Wednesday 29 June 2011

Tourism in Richmond County

Summer is here, and the weather is still a little cooler than normal, but we are getting back on track. Everyday we see an increase in tourists stopping in at the Visitor Information Centre. We are starting to see visitors from all over Canada; still not a lot from the United States, but after the July 4th holiday that usually changes. And with school coming to a close for the season here in Canada we will see an increase in family traffic. Richmond County is offering the visitor a lot of extras this year, the county has 3 experiences that they are offering this year. One has been around for a year, and two are new on the block. All three are great, and are offering the visitor what they have been asking for. I can hardly wait to get the visitor’s feed back from them. These experiences offer the visitor a chance to see how a working sheep farm operates, from the shearing of the wool, to feeding some of the other species that also live at the farm. The second experience is a guided walking and driving tour around the beautiful and historic Isle Madame to see the lighthouses. There will be two tours offered on Thursdays throughout the summer, a four hour morning tour and a two hour afternoon tour. Then we have a sailing experience, where visitors can set sail for a day trip with up to 6 passengers aboard the yacht the Misty Cat, take a turn at the helm, do some fishing or stop and take a dip in the soothing waters of Bras d’Or Lake. All three sound great. Two major events Richmond has planned for this summer are The 8th Annual Point Michaud Surf Classic & Expo scheduled for August 26th to 28th and the 1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest scheduled for September 16 to 18th. The Surf classic is back and bigger than ever, lots of great new events planned including a surf trade show and demos, a surf art show, live music and great food. And for the 1st ever Cape Breton Paddlefest, there will be kayaking, canoeing, a trade show and a “Try Before You Buy”, coaching clinics and educational seminars, gear swap, river run excursion and great food, music and fun. This event is geared for paddlers of all levels of experience. More information can be gotten on these great new experiences and events by going to www.capebretonheritagecoast.com .
Visitors have always enjoyed our traditional music, and this summer we have lots to offer around Richmond. The Thursday night Ceilidhs and Kitchen Racket will be back at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn starting on July 7th. And the very popular Krysta MacKinnon will entertain at the Inn from Sunday through Wednesday from 7 to 11pm, during July and August. The Kitchen Rackets will also be taking place at different locations around Richmond this summer. The Dundee Resort will be featuring the talented Jason Williams at the MacRae’s Dining Room from Monday to Friday from 6 to 9pm with guest entertainers on Saturday and Sundays in Chanter’s Pub from 8:30 to 1am. The outdoor concert series will be running again during the summer alternating between Arichat and St. Peter’s. And the St. Peter’s Campfire Series is back on Thursday nights at Battery Park. Visitors will also find lots of local entertainment during the local festivals taking place all around the county. Then to just add cream to the mix, J.P. Cormier and the Elliott Brothers will be performing in concert at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall on July 21st. It looks like it is going to be a great summer.
Until next week, I hope you will have the opportunity to get out and enjoy our beautiful scenery, and clean fresh air.

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