Saturday 30 April 2011

Comedy in Glace Bay Tonight

This Hour has 22 Minutes alum and Detroit 187 star Shaun Maumder is at the Savoy Theatre in Glace Bay tonight. This is his first time headlining a Canadian Tour.

Wednesday 27 April 2011

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Wednesday, April 27
Win Seaton Exhibition - CBU Art Gallery - Sydney - 10am
Adult Skate - New Waterford & District Community Centre - New Waterford - 10am
Public Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 12pm
Gaelic Classes - KOC Building - Port Hawkesbury - 1pm
Pre School Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 1pm
Cycling Medicine - McConnell Library - Sydney - 7pm
Andy & Ariana - Shindigs Pub - Port Hwkesbury - 8pm
Wednesday Night Black Light Beats - Club 418 - Sydney - 9pm
Karoake - Steel City - Sydney - 10pm
Karaoke - Steel City - Sydney - 10pm

Tuesday 26 April 2011

What's Happening Around Cape Breton

Tuesday, April 26
Win Seaton Exhibition - CBU Art Gallery - Sydney - 10am
Beginners Skating - Sydney Mines & District Community Centre - 10:30am
Preschool Skating - Dominion District Community Centre - Dominion - 11am
Public Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 12pm
Seniors Cafe: Positive Aging Series - McConnell Library - Sydney - 1pm
Pre School Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 1pm
Guitar Jam - Royal Canadian Legion - Cheticamp - 9pm
Tracy MacKinnon & the Look-A-Likes - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 10:30pm

Sunday 24 April 2011

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Sunday, April 24, 2011
Family Skating - North Sydney Forum - 1:30pm
Benefit Concert for Gerry Deveau - Doryman Tavern - Cheticamp - 2pm
Sunday Ceilidh with Andrea Beaton & friends - Celtic Music Centre - Judique - 3pm
Family Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 5pm
Cash Karaoke - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 8pm
Open Pool Tournament with Karaoke - Main Event - Glace Bay - 8pm
Adult Skating - Centre 200 - Sydney - 8pm

Saturday 23 April 2011

New Beginnings with Destination Cape Breton’s 2011 Industry Day

On April 21st, Destination Cape Breton Association hosted Tourism Industry Day and Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon. This remarkable event was held at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Membertou where members of the tourism industry and guests gathered to hear more on the new direction Destination Cape Breton Association was taking in marketing this marvelous island of ours, and to celebrate the achievements of Cape Bretons top tourism leaders. The morning session was opened with a performance by the Sons of Membertou, then followed with the DCBA 2010 Highlights Recap Resentation by Mary Tulle, CEO of Destination Cape Breton Association. Tulle went on to introduce Harvey Sawler, of Forerunner Creative, who did a Product Development Presentation. The morning's agenda continued with a presentation on Savour & Culinary tourism with Gordon Stewart of RANS, with a slight break for those in attendance to do some networking and discuss the great and innovative points of the morning session.

