Sunday 31 October 2010

Live at 5 features St. Peter's Canal

Just a reminder to everyone to tune in to Live at 5 tomorrow night (Monday) to catch the segment on the St. Peter's Canal.

Help a Cape Breton Community

Ian Green, the former Partnership Coordinator for Destination Richmond Tourism Association and now the Chair and Co-Founder of Theatre on the Hill Performing Arts Association in Victoria County is still seeking great things for tourism in Cape Breton. Their association has a submission into the Aviva Community Fund,which will award funding to worth while projects by online voting. Their proposal, Stage Struck - Reaching for the Stars, could enhance theatrical education for the community in hopes of building a stronger tourism attraction if they win. Just so you can get a better feel for what the objective of the Theatre on the Hill project entails, I have included this quote from Theatre on The Hill proposal.

"The challenge for Theatre on the Hill over the past eleven years is to find the resources to bring professional educators in the performing arts to our remote rural communities North of Smokey. We believe we need to encourage this to give exposure to young and old alike in theatre, dance, music and singing . This funding would allow us to pay the going rate to educators as well as their housing and transportation to the event.
Both youth and adult will gain from this project. Engaging adolescents is important to us as the resources are minimal for our youth here with no indoor pool, gym or hockey rick, craft centre, music lessons, etc for their afterschool time. Experiences young people in urban centres can take for granted. In addition elements of creative ageing are as important for the same reasons. Keep minds and bodies active as we age adds to the overall health of our community. Our audiences have an important mix of seniors who would like the opportunity to be involved in the arts. Both these groups will benefit in terms of mental and physical health and general well-being because of the activities involved with the performing arts. It also brings them together to work on an intergenerational project.
Its other outcomes will be;
To serve artists and the community by: Encouraging excellence in the showing, teaching and making of art. *Exploring the boundaries of art and culture. *Helping develop community-generated arts and cultural programs.* Co-marketing for businesses and institutions that support the arts".
Aviva Community Fund's promotion covers the whole of Canada and they will be distributing $1m into communities. Lets get together and help support this Cape Breton Community's venture. To help go to
www.avivacommunityfund.org/ideas/acf8538 and place your vote.

Fall Fair in Lower River

This is a perfect day for a Fall Fair, a little nippy and unfortunately we are still having some rain. It is great to have some indoor activities to take part in and a great way to start celebrating Halloween. Lower River Inhabitance is hosting its annual Fall Fair at the Riverdale Community Center. Festivities started at 10am with a brunch. This was followed with a Cake Walk and Fudge & Bake sale and games for the young and young at heart. A costume parade started 12:15pm with prizes, followed at 1:30 by a Merchandise Bingo which will run until 3:30pm, so folks can get home in time to meet the little ghosts and goblins. Wishing all the little folks a Happy Halloween.

Friday 29 October 2010

St. Peter's Canal on Live at Five Monday


I was just watching Blue Bloods on ATV and happened to catch an interesting advertisment for Live At 5 for Monday. They said they were going to do a feature on the St. Peter's Canal and its history. Exciting to see a local tourism attraction featured on TV and hopefully this will increase the visibility of an important historic site.

And More Canine Visitors to St. Peter's


Wednesday 27 October 2010

Canines Visit St. Peter's



Visitors to Cape Breton this summer came in all sizes and types, here are some of the guests that stopped in this summer to say hi! One that stands out in my mind is Betty the border collie, who is a regular visitor to the Island, loves the freedom she has on Cape Breton and loves to run in the water. I was told by her owners that she knows as soon as she crosses the Causeway that she is on the Island. She starts wining and jumping around in the car as if to say we have arrived.

Saturday 23 October 2010

Fortress of Louisbourg Makes the Mercer Report

Last Tuesday the Fortress of Louisbourg was featured on CBC's The Rick Mercer Report. The report was a great opportunity to highlight the Fortress as a "must see" Historic Destination while in Cape Breton. Promotion of this kind is always benificial in bring awareness of a location to the rest of Canada, way to go Rick.If you would like to check out the featured segment it starts at the 10 minutr mark. Follow the link below.

http://www.cbc.ca/mercerreport/video.html

Friday 22 October 2010

5 Star Rating for Bell Buoy Restaurant




The Bell Buoy Restaurant and Supper House located in beautiful Baddeck Cape Breton, certainly lived up to its claim of Destination Seafood. We joined our Destination Cape Breton Travel Colleages for our year end celebration hosted by Destination Cape Breton Association. And the choice of restaurant was definitely a winner on their part. My husband (Gary) and I arrived slightly early for the 5pm celebration and had a chance to meet with the owner's (Frank MacPhail) son, a delightful and professional young man, who helps operate the business. During our conversation we discussed how the season for the restaurant had gone and I was very pleased to hear that they had one of the best August, Septembers and Octobers since the start of the restaurant thirty years ago. He shared some very interesting facts about the family ran business such as that his mom and dad started the restaurant in 1980 and that it was definately a family business with his mom still coming in to help with baking the delicious home made bread and rolls that they serve. And that he and his brother in law work along side Frank in a business which they all enjoy and take pride in, which I think adds to the friendly and home like atmosphere of the restaurant.

