Bluesfest brings in major business for Ottawa restaurants and bars

From Green Day to Shania Twain, Bluesfest is drawing in major acts and driving customers to local businesses. CTV’s Natalie Van Rooy Reports.

The hot weather may be altering some people’s plans in Ottawa, but the biggest event in the city still went ahead as planned.

It’s day four of Bluesfest and on Sunday night, country superstar Shania Twain is taking to the main stage.

The festival is injecting millions of dollars into the economy with people coming from all over Ontario for the event.

At K Let’s Eat Korean Cuisine in Ottawa’s Little Italy, the Bluesfest crowd is bringing in more business.

“Yesterday was so busy and we usually expect it, but this time it was more,” said Junghee Kwon, the owner of K Let’s Eat.

Crowds wanted to grab a bite before heading to the show, which will host around 250,000 people throughout the festival. Ottawa’s Mayor Mark Sutcliffe says the festival generates $40 million in economic impact.

At Umbrella Bar, the crowds come in before the show.

“We definitely have a lot of reservations before the artists go on,” said Jessica Egan, a bar manager at Umbrella Bar in Ottawa. “Late lunch or early dinner, a lot of families and everyone dresses up. It’s really fun.”

Egan says it’s fun to see all the outfits ahead of the festival.

“The other day, I had two little girls that had a full face of makeup and they’re wearing cowboy hats and cowboy boots, everyone’s super excited,” she said.

It’s clear that local businesses are welcoming the revenue.

“It is summer so everyone is outside, but definitely it is busier during this period,” said Chika Tietm, a staff member at Umbrella Bar.

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