of the international cast will bid the citizens of Edmonton a fond farewell in celebration of another year of one of the world’s best-loved festivals.