Committee names 2008 headline acts

LEWISPORTE - "We're here for a good time (not a long time)" and "Whatcha Gonna Do" are two of the songs you'll likely hear sung at the Lewisporte recreation complex this coming August.

Headlining at the 22 Annual Mussel Bed Soiree's concert in the park on August 9 will be rock icons Trooper and Chilliwack.

Derek Bennett, tourism and recreation director with the Town of Lewisporte said the 22nd annual Mussel Bed Soiree will run from August 7-11. The committee is well underway in the planning of this year's event.

"We have our concert entertainment confirmed," noted Mr. Bennett. "Opening is Young at Heart, then we will be having Chilliwack and our headline act will be Trooper."

This year's concert is slated for August 9 with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the concert starting at 7 p.m. Mr. Bennett said ticket prices will be the same as last year. Early bird tickets will be going on sale Monday, Feb. 25.

Mr. Bennett noted that much of the other entertainment for the weekend has also been confirmed.

"We have our entertainment booked for our adult Friday night dance - Bick and the Ball Points will be playing for that dance," he said.

A committee has also been struck and have begun organizing a Beat the Heat Christian Youth Concert. The committee is currently in the process of booking the entertainment for that concert as well.

Mr. Bennett said many of the other regular events are also in the planning stages such as the MuchMusic video dances, local talent throughout the weekend as well as games of chance and food concessions.

"We can't forget our very popular Boat Parade of Lights and fireworks display on Sunday evening," he said.

Mr. Bennett said the planning for this year's festival is going extremely well.

"Any individual or service groups who want to organize an event during the festival, we are more than willing to work with them," he said, "whether it is a meal or game or activity."

During the coming months the organizing committee will be soliciting for volunteers to help out during the Soiree.

Anyone wanting more information on the 2008 Mussel Bed Soiree can contact Mr. Bennett or special events coordinator Kim Oake at the town office (535-2737). He reminded people to keep watching The Pilot or the town website (www.lewisporte.com) for updates.