Country singing competition returning to lobster carnival

SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. – An old favourite event is returning to this year's Summerside Lobster Carnival following a 22-year hiatus from the festival.

In a May 6 release, the City of Summerside announced that an amateur country singing competition will return for the 66th installment of the carnival, which will take place July 5-6 in the Veterans Convention Centre at Credit Union Place.

The competition was a popular carnival event from 1985 to 2000, and Summerside Mayor Basil Stewart said he felt 2022 was the year to bring the it back.

This year, the Chad Matthews Band will back the singers during the competition.

On the first evening of the competition, 10 contestants will be selected to advance to the final round.

Summerside Chrysler Dodge will provide a $3,000 cash prize for first place, Kool Breeze Farms will provide the second-place prize of $1,000 and Anderson's Automotive will provide the third place prize of $500.

Well-known Island musicians Meaghan Blanchard, Scott Parsons and Cory Gallant will be judging the competition. CFCY's Hoedown host Darren MacPherson will emcee the event.

Those wishing to participate in the competition have until June 1 to enter through the Summerside Lobster Carnival's website.

There will be 20 contestants selected, and they will be notified of their selection by June 8,