Halifax businesses are hoping for big crowds in the mood for a Juno-sized party this weekend.
The city is hosting the 2006 Juno Awards, Canada's annual music awards gala. The festivities leading up to Sunday's show include concerts, autograph sessions, a songwriters' circle and a celebrity hockey game.
Local organizers say the weekend event could generate $6 million in spinoff benefits for the city. So from restaurants to retailers, businesses have jumped on the Juno bandwagon.
"We're just hoping the event goes off without a hitch, another event that puts Halifax on the map, and that we'll all benefit from it in some way," said Heather MacLellan, at Mills Brothers clothing store.
 | Juno weekend kicked off Thursday night with a free concert. |
One restaurant has cooked up a special Juno menu with items called Michael Bublé Bubbling Lobster Chowder, Rex Goudie Ribs, and Our Lady Peace of Halibut.
"We've got a big party coming in Saturday afternoon and I've been told it's Juno related. I don't know if it's going to be some of the stars or organizers, but either way we're happy," said sous chef Adam Todd.
Banners are flying on downtown Halifax's main streets. Storefronts have been decorated with Juno themes, many honouring musicians nominated for various awards.
 | Hometown nominee Joel Plaskett meets his fans. |
Frozen Ocean chose hometown nominee Joel Plaskett for their window display. He even loaned them his shirt. The store also donated company T-shirts and merchandise for the 1,200 Juno delegate gift bags.
"The exposure that we'd get from possibly one of these people wearing a Frozen Ocean T-shirt, we'd take that as well," said Stephanie Smith, with Frozen Ocean.
It's a big weekend for local hotels, although some are still not sold out. But organizers expect all businesses — from retailers to massage therapists to hairstylists — to be busy.
At Tribeca, one of 15 venues for the JunoFest concerts, staff were busy sprucing up the stage Thursday.
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Celebrity sightings |
Former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson is hosting this year's awards show. The list of performers includes:
- Coldplay
- Bryan Adams
- Black Eyed Peas
- Broken Social Scene
- Michael Bublé
- Nickelback
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"I've seen a few of the acts going to be in town popping in to check the place out. Indications are good. You can feel the buzz, there's an excitement already," said Paul Boudreau.
Organizers hope that excitement will draw people back, long after the stars go home.
"We are hoping after they experience three to five days of good people, wonderful hospitality and good facillities that indeed they will return, if not this summer then certainly at a later time," said Andree Gracie, with the Halifax Play Hard host committee.
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