address. The overall number of patrons 19 and under on-site year-after-year has been quite low. We’re proud to offer an event that not only supports local musicians but provides a safe space for those 19 and under to enjoy the Jubilee as well.” This change also affects the overall patron expe- rience including an upgraded VIP experience and access to additional food vendors. Site feedback received through the patron experience survey highlighted the desire for an upgraded VIP expe- rience, more food vendors, and an overall more aesthetically pleasing site. So, the change to a 19+ site creates space for a variety of food vendors with a seating area. VIP patrons will now be able to enjoy front of stage access, a private food truck, access to multiple cash bars, upgraded and additional seating, and access to private portable washrooms. It must be mentioned that in 2019 the Jubilee’s Board of Directors also announced that it would be adding a family event as part of the Jubilee weekend call the Carlton’s Community Bash as a legacy event honouring Carlton Munroe, former promoter, and executive director of the Jubilee, who lost his battle with Glioblastoma in 2017. Munroe served as executive director for nine years on the Riverfront Jubilee board and had a clear vision of evolving the festival over time, all while working towards celebrating local talent “The 2019 board of directors wanted to find a long-term manner of honouring Carl- ton’s memory. He was such an important part of the Jubilee for so many years, we never want this community to forget his dedication and commit- ment to this event,”
the reason why so many volunteer their time, efforts and in the case of businesses their money to help make it a better experience for all to keep people coming back year after year. In 2019 the board made a unanimous decision to make the venue a 19 plus event after the board solicited feedback via survey from patrons, which resulted in over 450 responses, in addition to extensive discussions and reflection on past events over the festival’s twenty-three-year history at the time of the decision. “Making the Jubilee bigger and better meant, not only, looking at who’s on the main stage, but taking a hard look at the site, and how we can improve the function, safety and festival expe- rience for our patrons,” said Janine Linthorne, Jubilee Volunteer Board of Directors Chair. Linthorne goes on to say, “We know that despite our efforts with properly trained and staffed security underage patrons coming to the grounds under the influence and loitering off-site in the downtown core were issues we needed to
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MAY/JUNE 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MAY/JUNE 2022
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