There’s music blaring through the streets of Saskatoon, as this year’s Jazz Fest takes over the city. Thousands of people will be heading out to the 10-day event and it’s offering a boost to the city’s economy.
People are spending plenty of cash and the ATM has a healthy line up.
“The economic impact is roughly $7 million into the local economy,” said Kevin Tobin, artistic director of SaskTel Saskatchewan Jazz Fest. “So it’s a real economic boom for the city of Saskatoon.”
Local restaurants are definitely benefitting from the upswing in people coming through the area.
“This is insanely busy,” said Jeremy Hobson, head chef at Cathedral Social Hall.
The new restaurant is serving up to 600 people each day.
“Our Jazz Fest is extremely impressive in comparison with other cities,” Hobson said. “We do get a lot of visitors from everywhere else. So in terms of the economy, it does wonders for our city.”
At the Bessborough, vacancy is at a premium.
“We have lots of guests coming from all over the country,” said Ervin Kormos, guest services manager at the Bessborough. “We’ve seen people from everywhere. It’s really nice. Lots of cars coming in, bikes coming in.”
More than 80,000 people are expected to attend Jazz Fest over its 10-day run.
Based on a report by CTV Saskatoon's Mark Villani
