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Lovers of drama, comedy and green onion cakes flocked to the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival in record numbers this year.

The festival grounds in Old Strathcona, featuring food, drinks and buskers, received 817,000 visits during the 11-day run that ended Sunday, up 9,000 visits from 2017, according to figures released Monday.

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At the same time, patrons purchased a record 133,276 tickets to more than 1,600 shows, generating $1.46 million in box office revenue, an increase of 10 per cent from last year.

There were 419 sell-outs at the 38 paid venues.

“We work hard to create a space for artists to get their work to the masses, in an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, and we think we’ve done that,” artistic director Murray Utas said in a news release.

“We are thrilled with yet another successful year and can’t wait to explore more incredible theatre headed our way in 2019.”

Four Fringe favourites remain. White Face, Balls of Yarns, Flute Loops, and For Science! are part of the Holdover Series that lasts until Sept. 1.

Photo by David_Bloom David Bloom / David Bloom/Postmedia