We were there only a short time when Lou Leith our Destination Cape Breton Association VIC Coordinator and the rest of our counsellors arrived and we settled down to enjoy a delicious 3 course meal. Gary and I had chosen a house salad of mixed greens which was very fresh and tasty and served with a bowl of fresh baked rolls. For our main dish we chose fresh haddock with a lobster cream sauce, baby carrots and potato. I must admit that Gary picked the baked potato while I requested mashed which are my favorite (and although mashed potato was not offered with the haddock they very sweetly accommodated my choice). The combination of fresh perfectly prepaired haddock with the delightful cream sauce which offered a abundant amount of delicious chunks of Atlantic Lobster went heavenly with the baby carrots and fluffy mashed potatoes. For our dessert we had a chose of strawberry/rhubard crumble with homemade vanilla icecream, which was the perfect combination of the heated sweet strawberries and tart rhubard crumble which went delightfully with the cold vanilla icecream or a sumptious Gingerbread Sunday served with homemade icecream, brown sugar sauce and whipped cream,this served with a cup of freshly ground coffee ended a tremedious meal.I would give The Bell Buoy a five out of five star rating for great food and excellent service. All this served and enjoyed while sharing stories about the tourism season with great friends made a perfect end to a busy and productive season.

VIEW OF RICHMOND

The tourism season has been a mixture of celebrations and sadness for us, on one hand jubilant over the excellent number of visitors we have seen over the summer and through the Celtic Colour Festival. The accolades that Cape Breton Island has received continues to rise for its scenery, festivals and operators, which is great to hear. We are seeing the spin off of this in the variety of tourists coming to see what we are all about. The Celtic Colours Festival had another spectacular season with visitors travelling around the island to take in as many concerts as possible. The concerts at Lower River and St. Peter’s were sold out and the D’Escousse venue saw a good number of attendees as well. Community events and suppers scored very big with visitors, with both St. Georges Channel and L’Ardoise selling out, and the Kitchen Rackets, after hours party in St. Peter’s and Dundee reported excellent turn outs. Hats off to the Celtic Colours Festival organization and all the volunteers who work so hard to make this major festival a success. With the success of the Celtic Colours Festival it rounded out a tremdious tourism season with summer favorites such as The Beggars Banquet and The Festival on The Hill and Baddeck and St. Peter’s Ceilidhs scoring very high.

On a personal note the Cape Breton Tourism Industry has been saddened by the loss over the season of two very dear friends and colleagues. Marlene MacDonald tourism counselor from our Baddeck Visitor Centre, who was taken so suddenly from us due to a car accident in August and on October 12th, Muriel Boyd from our Sydney Visitor Centre passed away from a sudden illness. Both Marlene and Muriel brought so much to the tourism industry. They loved what they did, and conveyed this to our visitors with their easy manner, and warm and smiling personality, which made visitors feel welcomed and at ease. It was a pleasure to have known these two wonderful ladies and they will be sadly missed by all of us.

Thursday 21 October 2010

Charlie A'Court Featuring Molly Thomason

Named as Nova Scotia's top entertainer at the 2009 Music Nova Scotia Awards in November, Charlie A'Court will perform at the Savoy Theatre tomorrow night. He is touring in support of his first live, solo recording, 'Live At The Marigold', which was recorded at the Marigold Cultural Centre in Truro. Molly Thomason will be featured with Charlie. Her music and writing has been compared to a young Joni Mitchell. Showtime is 8:00 PM and tickets cost $25.00. For tickets call 902-842-1577.
You will also be able to catch their performance at Strathspey Place in Mabou on October 29th at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10 Students / $16 Members / $20 Regular for this show.

Wednesday 20 October 2010

Night of the Spooks

Halloween is one of my favorite times of the year,and the Highland Village is joining in the fun with a "Night of the Spooks" which will take place at the Highland Village in Iona from October 21st to 23rd. The evening will include a candlelight guided tour which will wind throught 11 historic buildings on the site. There will be skits, of approximately 5 minutes in length, taking place in 7 of the buildings and the tour will end at the tuning room where visitors will be entertained with fiddle music and treats. One of treats served will be the traditional Gaelic Halloween dish "Fuarag", made of whipped cream and toasted oats. This is served up in a Communal bowl and usually has a ring and coin hidden deep within. The lucky person who finds the ring will be the first to marry and the person who finds the coin will become rich, or so the tradition goes. The evening events will run from 7-9pm and the admission is $12.00 for adults, $5.00 for children and $28.00 for families. Call soon to register as Saturday's event is already sold out. To register call 1-902-725-2272, and have a gouling good time.

