Wednesday 26 October 2011

Tourism in Richmond County

On October 15th, another season came to an end for the St. Peter’s Visitor Information Centre. This season, off to a slower than usual start, saw fewer visitors during June and July. It did not take long to get back on track when summer temperatures finally arrived with the start of August and into September. There are always so many factors to take into consideration when looking at why the season unfolds the way it does; the untraditionally cold wet start to the season, the economic situation in the US and Europe , the high price of gas, and the high Canadian dollar. But it is nice to see that, in the end, the season turned our reasonably well. Numbers were down marginally, but not a bad season at all.

Now that the tourism season is over, we can again start planning for the upcoming season and there are already meetings scheduled for the Saltscapes Travel Expo in Halifax next spring. I just received a request for information from a bus tour company planning four tours. Even with the close of the St. Peter’s VIC, advertising of events will continue in order to bring as much attention to the area as possible. I will continue to update our events on the Tourism Spotlight Blog and in my columns, so if you have community events coming up please email me and I will be happy to add them to our list. My e-mail address is annmarieyorke@hotmail.com and to check the events on-line please go to tourismspotlight.blogspot.com for an up to date line up of events taking place in Richmond County, as well as the rest of Cape Breton.

Here are some of the local events taking place in Richmond County. On October 29th & 30th, come to a Halloween Haunted House at the Tara Lynne Center in River Bourgeois from 6-9pm. Admission is $3.00 a person. Also on Sunday October 30th, La Picasse will be holding a Giant 45’s Card Play at 2pm. Admission is $10.00 with prizes of $300.00, $200.00 and $100.00, as well as door prizes. Advance tickets are being sold at La Picasse. On Sunday, October 30th, there will be a 45s card play at the Riverdale Community Center starting at 8pm. On the 30th the St. Francis De Sales CWL Fall Fair will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre.

Sunday 23 October 2011

MSN Gives Cape Breton Top Marks


The Cabot Trail made it onto MSN.ca's list of the top Fall Drives in Canada. MSN commented on our Fall foliage and highligthed the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site as some of the season's most spectacular.

Friday 21 October 2011

2011 Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce Best Tourist Attraction Award Goes To The Cape Breton Bikefest


Cape Breton Bikefest has been awarded the 2011 Sydney and Area Chamber of Commerce Best Tourist Attraction Award. This is the second year that the Cape Breton Bikefest has won the People's Choice Award for Best Festival or Event. They were up against some pretty tough competition including the Celtic Colors International Music Festival. This has been a very successful year for the Cape Breton Bikefest organization with this year's festival bringing in 15,000 bikers to Cape Breton to take part in the event, which was an increase over last year's 10,000 attendees. Cape Breton Bikefest organizers do an excellent job in promoting their event, and the organization is very fortunate to have a great group of people made up of generous sponsors, partners and a loyal volunteer base, working along with the organizations diligent board of directors working behind the scenes to ensure the event is successful. Congratulation on another very successful season.

View of Richmond

On October 15th, another season came to an end for the St. Peter’s Visitor Information Centre. This season, off to a slower than usual start, saw fewer visitors during June and July. It did not take long to get back on track when summer temperatures finally arrived with the start of August and into September. There are always so many factors to take into consideration when looking at why the season unfolds the way it does; the untraditionally cold wet start to the season, the economic situation in the US and Europe , the high price of gas, and the high Canadian dollar. But it is nice to see that, in the end, the season turned our reasonably well. Numbers were down marginally but not a bad season at all.

