Live All Year at Edmonton International Airport

Edmonton Festival City in a Box has arrived at Edmonton International Airport, and it’s packed full of entertainment for airport guests.

Greater Edmonton is proud to host over 30 festivals throughout the year, drawing many tourists to the area. However, festivals aren’t the only thing attracting people to the city. Edmonton was named the 2007 Cultural Capital of Canada, and FIFA brought world-class soccer to Commonwealth Stadium this summer.

Edmonton International decided to take part in the excitement, partnering with Edmonton Festival City in a Box, an Edmonton Tourism initiative supported by TransAlta, to develop a live theming program called Live All Year at Edmonton International Airport.
The program is designed to transform the normal airport experience into a fun, vibrant experience by bringing live performances, interactive activities, and artistic displays to the terminal to promote Edmonton’s many festivals and special events. For example, jugglers, stilt walkers and other entertainers were at EIA during the Street Performers Festival, and foosball tables were placed throughout the terminal to honour the FIFA U-20 Men’s World Soccer Championship.

“Edmonton International is essentially the front porch to our city and region,” says Ken Fiske, Vice President, Tourism, Events and Motion Pictures, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, speaking about Edmonton International’s involvement with Festival City in a Box.

“The live performance program at the International is a great way to showcase Edmonton’s talent — what a tremendous first impression for our guests.”

As Edmonton continues to grow, the airport is getting busier. An estimated 10 million people will walk through the airport’s doors this year, whether they are coming, going, picking-up or dropping-off. Passengers are spending more time at EIA to ensure they clear security and make their flights on time. The live theming will keep airport customers entertained, and give them a sampling of the Edmonton festival scene and the region’s energetic culture.

Don’t worry; the fun won’t end anytime soon. Expect Live All Year at Edmonton International Airport to last beyond 2007.

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Note to Editors: A stilt walker will perform from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. today at Edmonton International on the Arrivals Level.

Edmonton International Airport is Canada’s fastest-growing major airport.

Media Contact:
Jim Rudolph
Manager, Corporate Communications
Phone: 780.890.8454, Cell: 780.717.5117
E-mail: jrudolph@flyeia.com