TOURISM IN RICHMOND COUNTY

Another Celtic Colours Festival wrapped up, and again this year we are proud to announce that the numbers of visitors taking in the concerts were excellent. The St. Peter’s and Lower River Venues sold out and the D’Escousse venue drew a very good crowd leaving the organizers very pleased. The comments from local organizers, as well as those in attendance at all three of Richmond County’s events, proved again the quality of the Celtic entertainment at the concerts were first class. Everyone with whom I spoke had only the highest praise about the festival. The excitement couldn’t be missed as they spoke of the community functions they attended, the local people who they met while at the functions who took the time to chat and inform them of their area made their experience so much fuller, and the talent that just blew the visitors away. One of the concert goers in St. Peter’s could not believe that the very talented fiddle player and step dancer who had just entertained for them was Nova Scotia’s former Premier Rodney MacDonald. Just one of the experiences you can expect in Cape Breton! The Kitchen Rackets sponsored by the Cape Breton Heritage Coast was very popular with concert goers again this year. The after hour party drew excellent numbers of both spectators and performers with the October 13th event at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn reaching total capacity. The MacDonald County Inn in St. Peter’s also joined in the spirit of the festival and held an after hours party following the St. Peter’s Concert which drew a very good crowd who enjoyed local entertainers and snacks, complements of the management.
The community dinners and presentations held in St. Georges Channel and L’Ardoise were sold out, with good number of visitors also taking in the Candy and Acadien Meat Pie presentation and dinner in Petit de Grat as well. This has definitely been another successful year for the Celtic Colours International Festival in Richmond County. Hats off to all the organizers and volunteers who did such a spectacular job again this year.
Until next week, have fun exploring Richmond.

Tuesday 19 October 2010

My First Restaurant Review




The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s definitely lives up to it reputation as one of the best fine dining restaurants in Nova Scotia. Last week Gary and I experienced one of the best dinners we have eaten in anywhere in Nova Scotia.
Our meal consisted of a delicious Creamy Tomato Soup for the first course, the texture and the flavour were perfect. The second course consisted of Pan Fried Fillet of Halibut with Almondine Sauce, julienne vegetables and Herb de Provence Rice Pilaf. The Halibut was done to perfection, white and flakey , delicious with the Almindine sauce and the julienne vegetables and herb de Provence Rice Pilaf was the perfect complement for the fish. The course surpassed all our expectations. The third course consisted of Valley Apple Pie, with Vanilla Ice Cream and in-house Caramel Sauce. I must admit Apple Pie is one of my favorites and this delightful dessert only confirmed that when done by a exceptional Chef every bite just melts in your mouth.
The entire meal and the excellent service rated 10 out of 10. I would highly recommend the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn as one of, if not thee best restaurant in Nova Scotia. Some expect to pay high prices for fine dining but our dining experience could easily fit in anyones budget. My heart felt appreciation to Jean Pierre and his staff for a wonderful dining experience.

Monday 18 October 2010

Picture Perfect View of the Bras d’Or Lakes in St. Peter’s

Is it any wonder that visitors marvel at this spectacular body of water, on a clear day it is so peaceful, not a ripple to be seen, one could sit and gaze out across the water for hours and just relax. St. Peter’s is definitely the place to be on a beautiful day like this.

An Evening with Gord Downie

Are you a fan of the Tragically Hip? As part of a North American tour, Gord Downie and his band The Country of Miracles will perform at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay on October 19th, in support of his recently released third solo album The Grand Bounce. Showtime is 8:00 PM. Ticket price is $42.00 advance and $47.25 on Tuesday.

Sunday 17 October 2010

Family Fun in D'Escousse

1st Annual D'ESCOUSSE Fall Family Fun Day: Saturday, October 23rd at the D'Escousse Hall. Family Pumpkin Carving Contest from 1:00 to 3:00pm. Each family must be accompanied by an adult and must bring their carving tools, pumpkins will be provided. Register by October 20th at 226-1934, 226-0184 or 594-2025. Prizes awarded for best pumpkins! Children's activities: Coloring, cookie decorating & air bobbing for apples. Sponsored by North Isle Madame Recreation (3 to 5pm) Live entertainment. (4 to 6pm) Italian Spaghetti Supper, garlic bread, tea, coffee or juice and dessert. Adults $7.00 children 10 & under $3.50. Hot dogs will be available @ $1.00 (7:30pm) Merchandise Bingo Lots of great prizes. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!!

