Great Plains Comedy Festival
The Great Plains Comedy Festival is a comedy festival held each July in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. It is the largest festival of its kind in the world. It began in 2002 as a three day bar-gig event with shows at The Overdrive Nightclub, The Longbranch Country and Western Bar and The Sutherland Hotel. The festival has since grown, attracting bigger names and bigger venues. Emo Philips headlined an event at Saskatoon's Castle Theatre in 2006 and Bob Levy (best known for his appearances on The Howard Stern Show) headlined The Odeon Event Centre in 2007. The festival has also attracted big name sponsors. The Potash Corp came on board in 2007 to sponsor The Potash Corp All Star Comedy Jam, an event in The Adam Ballroom in Saskatoon's historic Delta Bessborough Hotel. The event is a clean comedy show for all ages and has sold out both years it has taken place. Even The Grey Cup Champion Saskatchewan Roughriders have become involved in the festival's success.
Comedians from around the world also gather at The Great Plains Comedy Festival. For example, Emo Philips, Bob Levy, Iliza Shlesinger, Rosie Tran, Shuli, Dez Reed, Tommy Savitt, Janet Williams, Kelly Taylor, have all attended the festival. Many of The Famous names are brought into town to host the gala evening events as well as headline showcase performances.
In July 2008, The Great Plains Comedy Festival celebrated its 7th EDition.
References
Wendy Gillis, The Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Published June 30, 2008 Joanne Paulsen, The Saskatoon Star Phoenix, Published June 30, 2006 www.whattodoinsaskatoon.com/festivals.htm