Next on the agenda was the celebration of Cape Breton's elite, with the best of Cape Breton's tourism leaders being recognized for their achievments in promoting our industry. The celebration began with entertainment by Cape Breton's own Dawn and Margie Beaton and friends. This was followed by a delicious meal prepared by the excellent chefs at Membertou's Convention Centre and then an awards presentation. Ian MacNeil, emcee of the presentation, introduced guest speaker Michele McKenzie, who has worked to present the best of what Canada has to offer in tourism to the world. She presented a graph chart showing what tourism markets are looking for in a destination and how Canada fits into that. She explained that Canada in 2006 held a world rating of 12th as a travel destination and how it has gained strength to become the number 1 rated destination in 2010. McKenzie went on to clarify that Canada has reached this designation not because it is the best in all categories, but because it is in the top ranks of most of the categories the are looked at. McKenzie is the President & CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission. The second guest speaker was one of Cape Breton’s own, Dr. Ruth (Schwartz) Goldbloom, O.C., C.M.. Goldbloom, a native of the New Waterford/Glace Bay area, was the driving force behind the re-opening of Pier 21 as a National Historic Site and tourism attraction which draw thousands of visitors each year. Dr. Goldbloom talked about her life in Cape Breton where she lost her dad at a very early age, a fact that left her mom to raise a family of small children. Watching her mom cope and overcome and remain strong while enduring these hardships led to her understanding from a young age of the importance of volunteering and giving back to the community. She captivated the audience with stories of her involvement with the many charitable organizations throughout her adult life as well as her youth when she would dance at a fundraiser to help out for a community cause in her hometown; She spoke of her involvement with Pier 21 in Halifax. Listening to Goldbloom's enthusiasm, left the audience with new motivation and enthusiasm, as they stood and gave her a standing ovation. Awards were presented to the Baddeck Business and Tourism Association (BABTA), The Cape Breton Centre of Craft and Design in Sydney, Scott MacAulay of Cape Breton Resorts, Max MacDonald and Joella Foulds for their work with the Celtic Colours International Music Festival. Following the presentations the music group the RAT Pack gave a heart wrenching rendition of The Island by Kenzie MacNiel. The afternoon session then continued with a presentation on the 2011 Marketing Agenda with Dan Coffin. Coffin gave insight into the new and inovative plan to market Cape Breton Island and the importance of making our presents felt at the Travel Shows around Canada and the United States. It presented the new Promotional Cards used at the travel shows and explained what they hoped to achieve from the cards and their website. Next the audience heard from DCBA's new promotional designers. And finally Dan Coffin gave the closing remarks to a very imformative day of events.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton

Saturday, April 23, 2011
April is Maple Month at the Cape Breton Farmer's Market - Coxheath - 8:30am
Friend's of Leona Pink Positive Team - Bake Sale -St. Peter's Home Hardware -10am
Cape Breton Vote Mob - CBU - Sydney - 11am
Downtown Sydney Farmers Market Earth Day Celebration - St. Andrew's Hall - Sydney - 1pm
Douglas Cameron, Colin Grant, Marc Boudreau, Hilda Chiasson and Chris Babineau -Doryman Tavern - Cheticamp - 2pm
Homemade Pie Sale - West Bay Community Hall - 2pm
Evelyn MacRae & Friends - Shindigs Pub - Port Hwkesbury - 4pm
Bobby Currie - Ziggy's Pub - Sydney - 5pm
Helles Belles - Steel City - Sydney - 5pm
Andrew Doyle - Crown & Moose - Sydney - 8pm
Buddy MacDonald - Riley's Lounge - Sydney - 8pm
Award winning comedian Gerry Dee - Savoy Theatre - Glace Bay - 8pm
Tony Lee Uncensored Hypnosis Comedy - Membertou Trade & Convention Centre - 8pm
Teenagers Skating - Sydney Mines & District Community Centre - 8pm
Savanna - Doryman Tavern - Cheticamp - 9pm
Crowdis Bridge with Heartwood Slacks - The Upstairs Club - Sydney - 9:30pm
Round & Square Dance - West Mabou Hall - 10pm
Bandit - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 10:30pm
The Odd Bit with opener Stoned Crows - Shindigs Pub - Port Hwkesbury - 11pm

Easter Dinner at the A. MacDonald Country Inn


If you are looking for a special location to have your Easter dinner, you may want to consider a very charming country inn located in the historic village of St. Peter's. The A. MacDonald Country Inn on Pepperel Street will be hosting an Easter Dinner of traditional style Ham with Scalloped Potatoes for $13.99 and the other a little less traditional, but very very tasty, the Fisherman's Dream, made up of an 8oz Haddock fillet topped with shrimp, bacon, onion and tomato for $15.99. Taxes and gratuity extra. Both these dishes are served with dessert, tea or coffee.
The Inn will be opened from 8am until 7pm.

Friday 22 April 2011

Easter Dining at The Island Nest

The Island Nest Restaurant located in Arichat on beautiful Isle Madame will be offering an Easter Special of Roast Turkey Dinner for $7.99 from 11am until 7pm. Tea, coffee and dessert is extra. For a great place to enjoy Easter dinner stop in at the Island Nest.