Saturday 16 October 2010

Celtic Colours Available Tickets

Here is an update on tickets available at today's concert venues.

Mentors & Musical Minds at 2pm in Mabou - Tickets Available at the door from 1pm until showtime

Roots to the Future at 2pm in St. Ann's - Sold Out! No Tickets Available!

Songs From Home at 7:30pm in Sydney - Limited Tickets Available through the Celtic Colours Box Office until 5pm and available at the door between 6:30pm and showtime.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder!!!!

Looking for a Good Game of 45s, Come to the Riverdale Community Centre

45 Card Play will be held every Sunday evening at 8pm starting tomorrow, October 17th. Prizes will be 1st place $100.00, 2nd Place $80.00, and 3rd place $50.00, plus Cookie Jars. For a great game or cards and lots of fun come to the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River.

Grand Re-Opening of the Richmond Arena

The Grand Re-Opening of the Richmond Arena will be taking place tomorrow, Sunday October 17th, 2010 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Festivities will include a free public skate, grand opening ceremonies (2:15 PM), revealing of the new Zamboni, children's activities, free cake and hot beverages and door prizes.
Please join us for a fun filled day to help us celebrate!

Friday 15 October 2010

Dundee Rate of the Day

Celtic Colours Tickets Available

Here is an update on tickets available at today's concert venues.

Celtic Pub at 7:30pm in Baddeck - Sold Out! No Tickets Available!

Orangedale Whistle at 7:30pm in Orangedale - Sold Out! No Tickets Available!

Tunes Gu Leor - Volume II at 7:30pm in Glace Bay - Tickets available through the Celtic Colours Box Office until 12pm. Available at the Savoy Theatre Box Office between 6:30 and showtime.

Beòlach & Friends at 7:30pm in Inverness - Tickets available at the doors of Inverness Academy from 6:30pm until showtime.

Big Pond Gathering at 7:30pm in Big Pond - Tickets Available at the door between 6:30 and showtime.

Pastoral airs at 7:30pm in Main-a-Dieu - Limited Tickets available at the door between 6:30pm and showtime.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder!!!!

Thursday 14 October 2010

Celtic Colours Tickets Availability

Here is an update on tickets available at today's concert venues.

Guitar Summit at 7:30pm in Mabou-Sold Out! No Tickets Available!

Waters of Iona in the Highland Village, Iona-Sold Out! No Tickets Available!

Fathers Know Best at 7:30pm in Sydney River-Sold Out! No tickets available anywhere!!!

Tunes & Travels at 7:30pm in Baddeck-Sold Out! No Tickets available!

There's Music in the Hills at 7:30pm in Ingonish-Tickets Available at the door between 6:30 and showtime.

Drive'Er at 7:30pm in Terre Noir-Tickets available at the door between 6:30pm and showtime.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder!!!!

Want Something to Do on a Saturday Afternoon!!!

Brown Bag Sale & Tea will take place on Saturday, October 16th, at the Grand River Fire Hall. Admission $2.00. Later that night take in the Old Fashioned Grand River Square Dance and Social from 8:30 pm until midnight. Admission $7.00. Sponsored by the Grand River Seniors Club.

Wednesday 13 October 2010

Romancing our Home: Opening with Mary Jane Lamond

'Home is a name, a word, it is a strong one; stronger than the magician ever spoke, or the spirit ever answered to in the strongest conjuration.'
-Charles Dickens
Truer words were never spoken. Perhaps truer still to those of us who live here in Cape Breton. Waxing romantic about our Island comes naturally. It finds its way into our hearts no matter if you are a visitor, a resident or have deep Island roots. It comes from the heart, and from the soul and from a longing for others to know the same love for our Island home.
Our attachment is strong and we talk of it with enthusiasm and tenderness. We share it lyrically in our songs and laments and melodically in our music. Even through hardship we tell it with sentiment in our stories. We feel it course through our veins when we smell the salt air, walk through a forest stand, or touch the soft mosses and damp earth. We feel it too when we greet our neighbours or embrace our loved ones and we pour it out from our hands into our work, and into what we make.
We have a deep, romantic love for Cape Breton.
In celebration of Celtic Colours International Festival, the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design Gallery is hosting an exhibition called 'Romancing Our Home' through October 23, 2010, 10am to 4pm Mon-Fri, Saturday 12-4pm.

TOURISM IN RICHMOND COUNTY

“Ceilidh on the Canal” takes place tonight at the St. Peter’s Lions Club, but the evening event is still some hours away why not take the afternoon to enjoy the Arm of Gold Song Session taking place from 1-4pm at The St. Georges Channel Community Center. You are invited to listen and take part in the singing and story telling during an afternoon of song. Admission is $7.00. Then partake in a delicious Arm of Gold Fishcakes and Beans Supper starting at 4:30pm. Reservations for a seat recommended; call 1-902-345-0616. This event is just 30 minutes away from the St. Peter’s venue.