Now that the tourism season is over, we can again start planning for the upcoming season and there are already meetings scheduled for the Saltscapes Travel Expo in Halifax next spring. Even with the closer of the St. Peter’s VIC, advertising of events will continue in order to bring as much attention to the area as possible. I will continue to update our events on the Tourism Spotlight Blog and in my columns, so if you have community events coming up please email me and I will be happy to add them to our list. My e-mail address is annmarieyorke@hotmail.com and to check the events on-line please go to tourismspotlight.blogspot.com for an up to date line up of events taking place in Richmond County, as well as the rest of Cape Breton.
For events taking place in Richmond, Thursday, October 20th the Kitchen Party at the River Bourgeois Seniors 50+ Club will take place from 7-9pm. This event will run every second Thursday evening during the winter months. Monday October 24th, there will be a Lasagna Dinner served from 11am to 1pm at La Picasse in Arichat. Tickets are $10.00 and can be purchased in advance at La Picasse or by calling 226-0149. On October 29th & 30th, come to a Halloween Haunted House at the Tara Lynne Center in River Bourgeois from 7-10pm. Admission is $3.00 a person. Also on Sunday October 30th, La Picasse will be holding a Giant 45’s Card Play at 2pm. Admission is $10.00 with prizes of $300.00, $200.00 and $100.00, as well as door prizes. Advance tickets are being sold at La Picasse.

Thursday 20 October 2011

Out the Meadow by Bev Brett Comes to The Masonic Hall, Baddeck

“Out of the Meadow” will take place at the Masonic Hall in Baddeck from October 21st to October 23rd. The play is written by Bev Brett and has received rave review by audiences where ever it has been seen. The Play was mentioned in the Can Revue May 2011 Issue, Playwrights Guild of Canada’s bi monthly newsletter of Canadian Plays: Out the Meadow by Bev Brett is mentioned as:
“A funny and haunting love story set against the backdrop of a colourful
Scottish Gaelic community in rural Cape Breton Island. Archie MacLean, an
entertaining storyteller, a charming liar, and a compulsive birdwatcher falls in
love with Lisa, a singer songwriter from away, whose career has taken a
downturn. Their coming together is joyous and inevitable but as the world
closes in on Archie both he and Lisa are thrown into struggle to survive from which only one emerges.” Out the Meadow was first produced in 2009 at Forerunner Theatre, in Halifax. I also play at Ship’s Company Theatre in Parrsboro on main stage from June 29th threw July 24 of this year, where it drew very positive reviews, such as this one by Andrea Nemetz, Entertainment Reporter from the Halifax Herald on July 6th,2011.
“dazzling and memorable”

“It’s worth the trip to Parrsboro to see this new, technically dazzling production…makes you part of the lives of three memorable characters and leaves you recalling their stories long after you’ve left the theatre.”
Now audiences here in Cape Breton will now have the opportunity to enjoy this delightful Cape Breton Love Story, written by the very talented Bev Brett first hand. It will be presented by the St. Ann’s Bay Players at the Masonic Hall, in Baddeck on the following dates: Friday, October 21, 2011 from 7:30pm until 9:30pm, on Saturday, October 22, from 7:30pm until 9:30pm and on Sunday, October 23, from 2pm until 4pm. For info' or reservations, phone 929-2426

Tourism in Richmond County

The Celtic Colours International Music Festival has been an overwhelming success in the Richmond County area as well as around the whole island. Richmond had visitors come into the area to take in the festival, many for the sixth and seventh time, just because they have enjoyed the festival so much. The interest in the festival was not only in the shows but the whole community; the meals and tours and many functions held in conjunction with the festival. The community dinners are one of the most popular features. I know here in Richmond our community dinners sell out every night they are offered, with the St. Georges Channel Fishcakes and Beans and L’Ardoise Sounds and Supper by the Sea always a hit with visitors.

