Food Truck Operators Call for Boycott of Great Outdoors Comedy Festival Over Unpaid Fees Food truck operators at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Halifax are owed over $60,000 and are calling for a boycott, while organizers sell tickets for next year. Three food truck operators who worked at the Great Outdoors Comedy Festival in Halifax are calling for a boycott of the event, saying they are owed a combined total of more than $60,000 for their work even as organizers are already selling tickets for next year. The festival took place from August 6 to 9 at Citadel Hill's Garrison Grounds, drawing thousands of people to see comedians including Matt Rife, Nikki Glaser, and Fortune Feimster. Vendors Claim Thousands in Unpaid FeesMichelle Kerfoot Bernava, owner of Mama K's Food Truck, said this was her fourth time working at the Halifax shows, which she described as usually a highlight of her summer. She drives her truck from Moncton, New Brunswick, to participate. However, she said she is still waiting for payment nearly $29,000 for her sales over the four days.Kerfoot Bernava explained that her contract called for the festival to keep 30 per cent of her sales and pay her the rest within a day of receiving an invoice. Instead, she said she has received no money and was told not to contact the festival. She has since informed Trixstar, the production company behind the festival, that it is in breach of contract and is demanding the full amount.Another vendor, Jonathan Norman of Serious Smoke Food Truck, estimates he is owed at least $14,000 before tips. He parked in the concierge area where tickets cost $500 and included food. Because he was required to use the festival's point-of-sale system, he did not collect money directly from customers and thus does not know his exact total. Norman said he spent $1,000 on gas to bring his converted fire truck from his home base.A third food truck owner, who did not want to be interviewed, told CBC News he is owed more than $19,000.Organizers Face Backlash and Calls for BoycottThe vendors say their requests for payment have been met with automated responses. An email from Trixstar's finance department stated that due to the volume of inquiries, they cannot provide individual updates on account balances or payment timing. Kerfoot Bernava said she was told not to contact them and that they would reach out when they have information.Norman said he received a call from his point of contact on Monday, but the employee offered no payment update and only asked him to cancel his interview with CBC News. He said there has been no reassurance that they will be paid. He pointed out that the festival had record attendance on the Friday night when Matt Rife performed, with over 22,000 people, and that the vendors' money was already collected from attendees.Norman is calling for a boycott of the festival and wants next year's event in Halifax to be cancelled until vendors are paid. He also wants Parks Canada, which manages Citadel Hill as federal land, to release the festival's insurance information so he can file a claim. He argued that if he failed to pay a commission at a venue, he would not be allowed back.Parks Canada said in a statement that it is up to vendors to deal with the company directly. It noted that while dates for the 2027 festival have been announced, licensing discussions with Trixstar are ongoing.The vendors say the unpaid fees are a significant blow to their small businesses. Kerfoot Bernava said they are lucky to be in their sixth season; if this had happened in their second season, they would not be open now. Norman said he contemplated talking to a lawyer but worries about the cost and the likelihood of recouping much.Impact on Small Businesses and Future EventsThe Great Outdoors Comedy Festival is hosted by Trixstar in several cities across the country. The Halifax event is a major draw, with thousands packing Citadel Hill to enjoy the shows. The vendors' dispute highlights the financial risks that small businesses face when participating in large events.With tickets already on sale for next year, the vendors are urging the public to support their boycott. They hope that pressure from attendees will prompt the organizers to pay what they are owed. As of now, Trixstar has not provided a timeline for payment, and the vendors are left waiting.