Posted by Sudbury Northern Life Reporter Bill Bradley 
Greater Sudbury's comedy festival, Laugh Out Loud (LOL), to be held late this May, is worth more than a good time to the city.
"Last year our comedy festival attracted 5,000 people, with many coming from outside the city. That is a economic boost to the city overall," said Tammy Frick, festival director.
She spoke about the festival at the Greater Sudbury Community Development Corporation (GSCDC) board meeting April 8 in an attempt to garner some financial support.
Guy Labine, chair of the corporation, announced during the meeting that a $40,000 grant is earmarked for the festival.
Frick said despite the recession, the festival offers a cheaper alternative to traveling to Toronto or Montreal to see high profile comedy talent.
"That keeps people spending money in our own community for entertainment. Yuk Yuk clubs tell us they are doing very well despite the times. Comedy gives people an escape. We are affordable. Last year we brought down our ticket prices."
This year, the festival runs for five days, May 26 to May 30, and features 11 performances. This is one more day than last year.
"We are aiming for 6,000 (people attending the festival) this year," said Frick.
Last year 600 people who attended the festival came from outside of Sudbury.
"It is a significant business for the hotels. We hope to have an economic impact report in the next few years."
The festival also creates jobs for Sudburians, said Frick.
"This event involves directors, hosts, facilitators and the festival staff and volunteers. Former short term contract jobs have become more full time for people working on the Cinefest Festival in September as well for this comedy festival. This means jobs are being created in arts management."
Former mayor Jim Gordon, who is a member of the development corporation board, said he thought the effort was worthwhile.
He was impressed there is a possibility that the festival will be broadcast live from more than 60 Cineplex cinemas in Canada and up to 130 locations in the United States. The LOL festival shares in box office sales.
"Looking back over the years with the film festival and now this, I don't think people realize how significant this all is for putting Sudbury on the map. When you think that many other theatres will be having this broadcast, then that really puts our city on the map," he said.
Gordon thanked the Lund family and the City of Greater Sudbury for participating and supporting this effort and that of Cinefest.
Most of the talent for this year is already booked, said Frick.
"We just have a few more acts to fall in place and then the line-up will be complete."
The line-up, which will include internationally-renowned comics, will be announced shortly. Last year renowned comic Jason Alexander, a.k.a. George Costanza from the popular former Seinfeld TV show, was a headliner.
Ticket prices and festival pass prices have yet to be announced.
"The ticket prices will very reflect the talent we are bringing to the city."
Frick said the grant by the GSCDC was appreciated.
"We make a great effort to get corporate private support, but in these economic times, considering we are a young organization, government support is needed."
Tickets will be available April 27 at the LOL office downtown on Durham Street. Visit www.lolsudbury.com or phone 688-1234.