At "Ceilidh on the Canal" the audience will be entertained by popular performers such as two very talented family members. On the fiddle, cousins Glenn Graham and Rodney MacDonald will be accompanied by the very talented Joel Chiasson. The venue will also feature The Outside Track, which will add a variety of instruments and song to the Ceilidh. The group is made up of Mairi Rankin from Mabou and accordion player Fiona Black from Limerick, Ireland. The music they perform will delight audiences for sure. And the Cape Breton talent just keeps on coming, Wally MacAulay a singer/songwriter from Glace Bay, McKayla MacNeil a talented young fiddler and Clifford (Ciffie) Carter a traditional guitar player both from Richmond County will fill out this multi talented group. Quite the line-up. Seating is reserved and tickets cost $30, $25 and $20. Visit my blog at tourismspotlight.blogspot.com or check with the St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre for ticket availability.

For those who would like to take in some of the learning opportunities during Celtic Colours, there will be workshops for Beginner Tin Whistle held at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s on October 10th from 1pm to 2pm and on October 13th from 2pm to 3pm. Fee of $15.00 per workshop. Paul Davis instructs this workshop that includes an introduction and brief history, basic scales, and music suitable for whistles. Paul will provide a list of relevant resources, website, etc. and will give participants a CD of demo tunes at regular speed and slowed down to an easy pace. Maximum of 15 participants, so be sure to book your spot soon. For more information contact: Paul Davis at (902) 227-5207 or email aul@themusicofireland.com. During Celtic Colours, Dwayne Cote will conduct a series of workshops for the fiddle and guitar. There will be workshops for Beginner/Intermediate Class for Fiddle held on October 11th, 12th, 14th and 15th, from 1-2pm. Cost is $35.00 per workshop. Cote will instruct the classes, which are tailored for the beginner/intermediate players. The class will focus on Celtic fiddle techniques and tunes. He will also instruct workshops in Advanced Class for Fiddle on October 11th, 12th, 14th, and October 15th from 2-3pm each day. Fee for the workshops is $35.00 each. These workshops are tailored for the advanced player, focusing on Celtic techniques and tunes. And lastly he will instruct workshops for Celtic Chording Techniques for Guitar on October 11th, 12th, 14th, and 15th from 3 to 4pm at a fee of $35.00 per workshop. Learn how to accompany Celtic music on your guitar, and utilize chording techniques. All of these workshops will be held at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn at 10095 Grenville Street in St. Peter’s. For information contact: Lisa White at (902)849-6400 or email dwaynecote@gmail.com. These workshops are hosted by Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative.

There will also be a workshop for Scottish Country Dancing & Tea Social held at the L’Ardoise Community Centre on October 14th, from 1-4pm. Fee for the workshop is $10.00. Beginner and advanced dancers are welcomed to learn and dance basic "ceilidh" style Scottish country dancing from members of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. A mid-afternoon tea and social is included. For more information contact Stan and Joyce Richards at (902) 345-0741. This workshop and social is hosted by Grou Tyme.

And don’t let the entertainment end there, the Kitchen Racket After Party is the place to be! Here visitors can be part of a music circle, listen to some of excellent local entertainers and if you play an instrument join in and be part of the experience. This after hours party runs from 10pm until 2am and takes place at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn from October 13th to 16th. Admission is $2.00 with your stub from that evenings concert or $5.00 without stub.

Celtic Colours Ticket Update

Here is an update on tickets available at today's concert venues.

Making Songs at 7:30pm in Mabou-Tickets Available at the door from 6:30pm

Louisbourg Crossroads in Louisbourg-Limited Tickets Available! Please phone the Louisbourg Playhouse Box Office.

Tradition Bearers at 7:30pm in Glendale-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Irish Roots at 7:30pm in Sydney-Tickets available through the Celtic Colours Box Office and at the door from 6:30 to showtime.

Ceilidh on the Canal at 7:30pm in St. Peter's-Tickets Available at the door between 6:30 and showtime.

Down North with Dwayne Cote at 7:30pm in Aspy Bay-Tickets available at the door between 6:30pm and showtime.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder!!!!

Open Life Session: 'Painting and Drawing Figures from Life: Musicians'

An opportunity for experienced visual artists to paint or draw a performing musician - Live! Musician model Ryan J. MacNeil has mastered his instruments (highland bagpipe, border pipes and whistles) and brings a unique personal flavour to the music he plays. Ryan J. and easels will be on hand in the Centre's Third Floor Loft. Artists - bring your materials and your talent and spend the afternoon capturing the spirit of the music. The public is welcome to come by and observe the creative process and share in the experience.
Ryan has used his playing experience and practical skills to develop a whistle which rivals any other on the market. Its strong mellow tone and the easy playability are quickly making it the choice of players worldwide. Ryan will have samples of his handcrafted MacNeil woodwinds on display.

