One of Lakeland’s largest summer festivals is returning in 2026, and organizers say the event continues to generate significant economic benefits for the region.

Representatives from the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce appeared before the M.D. of Bonnyville council on June 9 to provide an update on Feast at the Beach and request additional municipal sponsorship support for the event.

The annual waterfront festival will return to Kinosoo Beach on September 4 and 5, during the Labour Day long weekend, after a break in 2025.

Organizers say the event has grown into a regional attraction that draws thousands of visitors from across the Lakeland and beyond.

“We’re back stronger than ever for 2026,” Chamber Chair Spencer Ferguson told council.

Thousands expected at Kinosoo Beach

According to information presented to council, Feast at the Beach typically attracts approximately 8,000 attendees over the two-day event, with an estimated 30 to 35 percent of visitors coming from outside the Cold Lake area. About 10-15 percent stay overnight in local accommodations.

The festival features live entertainment, food trucks, family programming, a children’s zone, and licensed beer gardens, all offered free to attendees.

Organizers said the event is designed to bring the Lakeland together while showcasing local businesses and creating opportunities for tourism and economic growth.

Economic impact reaches beyond the beach

One of the key messages delivered to council was the event’s economic impact.

The Chamber estimates non-local visitors generate between $320,000 and $680,000 in spending on accommodations, restaurants, fuel, retail purchases and local services.

Using a conservative economic multiplier, organizers estimate the overall regional impact ranges from approximately $385,000 to $885,000.

Council heard that many visitors travel from surrounding communities specifically for the event and often extend their stay throughout the long weekend.

Organizers also indicated that attendance could exceed that of previous years, as residents and visitors welcome the event’s return.

Additional sponsorship request coming back to council

The Chamber is requesting an additional $10,000 contribution from the M.D. of Bonnyville.

The municipality has already committed $5,000 through its Community Action Grant program, but organizers are seeking a total contribution of $15,000, which would place the M.D. at a higher sponsorship level.

According to the presentation, additional funding would be used for event infrastructure, staging, safety measures, accessibility improvements, family programming and regional marketing efforts.

Council did not approve the funding request during the June 9 meeting.

Instead, councillors voted to accept the presentation as information and directed administration to bring the sponsorship request back to a future meeting for consideration.

Building regional partnerships

Organizers emphasized that Feast at the Beach is intended to be more than a Cold Lake event.

The Chamber described the festival as a regional initiative that supports tourism, economic development and collaboration throughout the Lakeland.

The presentation noted that continued municipal partnerships help ensure the event remains free and accessible while creating opportunities for local businesses, vendors and service providers.

If approved, the additional sponsorship request will return to council at a future meeting for discussion and a final funding decision.