The Edmonton Elks have stepped in to save an iconic Grey Cup fan event from financial disaster.
On Thursday, the club announced that it would be the presenting sponsor of the Spirit of Edmonton at the 2024 Grey Cup Festival in Vancouver. The news comes a month after reports surfaced that the fan organization responsible for the annual party was in dire straits due to skyrocketing costs.
“Friends and partners are always there for each other. As the Spirit of Edmonton celebrates our 50th year of representing the Edmonton Football Club, we can’t say how much this partnership means to us,” Spirit of Edmonton chairman Gerry Haracsi said in a statement.
“The Elks’ support is especially appreciated as we work together to keep this tremendous tradition alive. We can’t wait to bring CFL fans together this November in Vancouver.”
Founded in 1974, Spirit of Edmonton has been a staple of the Grey Cup festival for 50 years. The volunteer organization is renowned amongst CFL fans for their nightly parties and live entertainment in the lead-up to the championship game. The group also hosts an annual Grey Cup breakfast, which features the famous sluice juice, as well as tailgate parties before every Elks home game.
Thousands of fans are expected to make Spirit part of their Grey Cup experience in B.C. this November. However, the group feared they would not have the financial capital to continue the event in 2026 in Winnipeg, asking for fan donations. While the official partnership with the Elks is just for this year, it should help ease the burden going forward.
“The Spirit of Edmonton is synonymous with Grey Cup and we’re happy to do our part to ensure this tradition continues,” wrote Elks president and CEO Rick LeLacheur, who was part of the initial group who founded the Spirit.
“We look forward to joining fans from across the country in Vancouver, as the Spirit brings Edmonton’s signature hospitality to the West Coast.”
This year’s Spirit of Edmonton Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Tickets can be purchased starting Thursday, September 5 by visiting the Spirit of Edmonton website.