Date of Event Thursday, October 14th
Time of Event 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Price of Event $10 plus hst per participant (pre-registration required); no charge for public to observe

Contact: Diane Campbell
Email: diane@capebretoncraft.com
Phone: 902 539-7491, ext 112
Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design
322 Charlotte Street, Sydney

Tuesday 12 October 2010

Celtic Colours Ticket Availability

Here is an update on tickets available at today's concert venues.

Close to the Floor at 7:30pm in Mabou-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Musique à la Carte in Cheticamp-Tickets Available at the door or phone the Place des Arts box office.

A Touch of the Irish at 7:30pm in Lower River Inhabitants-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Cow Bay Ceilidh at 7:30pm in Port Morien-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Gathered Together at 7:30pm in Christmas Island-Tickets Available at the door 1 hour before showtime.

The Piano Summit at 7:30pm in Sydney River-Tickets available through the Celtic Colours Box Office.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder!!!!

Turnout for Kitchen Racket is Excellent

The Kitchen Rackets, which are the Celtic Colours After Hours Parties hosted by the Cape Breton Heritage Coast, have been receiving excellent turnouts. Sunday's event at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn had 60 people come out to listen to some of our excellent local entertainers and guest musicians perform. Monday's event also had a very good crowd. The Kitchen Racket will travel to the Dundee Resort and Golf Club for the evening of October 12th and then return to the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's for the rest of the Festival. These after hours parties run from 10pm until 2am nightly until October 16th. Admission for the Kitchen Racket is $5.00 per person without your ticket stub from the Celtic Colours Concert or $2.00 per person for those showing their stub from that evenings event. Come and let the music continue for the full Celtic Colours Experience.

Monday 11 October 2010

Celtic Colours Tickets Update

Here is an update on the tickets available at today's concert venues.

Two Fiddles, Two Pianos at 2pm in Judique-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Celtic Thanksgiving in Membertou-Limited Tickets Available. Please phone the box office as tickets will not be available at the door.

Two Fiddles, Two Pianos at 7:30pm in Judique-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Singing of the Tunes at 7:30pm in North River-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Brenda Stubberts Real at 7:30pm in Sydney Mines-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Across an Ocean & a Sea at 7:30pm at the United Presbyterian Church in Albert Bridge-Tickets Available at the door.

Acadien Roots at 7:30pm in D'Escousse-Tickets available at the Celtic Colours Box Office or at the door.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder!!!!

Sunday 10 October 2010

Glenora Distillery 20th Anniversary

Come Celebrate With Us
Sunday, October 10
Glenora Musicians
1-4pm
Featuring
First North American Distillery tour conducted in the Gaelic Language with tour guide Tara Rankin from Mabou
Gaelic Tours begin at 1:00 P.M.
Special guest Lewis MacKinnon
C.E.O. of Gaelic Affairs
Drop by for complimentary Tea and Oatcakes

LIMITED EDITION OF 20YEAR OLD GLEN BRETON, THE FIFTH OF THE CENTURY MALT AVAILABLE IN THE GIFT SHOP
Gift shop hours 7am-7pm

1-800-839-0491

THANKSGIVING SPECIAL

Three Course Dinner
Turkey with all the trimmings
OR
Salmon marinated in our Glen Breton Rare whisky and local maple sugar, roasted on cedar plank
Price $25.00

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Cosy Corner

BOUDREAU’S COSY CORNER IN ST. PETER’S
THANKSGIVING DAY SPECIAL OCTOBER 10th
SERVING 11am TO 9pm

ROAST TURKEY DINNER
WITH DESSERT AND TEA OR COFFEE
$13.95 PLUS TAX

The staff of the Cosy Corner Restaurant wishes everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Skye

THE SKYE DINING ROOM IN PORT HASTINGS THANKSGIVING SPECIAL FOR OCTOBER 10th AND 11th

ROAST TURKEY DINNER
OR
BAKED HAM DINNER
WITH DESSERT
$13.95 PLUS TAX
FOR AN EXCELLENT DINING EXPERIENCE COME TO THE SKYE!

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING
FROM
LOUIS AND THE STAFF OF THE SYKE DINING ROOM

Celtic Colours Tickets

Here is an update on the tickets available at today's concert venues.

The Pipers Ceilidh at 2pm at the Gaelic College in St. Anns-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Step Into the Past at 6pm at Louisbourg-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Raising The Roof at 7:30pm in Boisdale-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Tunes For The Mira at 7:30pm in Marion Bridge-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Women In Tune at 7:30pm in Whycocomagh-Sold Out. No tickets available anywhere!!!