View of Richmond

It is easy to tell that the upcoming tourism season is quickly approaching. As with the budding of your favorite shrubs in spring, so comes the opening of doors of the tourism operators to the flow of this season's visitors. That is what we are starting to see in Richmond County. April sees the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn open its restaurant on Good Friday and offering an Easter Sunday Buffet on April 24th starting at 11:30am. Glad Tidings the Christmas Shoppe opens it's door for regular business hours on May 1st and Richmond's favorite golfing location, the Dundee Resort and Golf Club will open it's course to golf lovers on May 7th with the Resort offering a Mother's Day Buffet on May 8th. And that is just the beginning, along with operators dusting of their shutters this season's entertainment is also gearing up for a new and exciting season. The very popular Kitchen Racket is back, the jam session will take place in St. Peter's at the MacBouch Restaurant and Lounge on Saturday April 23rd from 3pm until 5pm. Organizers of the event welcomes all entertainers to come and take part and join in the fun, bring along your instruments, your singing voice or your dancing shoes or just sit and and enjoy the music. There is no cover charge for this event.

The 6th Annual Estwood Davidson Memorial Bursary Concert will take place at the St. Peter's Lion's Hall in St. Peter's on Saturday, May 7th. The line up of entertainers and talent is exceptional. Entertainers will include the very popular Howie MacDonald, Dave MacIssac, Brenda Stubbert, Max Gervais Cormier, Donnie Campbell, Buddy MacDonald, McKayla MacNiel, Gillian Head and Harold and Myles Davidson. The concert will run from 7pm until 10pm, and tickets are $15.00 per person. All proceeds will be used for the Estwood Davidson Memorial Bursary which will be awarded to a graduating student from Richmond Academy. For all those looking for a great mother's Day gift, why not treat mom to an evening out listening to some excellent music! For more information on the concert you can call Verna at
1-902-535-2166. For a complete list of events taking place and a line of great places to enjoy the best Easter dining go to my blog at
capebretontourismspotlight.blogspot.com

What's Happening In Cape Breton

Friday, April 22, 2011
ACAP-CB Celebrates Earth Week - ACAP - Sydney - 8:30am
CANCELED - Win Seaton Exhibition - CBU Art Gallery - Sydney - 10am
CANCELED - Adult Skate - New Waterford & District Community Centre - New Waterford - 10am
CANCELED - Preschool Skating - Centre 200 - Sydney - 10am
CANCELED - After work party with live Celtic rock - Governors Pub - Sydney - 5pm
CANCELED - Kelly's Brew - JT's Pub - New Waterford - 5pm
CANCELED - Family Skate - New Waterford & District Community Centre - New Waterford - 7:45pm
Andrew Hunter and the Gatherers with Black Tooth Grinn - Governor's Pub - Sydney - 10pm
Tempted - Steel City - Sydney - 10pm
Bandit - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 10:30pm

Thursday 21 April 2011

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Thursday, April 21, 2011
ACAP-CB Celebrates Earth Week - ACAP - Sydney - 8:30am
Win Seaton Exhibition - CBU Art Gallery - Sydney - 10am
Adult Skating - Dominion District Community Centre - Dominion - 10am
Babies and Books - McConnell Library - Sydney - 12pm
Public Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 12pm
HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) Market - Cape Breton Regional Hospital - 1pm
Shedlon Aucoin - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 5pm
Alicia Penney - Wentworth Perk - Sydney - 6pm
Songwriters Circle - Riley's Lounge - Sydney - 7pm
Andrew Doyle Band - Crown & Moose - Sydney - 8pm
Talent Night - Doryman Tavern - Cheticamp - 8pm
Traditional Music & Ceilidh - Rollie’s Wharf - North Sydney - 8pm
Gerry Dee - Strathspey Place - Mabou - 8pm
Holy Thursday Dance Party with Dee Haunts - The Upstairs Club - Sydney - 9pm
Laurel Martell - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 10:30pm

Wednesday 20 April 2011

Check What's Happening Around Cape Breton

ACAP-CB Celebrates Earth Week - ACAP - Sydney - 8:30am
Win Seaton Exhibition - CBU Art Gallery - Sydney - 10am
Adult Skate - New Waterford & District Community Centre - New Waterford - 10am
Cape Breton Farmers MINI Market - ACAP - Sydney - 12pm
Public Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 12pm
Gaelic Classes - KOC Building - Port Hawkesbury - 1pm
Pre School Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 1pm
Wednesday Night Black Light Beats - Club 418 - Sydney - 9pm
Chris Kirby with Slowcoaster's Steve MacDougall and Mike LeLievre -
Governor's Pub - Sydney - 10pm
Karaoke - Steel City - Sydney - 10pm

