whatever the next step is, it will stay rooted in the same idea that launched AREA 506 in the first place: celebrating what makes Saint John unique. “This city has grit, creativity, humour, and resilience,” says Gracewood. “We want AREA 506 to reflect that. To feel like it belongs here, because it does.” Or as LeBlanc puts it: “We want people to leave thinking, ‘That was amazing - and I didn’t expect it!’That’s the goal. That’s what keeps us going.”
In a sea of festivals chasing trends, AREA 506 turns up the volume on something real. It’s loud, local, and unapologetically rooted in Saint John. What started as a scrappy idea has become a full-blown waterfront takeover - music rocking the harbour, vendors lining the village, crowds moving to the beat of something that feels alive. Ten years in, it’s not slowing down. It’s just getting louder. For more information or to purchase tickets to this year’s AREA 506 Festival, go to: https://www.area506.ca/festival/
You can’t fake passion… It comes through in every decision, every obstacle, every win. ” “
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INDUSTRY • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE 45
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