Celtic Cabaret at 9pm in Membertou-Tickets available at the Celtic Colours Box Office or at the Door at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre!!!

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The box office will be open 9am to 5pm today.

Please note: We do not encourage people to arrive at sold out events if they are not already a ticket holder.!!!!

Saturday 9 October 2010

Thanksgiving Dinner at the Dundee Resort

Sunday October 10, 2010
Thanksgiving Day Dinner Buffet Menu
MacRae’s Dining Room

Hot Mulled Apple Cider

Butternut Squash Soup
Variety of Seasonal Salads

Traditional Turkey
with all the trimmings

Stuffed Port Loin with Maple Mustard Sauce

Chef’s Potato & Roasted Autumn Vegetables
Harvest Rice

Sage & Onion Stuffing
Cranberry & Apple Chutney

Pecan or Pumpkin Pie
Apple Cake & Autumn Cheesecake & more
Tea & Coffee

Adults – $24.95
Seniors - $18.95
Children under 12 - $10.95
Children under 5 – Free
All prices are subject to 15% HST
RESERVATIONS ARE RECOMMENDED 902-345-2649
SEATINGS AT 4:00, 6:00 & 8:00 PM

Friday 8 October 2010

View of Richmond

Richmond County is now entering a very busy period of the shoulder season with the start of Celtic Colours. This music festival sees visitors come to the area from all over the world to take in events pertaining to our music, culture, cuisine and artisans. Visitors will not only have the opportunity to experience some of the best Celtic music available, but also the chance to experience a glimpse of what makes our island so special.
Two events spotlighting our artisan community will be taking place in Richmond on October 14th and 15th. First, visitors will have the unique opportunity to view a display of local crafts and handmade items. Items that are not often exhibited to the public and only found by chance by the fortunate artisan lover. On Thursday October 14th visitors will have such an opportunity, by taking in the local artisan display and sale at the St. Georges Channel Community Hall located in St. Georges Channel Richmond County, from 10am until 5pm. Admission to this event is free. For more information contact Dawn Haloun at 1-902-345-2242 or e-mail dawnmarie1045@hotmail.com.
The second great artisan experience will be offered by Cape Breton weaver Del Zoppo of Grey Seal Weaving. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit one of Richmond’s finest artisan’s studios. On Friday October 15th, from 10am to 5pm, Del Zoppo will feature a Weaving Studio Open House at 3810 Point Michaud, Richmond County. This will be an informal event held at her waterfront weaving studio. This charming studio, nestled on the sandy coastline of the Point Michaud, creates beautiful hand woven silk scarves and one of a kind pieces, that reflect the artists surroundings. The work is magnificent, the looms are unusual, and the weaver one of our best. And all of this cast in the spectacular setting of our hidden treasure Point Michaud Beach. This is definitely an event you will want to take in. Admission is free with easy access from the Point Michaud Beach parking lot. For more information contact Del Zoppo at 1-902-587-2777. This open house is sponsored by the Grand River Seniors’ Club.
Make sure you don't miss any of the great events taking place. Pick up a copy of the Celtic Colours Festival Souvenir Program at any of the Visitor Information Centres around the Island!

Thursday 7 October 2010

Can You can Feel the Excitement Rising?

Just days away to Celtic Colours and the number of venues is mounting with special events in the L’Ardoise and Grand River area in association with the 2010 Celtic Colours International Festival.
The Celtic Colours International Festival is a favorite of most, the music and the colours can’t be beat. And then the community functions besides, just add such a special feel to the whole festival. The community groups go all out, visitors no matter what their interest can find something that will really add to their experience.
This years festival has the communities of L’Ardoise and Grand River re-offering some of the very popular events from last year. We have a mix of great food venues, especially the Lobster supper. Make sure to reserve your seat early as this event will sell out quick. If you like to hike or dance they have those options covered as this year visitors can sign up for the dance workshop and then try out what they have learned at the Old Tyme Square dance. And crafters coming to the festival are in for a treat as they will be able to take in the Open House at Grey Seal Weavers with our very talented local weaver Del Zoppo. Check out the events listed below with time, prices and locations. Have fun I know I will.