Cuisine Acadienne Easter Specials


Cuisine Acadienne, located in Louisdale, will be offering a special dining experience over the Easter holiday. On Good Friday patrons can enjoy the following specials: Pan Fried Haddock for $9.95, 1pc Fish and Chips for $6.99 or Fish Cakes and Salad for 8.25.
On Easter Saturday the special will be Southern Fried Chicken for $7.99.
And on Easter Sunday chose from 2 for 1 T-Bone Steak for $19.95, Roast Turkey Dinner for $9.95 or a Combination Plate (Rice, Egg Rolls and Chicken Balls) for $10.95. On Sunday you can have your choice of potato, dessert, tea and coffee included with your meal. Hours of operation are Friday and Saturday 6am until 11pm and on Easter Sunday 6am until 10pm.

Easter Dining at L'Auberge Acadienne Inn


L'Auberge Acadienne Inn will be offering a Roast Turkey Dinner on Easter Sunday from 5pm until 8pm for $14.95. What a delicious way to celebrate Easter; great food, excellent service and all in a charming Acadian setting.

Tuesday 19 April 2011

Easter Dinner at Louie's Cosy Corner


Looking for an excellent spot to have a delicious Easter dinner? Louie's Cosy Corner Restaurant has two locations to serve you. A Roast Turkey Dinner with all the trimmings or a Baked Ham dinner served with Pine Apple Sauce will be served from 11am until 8pm for $9.99 plus taxes and gratuity. Tea, coffee and dessert are extra.
Louie's restaurants are located at the Sky Motel in Port Hastings and on Grenville Street in St. Peter's.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton

Tuesday, April 19, 2011
ACAP-CB Celebrates Earth Week - ACAP - Sydney - 8:30am
Win Seaton Exhibition - CBU Art Gallery - Sydney - 10am
Beginners Skating - Sydney Mines & District Community Centre - 10:30am
Preschool Skating - Dominion District Community Centre - Dominion - 11am
Public Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 12pm
Seniors Cafe: Positive Aging Series - McConnell Library - Sydney - 1pm
Pre School Skate - Bayplex - Glace Bay - 1pm
Rosa (Jenifer and Emily Dingwall) - Wentworth Perk - Sydney - 6pm
Andrew Doyle - Riley's Lounge - Sydney - 7pm
Paddling Cape Breton Island - McConnell Library - Sydney - 7pm
Legendary Canadian singer/songwriter Dan Hill - Kiju's - Membertou - 7:30pm
Guitar Jam - Royal Canadian Legion - Cheticamp - 9pm
The Kindness Killers with Baby Eagle (Steve Lambke of The
Constantines) and Heartwood Slacks - Governor's Pub - Sydney - 10pm

Monday 18 April 2011

New Beginnings with Destination Cape Breton’s 2011 Industry Day

Destination Cape Breton Association hosts Industry Day and Hall of Fame Luncheon, Thursday, April 21, 2011

April 21, 2011 – Destination Cape Breton Association (DCBA) will be hosting an Industry Day and Cape Breton Tourism Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon April 21, 2011, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Membertou Trade & Convention Centre. Over the past year DCBA has developed a plan that brings Cape Breton Island back to the forefront as an Atlantic Canada tourism destination.

New for 2011’s Industry Day will be the addition of the Cape Breton Island Tourism Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon recognizing local leaders in the industry in the years prior to the existence of a Destination Marketing Organization. The Tourism Hall of Fame Awards Luncheon will feature a sample of our amazing local entertainment and to help celebrate the luncheon, there will be two very special guest speakers; Michele McKenzie, President & CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission, who still refers to Nova Scotia as home, and Cape Breton’s own, Dr. Ruth (Schwartz) Goldbloom, O.C., C.M., a native of Glace Bay and the driving force behind the re-opening of Pier 21 as a National Historic Site.

