Businesses in Cavendish area have high hopes for Sommo ...

Connor Lamont · CBC News

· Posted: Sep 13, 2024 5:00 AM EDT | Last Updated: September 13

Concertgoers aren't the only ones excited for this weekend's Sommo music, food and drink festival in Prince Edward Island.

Some Cavendish businesses are staying open a little later this year to try and take advantage of the increase in traffic. 

Jane Doyle, a co-manager at Samuel's Coffee House in Avonlea Village, said she'll likely be too busy at the shop this weekend to take in any of the festivities. 

"We're already starting to see a difference," she said. "Even earlier this week, it's gotten a lot steadier. September tends to slow down, but with the amount of people coming, we're seeing a difference."

Samuel's is usually closed this time of year because there aren't enough people around to justify staying open, but this September, they've already seen twice as many customers as normal.

The coffee shop is very happy about Whitecap Entertainment's decision to move Sommo Festival from the summer to the fall. 

"It's nice to move it to the end of the season and still have a lot of people around instead of it just slowing down drastically," she said. 

The date change for the festival has also been music to the ears of accommodation companies.

Kenny Singleton, who owns Cavendish Bosom Buddies Cottage Resort, said all of his cottages are completely booked up this weekend with Sommo attendees. 

"It's been sold out since they announced it," he said. "We've been looking forward to this weekend — and with the weather, it's just going to be amazing."

The forecast is calling for sunny and mild days, with just a chance of showers Friday night.  

Singleton said many of the people staying in his cottages are also returning guests from last year.

He said other large fall events like the International Shellfish Festival and the Fall Flavours Festival have been great for his bottom line as well.

"I'm hoping that this is where it's set now, in September," said Singleton. "The weather is still great and anything that we can do to extend our shoulder season, we're all for it."

The Sommo Festival buzz is also present at the Cavendish Boardwalk. 

Shawn Donovan, the owner of Captain Scott's Fish and Chips, said many businesses on the boardwalk and around town are staying open for the festival. Donovan isn't sure what to expect for this weekend, but said he's heard a lot of good things about the event. 

"I'm excited. Hopefully it brings a lot of people and the Island gets busy this time of year. It'd be good," he said.

Donovan said he's noticed more people on the boardwalk this week than usual. He thinks it's connected to the festival, since business tends to slow down a bit in September.

"Labour Day is a busy day and then it just drops," he said. "It's pretty slow for a lot of businesses."

He's optimistic the Sommo Festival will drive in some more people to eat this weekend.

Devon Cudmore, president of Coastal Culture, said the festival can be a bump for clothing stores like his as well. 

"With the cooler fall evenings, once that sun goes down, the temperature will drop," he said. "So I think we'll be selling a lot of fleece products this weekend."

Cudmore said the bonus of large concerts like the Sommo Festival is that people often stay for longer than just the event, especially if they're coming from far away.

"I had some customers today flying in from Vancouver Island just for the concert," he said. "So I think that's great, and I'm sure they've extended their stay… having travelled across the country."