On October 9th, the L'Ardoise Fire Department Weekend Events beginwith a Hungry Man's Breakfast from 7am to 10am. Admission cost $7.00 adult and $4.00 child. There will also be a Pot Luck Supper held from 4-6pm, with admission cost of $6.00 Adults and $4.00 for a child. Both events will be held at the L'Ardoise Community Center in L'Ardoise.
October 12th, Sounds and Supper by the Sea at Lobsters R Us will take place from 1-5pm, cost $30.00. Reservations strongly recommended. Local fishermen, musicians and artisans will be on hand for an unforgettable experience by the sea. Enjoy your 1 and 1/2 lb lobster supper with all the down east style trimmings held right in the local lobster pound at Little Harbour. This event is hosted by the L'Ardoise Men's Club. For more information and to make your reservation contact Blair Mombourquette at 1-902-587-2497 or email bjra@stpeterscable.com
And the events just keep getting better. A workshop for Scottish Country Dancing & Tea Social will be held at the L’Ardoise Community Centre in L’Ardoise on October 14th, from 1-4pm. Fee for the workshop is $10.00. Beginner and advanced dancers welcome to learn and dance basic "ceilidh" style Scottish Country Dancing from RSCDS (Royal Scottish Country Dance Society) members. Bring comfortable footwear. A mid-afternoon tea and social is included. Contact: Stan and Joyce Richards at (902) 345-0741. Hosted by Grou Tyme.
Walkabout Chapel Cove on Friday, October 15th. at 9:30am No cost for taking the walk. Enjoy a scenic 1-2 hour coastal hike in a small Acadian Community. Moderate terrain-rock, sand, small slopes and wooded areas at times. Meeting at the Community Center in L'Ardoise. Hosted by Grou Tyme for more information contact Jennifer Mombourguette at 1-902-587-2262 or email jllandry@hotmail.com
Weaving Studio Open House at the Grey Seal Weaving, Point Michaud. The open house takes place on October 15th from 10am until 5pm No admission charged. An informal Open House at our local waterfront weaving studio. A must see! Easy access from the Point Michaud Beach parking lot. Sponsored by the Grand River Seniors Club. For more information contact Del Zoppo at 1-902-587-2777 or email edelzoppo@ns.sympatico.ca.
An Old Tyme Square Dance & Social will be held at the Grand River Fire Hall on Saturday October 16th from 8:30pm until 12am. Admission is $7.00. Come join us for an evening of old fashioned square dancing to live local fiddlers. There will be a late night lunch and a cash bar. Guest fiddlers will be welcome to join in. Experienced and novice dancers are welcome! This event is hosted by the Grand River Seniors Club. For more information contact Christy at 1-902-587-2482 or email bilmac1111@yahoo.com

Wednesday 6 October 2010

Dundee Rate of the Day

Community and Fortress Join Together in a Celebration of Thanksgiving

Parks Canada and the Fortress of Louisbourg, extends an invitation to the community of Louisbourg to join them in a Celebration of Thanksgiving on October 9th from 2-4pm. Welcomed guests will meet at the rear gate and enjoy traditional soup and a tour of the Fortress. Admission is free.

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Kitchen Racket in Richmond is Back!

Exciting news as again this year the Kitchen Rackets After Hours party, in association with the Celtic Colours International Festival, will be held every night during the festival from October 8th to October 16th from 10pm until 2am. On October 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th the Kitchen Racket will take place at the Bras d"Or Lakes Inn at 10095 Grenville St., St. Peter's and on October 12th the Kitchen Racket will take place at the Dundee Resort and Golf Club at 2750 West Bay Highway in Dundee.
Those attending the nightly series of open jam sessions, are encouraged to bring an instrument and join in the circle of musicians playing traditional Cape Breton music!Or just come and enjoy the music. Admission: $5 or $2 with a Celtic Colours concert ticket stub from that evenings event.

Monday 4 October 2010

Roger Stone Takes the Stage

The Tara Lynne Touesnard Annual Concert will take place on Sunday, October 10th, starting at 7pm, at the Tara Lynne Community Center in River Bourgeois. The concert will be hosted by Roger Stone, who is known far and wide for his folk and traditional style of music. Roger is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and musician. He will be joined by Krista Touesnard, Allison Mombourquette, Mike MacInnis, Partrick Walsh-Bona, Haley Sampson and others.
Admission cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children under 16 years of age and $25 for a family. Tickets will be available at the door.

Saturday 2 October 2010

Family Fun Day in Petit de Grat

Visitors and locals like will enjoy Family Fun Day at the Cap Auguet Eco Trail in Petit de Grat on Sunday, October 10 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Come to the Acadian Community of Isle Madame and take in this outdoor event promoting healthy activity, including children's games, a barbecue, prizes and more. No admission charged.

Friday 1 October 2010

Dust of Your Dancing Shoes and Head for the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn

In conjunction with the Celtic Colours International Festival, on Sunday October 10, there will be an afternoon square dance, "Roddie MacKenzie Set", held at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn at 10095 Grenville Street in St. Peter's. From 2-4pm participants can enjoy the dancing experience as they learn this very popular set. Admission is $7 adults, $5 children, families of 4 or more $5/person.