Pre and post the luncheon there will be presentations highlighting aspects of DCBA’s 2011 Plan. For full agenda details and online registration, please visit DCBA’s recently launched Tourism Industry Website – www.dcba-info.com, which is being used to communicate opportunities and initiatives with partners in the tourism industry on Cape Breton Island.

“This event is a wonderful opportunity which brings together industry from all across Cape Breton Island to network, as well as, find out the latest happenings within the tourism industry in Canada, Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island,” said Mary Tulle, CEO, DCBA. “We are doing a few new innovative and creative initiatives this season and we look forward to sharing our plan with everyone.”

Everyone is welcome to attend at no charge for all industry sessions. Tickets will be $25 for the Awards Luncheon and can be purchased online at www.dcba-info.com.

Lumière: Call for Submissions

The organisers of Lumière are looking for submissions from regional artists working within and across the following disciplines:
- Visual Arts & Fine Craft
- Dance
- Theatre & Performance
- Music
- Film & Video

Artists from all cultural groups and visible minorities will be given equal consideration.


Lumière: Contemporary Art . Unconventional Spaces
October 1, 2011, 6:57pm to 12:57am

A nighttime celebration of the arts, Lumière brings together many different sectors to infuse Sydney’s downtown core with the vibrancy and excitement of theatre, dance, music, and visual art and fine craft. Lumière provides a platform for our different communities to collaborate, making the arts engaging and accessible to the public.

The organizers of Lumiere will partner artists with unconventional indoor and outdoor spaces in downtown Sydney to create a unique nighttime cultural event. Venues will be in the area between Townsend St. & Amelia St. and Charlotte St. & The Esplanade.

Please visit www.lumiere2011.ca for full details.

Sunday 17 April 2011

Largest Easter Brunch in Cape Breton


EASTER BRUNCH - LARGEST EASTER BRUNCH IN SYDNEY
Sunday, April 24, 2011

Membertou Trade & Convention Centre - Main Hall
From 11:00am - 2:00pm

MENU SELECTION
Potato | Chef | Pasta | Coleslaw

Bacon | Sausage | Eggs | Belgium Waffles | Home Fries Soup | Carved Turkey | Carved Ham | Carved Roast Beef | Mashed Potato | Country Stuffing | Fresh Tossed Vegetables | Seafood Bubbly Bake | Glazed Salmon Mussels | Cocktail Shrimp

Chocolate Fountain | Large Dessert Table
Fresh Baked Breads and Oat Cakes

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT - AARON LEWIS & LAUREL MARTELL

Largest Easter Brunch in Sydney!
ALL YOU CAN EAT - $24.95
Kids 6 to 12 - $12.95 | Kids 5 & Under - FREE

Friday 15 April 2011

Le Lycée de Louisbourg offers French Immersion Opportunity


Wanting to upgrade your French, I may have just the information you are looking for.
This information has just come to my desk from the Fortress of Louisbourg and I want to pass it along to all those interested in a French immersion experience.

Le Lycée de Louisbourg; École de langues would like to present to you its first French immersion experience. The two day French immersion session "Modern Language in a Classic Setting", will take place at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic site on May 18th and 19th. The session is specially designed for people working in the Tourism industry, who would like to polish up their French skills for the upcoming summer season and is for those who already have an intermediate or advanced level of French. This course may also apply to those in the Civil Service or the public in general who want to immerse themselves in the culture and language! Registration is required by May 4th and there are only 25 spots available so don't hesitate to sign up!
Experience workshops, demonstrations, guided tours, cultural activities, lunch in a period restaruant. Practice French as you learn how to make hot chocolate the 18th century way!
Dates and time: May 18th from 9am until 8:30pm and on May 19th from 9am until 5pm. The cost for the two experience is $270, which includes two lunches and one supper. Non-refunable registration fee of $30.00 due Before May 4th, 2011. For more information call 1-902-733-2280 poste/ext 3436,or email info@fortressoflouisbourg.ca or go to www.pc.gc.ca/louisbourg

Monday 11 April 2011

Easter Buffet at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn


Bras D'Or Lakes Inn - Easter Sunday Buffet

24 Apr 2011, 11:30 AM
Easter Sunday Buffet:
Price: $29.95 plus HST and gratuity
Time: 11:30am to 1:30pm


Buffet will feature:

