Borealis numbers out, more weekend passes given free than sold

More weekend passes were actually given out free (201) than were bought (102).

In total, there were 1456 people admitted throughout the weekend, but only 850 unique attendees were actually going in and out of the gates.

“The Borealis Music Festival is a new way for Prince Albert Tourism to generate revenue and to drive tourism in the summer when tourists typically just pass through,” said the City, in the external submissions document linked with the budget.

“The festival did not garner enough sponsorship dollars or reach the ticket sales numbers that it needed to generate a profit.”

At the top of the list, Mark-It Signs—who supplied all the signage put up around the city promoting the event—is owed $18,598.00. They declined to comment.

Absolute security is owed almost $8,000 for their services.

Other companies owed include media agencies, advertisers, hotels and individuals, totalling nearly $70,000.

Most notably, Prince Albert Tourism is owed around “$5,000, (or more).”

This has been enough to almost shut down the service.

“This has put Tourism in a very difficult financial position,” continued the City’s summary. “Tourism needs assistance to pay off the festival debts and to keep the organization operating.”

Tourism has requested an $80,000 loan from the City to pay off the remaining debt.

Originally, this was declined by council, but it has been included in part of budget deliberations.

This loan would be on top of the $20,000 granted all ready, just for tourism to finish off 2015.

Immediately following the first festival, talks of a second Borealis being in the works arose. Recently, there has been no word on the future of the event.

Prince Albert tourism CEO Amber Pratt declined to comment.

Some noteworthy expenses:

Kinsmen Park usage- $5,000.00

Liquor- $5,546 (liquor revenue was $12,057.30)

Portable toilets- $8,890.00

Bracelets- $1,500.00

Total venue- $55,938.81.00

Signage- $20,814.15

Total Marketing- $109,046.22

Total security- $17,153.85

Talent fees- $71,662.50

Talent care (hotel, food) – $11,017.51

Total program- $88,759.93

Main stage lighting and sound- $41,163.46

Total production- $42,297.46

Additional expenses $2,996.15

Total expenses- $316,192.78

news@panow.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow

Correction: Liquor expenses originally published were inaccurate. The amount has been corrected.

by Alex Soloducha

Borealis numbers out, more weekend passes given free than sold

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