Atlanticade returns to Summerside

Summerside ready for Atlanticade 2021

“The bikers that we’re talking to … are so excited to get back and see their friends that they normally see every year at Atlanticade.” JP Desrosiers

City of Summerside

SUMMERSIDE — For the first time since 2014, Atlanticade is back in Summerside from Friday, June 30 to Monday, Aug. 2 and festival attendant Gilles LeBlanc is eager to take part.

“My wife and I are excited to go,” said LeBlanc, from New Brunswick.

LeBlanc used to work for a motorcycle dealership in Dieppe and had been to Summerside’s Atlanticade three times before as a vendor.

This year, though, is the first year he’s come as a participant; he likely would’ve gone last year, if it were not postponed due to the pandemic.

“(I was) a little bit discouraged,” he said, “but it was a good call.”

JP Desrosiers, director of community services for Summerside, said there was skepticism if Atlanticade would be on in 2021.

After having their operational plan approved by public health, Desrosiers said he’s “pumped” to see the event persevere during COVID-19.

“It’s certainly long-awaited,” he said.

Although Summerside has hosted Atlanticade in previous years, 2021 marks the first year the city has owned and operated the event.

According to Desrosiers, the city had purchased the rights to the festival due to how it brought people from off-Island to P.E.I. and benefited the city and its tourism industry.

“To be able to bring a boost of new visitors across the bridge and then spending money here is ideal,” said Desrosiers. “Then, obviously, to showcase our hospitality and our event operations here in Summerside.”

In addition to group motorcycle rides, there will also be live entertainment at Green Park; Ribfest will also be happening at the same time and place.

Due to the pandemic, the event is smaller than it has been in previous years. Still, Atlanticade’s VIP passes have been quickly selling.

Although P.E.I. only recently began opening to the rest of Canada, Desrosiers said that around 90 per cent of those registered are from outside P.E.I.

“The bikers that we’re talking to … are so excited to get back and see their friends that they normally see every year at Atlanticade,” said Desrosiers, “and take in the events, and obviously take in P.E.I. in the summer. P.E.I.’s just a great place to ride a motorcycle.”