Baguette or dinner rolls and butter
Tea or coffee

Appetizer Table
Mixed green salad with assorted dressings
Pasta salad with ham, cheese, nuts, Rosemary herbs, olive oil, lemon dressing
Homemade Cole Slaw salad
Potato and egg salad
Smoked Mackerel
Cold Meat Platter
Cold poached fillet of salmon with tartar sauce
Chef’s pate platter

Main Course
Roasted potatoes
Rice pilaf
Mixed vegetables (broccoli, carrots and cauliflower)
Roast leg of Beef au jus
Maple syrup glazed baked ham
Hot Mussels

Desserts
Pies
Bread pudding
Crème Caramel
Apple Crisp
Chocolate Truffle
English Trifle
Carrot Cake
Cheese tray


Reservations Appreciated.
Call: 1-902-535-2200
E-Mail: info@brasdorlakesinn.com

Sunday 10 April 2011

6th Annual Estwood Davidson Memorial Bursary Concert

Cape Breton music legends Estwood Davidson and Winston Scotty Fitzgerald

If you are looking to take in some great entertainment, and also aid a great cause, I have an event that you will want to mark on your calendar.
The 6th Annual Estwood Davidson Memorial Bursary Concert will take place at the St. Peter's Lion's Hall in St. Peter's on Saturday, May 7th. The line up of entertainers and talent is exceptional. Entertainers will include the very popular Howie MacDonald, Dave MacIssac, Brenda Stubbert, Max Gervais Cormier, Donnie Campbell, Buddy MacDonald, McKayla MacNiel, Gillian Head and Harold and Myles Davidson. The concert will run from 7pm until 10pm, and tickets are $15.00 per person. All proceeds will be used for the Estwood Davidson Memorial Bursary which will be awarded to a graduating student from Richmond Academy. For all those looking for a great Mother's Day gift, way not treat mom to an evening out listening to some excellent music, enjoy! For more information on the concert you can call Verna at 1-902-535-2166.

Friday 8 April 2011

View of Richmond

I returned from representing Destination Cape Breton Association at the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa on Monday and what a show it was. Exhibitors from all around the world were there, all competing for their share of the world tourism market. It was definitely not an easy sell with such a variety of exotic destinations on site, but I can say that the Nova Scotia Tourism contingent, led by Peter Johnson did an outstanding job of displaying and promoting the province from Yarmouth to Cape Breton. People were out in abundance; the show was in full swing from the moment the doors opened at 10am. Travel material was picked up and questions were asked about all facets of the tourism market, not only on Nova Scotia but also Cape Breton, which was good to see. People were actually coming to the Cape Breton stand and requesting material on the area, saying they had heard great things about the area and wanted to find out more. The new promotion cards that Destination Cape Breton Association has produced for this summer worked well with many people commenting that it was great to be able to access our information on their BlackBerry using the new QR code. People were looking for everything from Honeymoon destinations to Golf vacations and I am proud to say that Cape Breton was on the list of to-dos for many of the show's visitors. Taste of Nova Scotia was amazing. Executive Chef Michael Howell, of Tempest Restaurant, offered attendees at the show a taste of heaven as he presented them with superb seafood dishes from Nova Scotia, which included dishes from Cape Breton, the South Shore and Central Nova. Visitors to the show commented that Nova Scotia Tourism had a marvelous showing at the event. As visitors entered the main doors of the show they could not miss the Taste of Nova Scotia sign hanging well above the displays of the presenters; welcoming them to savor the flavour of this spectactular province. Two young members of the 78 Highlanders who serve at the Citadel in Halifax, were on hand to perform pipe and drum segments. From what I preceived at the show, there were a lot of positive vibes from visitors expressing their interest in the area. We can only hope that the interest will translate to an increase in visitors to Cape Breton in 2011.

Thursday 7 April 2011

Live Theatre at Strathspey Place


On Golden Pond By Ernest Thompson comes to Strathspey Place on April 15, 16, 17. This lovely play, based on the film starring Henry Fonda and Katherine Hepburn, is a heartfelt drama that goes beyond the "happily ever after" ending of the standard romance. It is a touching and funny look at a loving marriage in its "golden" years.

