Whistler’s LGBT ski week applies for municipal funding again to secure headline comedian

Dean Nelson is hoping the third time is the charm as his organization attempts to garner municipal-granted funds to expand the annual Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, previously known as WinterPRIDE.

Nelson, CEO and executive producer of the weeklong gay and lesbian ski and snowboard festival, applied recently for the third time in as many years for municipal Festivals, Events & Animation (FE&A) funding to help bring a big-name comedian to town for the winter festival.

“To help elevate the star power for both the LGBT and mainstream consumer,” said Nelson. “Having the funding will help reduce the financial risk in bringing in a major star. It would… help us sell the concept to future sponsors that will want to be associated with the festival and the star. It would help drive midweek visits, which is the biggest growth opportunity for both the festival and the resort.” >>Click to Read more
Source: PiqueNews – Jennifer Thuncher (21Aug14)