Showtime is 8:00pm on Friday and Saturday nights, 2:00pm on Sunday afternoon. Tickets are $12.

Kitchen Racket Returns April 23

Here is some news I have received from Greg Silvers on the St. Peter's Kitchen Racket. I would like to pass the information along to all entertainers near and far who would like to drop by and join in the fun on April 23rd.



Hello Kitchen Rackets Fans:
You are invited to our next open jam session of 2011:

Saturday April 23, 3 pm - 5 pm
at the MacBouch Restaurant and Tavern
Grenville St., St. Peter's

All are welcome. No cover charge. Meet all kinds of players and singers, for all kinds of music.
This is an accoustic jam, but if you need an amp for a keyboard or bass guitar please bring it along. We also have a sound system with a single mic for singers and solos.
We are looking forward to seeing the old gang and any newbies who want to join in.

Please pass the word along, and feel free to forward this email to anyone you know who might be interested in attending to play or listen!

Thanks again to the folks at MacBouch Restaurant and Tavern for hosting this event!

For further information please contact:
Greg Silver
Tel: 902 535 3990
Cel: 902 631 5050
gsilver@cdg.ns.ca

Wednesday 6 April 2011

Buddy Wasisname at the Savoy Theatre Tonight

Showtime at 8:00pm. Tickets are available at the Savoy Theatre Box Office. Prices are Adult: $34.50, Senior: $32.50, Student: $30.50, Child(Under 12): $22.50.

Tourism in Richmond County

Over next few months, the tourism industry will be very busy with a marketing agenda for Cape Breton Island. Already the industry has begun targeting stragic locations with the intention of bring visitors to this beautiful island destination. I have just returned from representing Destination Cape Breton Association (DCBA) at the Ottawa Travel and Vacation Show at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on April 2nd and 3rd. The show had exhibitors from 40 countries and approximately 160 travel exhibits which gave visitors a chance to compare prices, attend information seminars and view tourism demonstrations as well as entertainment from around the world. Destination Cape Breton Association as part of the Nova Scotia Tourism contingency made a major impression on visitors looking to make travel plans for this up coming season. Visitors to the show asked a number of questions about Cape Breton Island and why the island is given the distinction of being named number one island destination in North America. Visitors were amazed to hear that the Cabot Trail is considered the number one travel route for motorcycles in the world. Destination Cape Breton Association attented the tourism show with the intention of bring Cape Breton to the centre stage of the Canadian tourism market. There were a high percentage of tourism consultants at the show from the Ontario and Quebec markets which hope will corespond in a higher number of Central Canadian visitors checking out our travel web sites. Destination Cape Breton distributed its new lure piece hosting the newest marketing information tool, the QR code. The QR code is a popular type of two dimensional barcode which brings information (in our case tourism information on the island) to the fingertips of the world by the press of a button. QR codes store up to 4,296 alphanumeric characters of text. This information can be read by an optical device with appropriate software which can range from dedicated QR code readers to mobile phones. Besides the QR code, this attractively designed post card size information piece highlights partnership packages being offered this season as well as giving the website, where visitor's questions can be answered and in return the association can obtain an accurate number of visitors checking out
the website.

Another major marketing venue that Destination Cape Breton Association will be attending to attract visitors to Cape Breton is the Saltscapes East Coast Expo. This very popular travel show for the Atlantic Provinces will take place at Exhibition Park in Halifax April 29th to May 1st. This is the 7th year that the St. Peter's Visitor Information staff will be at the Expo representing Richmond County as part of DCBA at the Saltscapes Expo. The show which will have approximately 400 unique exhibitors providing more than 100 presentations and demonstrations, offering visitors the opportunity to gain awarness of the many experiences that this spectacular part of the world has to offer its visitors. The Expo will highlight everything from the Unique Retail section to Savour the Flavour of Atlantic Canada to sample our culture, music and travel, as well as what's new with cottage and garden and healty living. The show has something of interest for everyone. Atlantic Canada is a very important tourism market as a high percentage of visitors travelling to our area come from the Atlantic Provinces.

Tuesday 5 April 2011

Pipes & Drum of the 78th Highlanders at the Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show

Canadian Destinations at the Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show



More Destinations at the Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show



Some European Destinations at the Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show



Exotic Destinations at the Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show



Ottawa Travel & Vacation Show 2011

Peter Johnson of Nova Scotia Tourism stands by the Cabot Trail backdrop

Taste of Nova Scotia's eye catching display

Members of the 78th Highlanders entertain

Back from the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa and what a show it was. Exhibitors from all around the world were there, all competing for their share of the world tourism market. It was definitely not an easy sell with such exotic locations on site, but I can say that the Nova Scotia Tourism contingent, led by Peter Johnson did an outstanding job of displaying and promoting all the province has to offer from Yarmouth to Cape Breton. People were out in abundance; the show in full swing from the moment the doors opened at 10am and continuing right through the day. Travel material was picked up and questions were asked about all facets of the tourism market, not only Nova Scotia but also Cape Breton, which was good to see. People were actually coming to the Cape Breton stand and requesting material on the area, saying they had heard great things about the area and wanted to find out more. The new lure promotion cards that Destination Cape Breton Association has produced for this summer worked great with many people commenting that it was great to be able to access our information on their BlackBerry using the new QR code. People were looking for everything from Honeymoon destinations to Golf vacations and I am proud to say that Cape Breton was on the list of to-dos for many of the show's visitors. Taste of Nova Scotia was amazing. Executive Chef Michael Howell, of Tempest Restaurant, offered attendees at the show a taste of heaven as he presented them with superb seafood dishes from Nova Scotia, which included from Cape Breton, Salt Cod Croquettes, Smoked Salmon French Toast, Toast Salmon Oscar, Snow Crab Cakes with Wild Blueberry Salsa from the South Shore of Nova Scotia and Maple Walnut Brittle from Central Nova Scotia. At the onstage cooking demonstration, Nova Scotia Lobster 101 - From the trap to the plate, Howel demonstrated how to make Nova Scotia Lobster Rolls as well as Lobster Cappuccino. Visitors to the show commented that Nova Scotia Tourism had a marvelious showing at the event. As visitors entered the main doors of the show they could not miss the Taste of Nova Scotia sign hanging well above the displays of the presenters; welcoming them to savor the flavour of this spectactular province of ours. The two young members of the 78 Highlanders who serve at the Citadel in Halifax, were on hand to perform pipe and drum segments. From what I preceived at the show, there are a lot of positive vibes from visitors expressing their interest in the area. We can only hope that the interest will translate to an increase in visitors to the area in 2011.

Friday 1 April 2011

View of Richmond

The next few months will be very busy for our tourism associations and organizations as they prepare for the upcoming tourism season. Representatives of the tourism industry will be attending a number of travel shows with the intention of drawing visitors to our area. One of the shows that Cape Breton tourism operators are targeting for their share of the tourism dollar are the Travel and Vacation Show in Ottawa at the Aberdeen Pavilion at Lansdowne Park on April 2nd and 3rd. This show will have exhibitors from 40 countries and approximately 160 travel exhibits where visitors can compare prices, attend information seminars and take tourism demonstrations and entertainment from around the world. Destination Cape Breton Association will be there to promote Cape Breton Island, as part of the Nova Scotia Tourism contingency.

Another major marketing venue that Destination Cape Breton Association will be attending to attract visitors to Cape Breton is the Saltscapes East Coast Expo taking place at Exhibition Park in Halifax April 29th to May 1st. This is the 7th year that I will be representing DCBA at the Saltscapes Expo, which will have approximately 400 unique exhibitors providing more than 100 presentations and demonstration, offering visitors the opportunity to gain awarness of the many experiences that this spectacular part of the world has to offer its visitors. The Expo will highlight everything from the Unique Retail section to Savour the Flavour of Atlantic Canada to sample our culture, music and travel, as well as what's new with cottage and garden and healty living. The show has something of interest for everyone. Atlantic Canada is a very important tourism market as a high percentage of visitors travelling to our area come from the Atlantic Provinces.

On the entertainment scene: There will be a yard sale, bake sale and chinese auction held at the St. Peter's Lions Hall in St. Peters on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday March 28th, starting at 9am. This event is a fundraiser for Dorothy's Pets in Need. Dorothy's Pets in Need is a non profit entity, located in River Bourgeois, which provides shelter and food for abandoned animals.