The musical venues in Richmond had the most amazing variety of talent. BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet drew rave reviews from those who came into the Visitor Information Centre talking about the performance. A Touch of the Irish organizers heard visitors commenting that this year’s concert was the best they had ever attended in Lower River. St. Peter’s Ceilidh On the Canal continues to sell out year after year with visitors commenting how much they enjoy this venue. And not only are the visitors who attend the show impressed with the performance, but those behind the scenes who volunteer and the entertainers, who are always amazed by the community group who prepares the meal for all those taking part. I was told by festival organizers that it is never hard to get volunteers for the St. Peter’s event. The River Bourgeois’s community group did an excellent job entertaining visitors with their Afternoon Kitchen Ceilidh and meal as did the community groups on Isle Madame who did tours of the Notre Dame de L’Assomption Church and an afternoon of music and Roast Turkey Dinner and St. George's Channel community’s Arm of Gold Song Session. The afterhours Kitchen Rackets held nightly throughout the festival at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s and at L’Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat and at the MacDonald Country Inn in St. Peter’s on the nights of their respective area's concerts were major hits with the visitors and helped to add to the visitors Cultural experience of being able to sit back and relax with the local entertainers and mix with members of the local community, which always adds to the memories of those attending the festival. With comments about the fabulous times they are having attending the festival and how they are planning on coming back next year, is it any wonder that the Celtic Colours International Festival has been listed among the finalists for the TIAC 2011 Canadian Tourism Awards in the National Cultural Tourism Category. The Tourism Awards were established in 2003 to recognize success, leadership and innovation in Canada’s tourism industry and to honor those people, organizations and events that have gone above and beyond the norm to offer a top quality visitor experiences to travelers visiting Canada. Celtic Colours definitely fits the bill offering 45 concerts with the best of Celtic entertainers from abroad as well as the best of Canadian Celtic performers, and combined with 300+ community events running right across Cape Breton Island and being able to maintain a volunteer base that works very hard to make sure the festival is a success and in doing so offers an experience that would be hard to top anywhere in the world. Our hats are off to the Celtic Colours International Festival organizers and congratulation for this year’s nomination, you deserve it.

Wednesday 19 October 2011

Christmas Ideas from Velo!


This has just come to me from Jacques Cote (jacques.cote@ns.sympatico.ca)of Velo Cape Breton. It is a great idea for Christmas gifts for any cycling enthusiasts, so I thought I'd pass it on. Check out the Velo Cape Breton website at velocapebreton.ca!


Hello!

It's been almost 2 years since the last order of VCB Clothing has been made. Over the last 6 months numerous inquiries have been received for VCB clothing for which we could not fill. Sooooo, we are mounting an order for jerseys, vests and jackets for Christmas delivery. Yes, Halloween is not yet passed that we're talking about Christmas gifts already.

The second edition of the acclaimed VCB jersey design is distinctive, visible and neat. See attached pictures.

The Short and Long Sleeves models are made out of the Light Micro Airdry technical fabric that wicks moisture and improves airflow to regulate body temperature and keep you dry. Both styles are available in men and women cut. More info here.

New this year, we will order vests. The Performance WindDry vest info here .

The Vests and the Jackets Unisex are made out of WindDry technical fabric to keep you warm and protect you against elements while managing moisture. More info here.

Short Sleeve Jersey = $65. Long Sleeve Jersey (full zip) = $85. WindDry Vest = $103. WindDry Jackets = $145. All prices quoted include HST. See order form attached.

Samples of each clothing to try are being shipped by Louis Garneau and will be available this weekend at the Cape Breton Farmers Market on Keltic Drive this Saturday, Oct 22, between 9:00 am and noon (In the back room on the left hand side). BTW, even if you have your assortment of VCB colours, you are more than welcome to the Market to see what they have to offer and meet other cyclists..

These Fit kits will be returned to Garneau on October 26th, so if you want to make sure the jersey you will buy fits, here's your chance.

There are minimum amounts to reach in each style. As usual, this is a prepaid order so cash or cheque will confirm your order. Order to be completed by November 1st for delivery just in time to put under the Christmas tree.

For you living outside of Sydney, here's the sizing chart for the clothing. It works.

Should you have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.

We'll stay in touch!

Jacques

Tuesday 18 October 2011

Red Green's Personal Wit & Wisdom Tour Comes to Glace Bay This Week!


Put on your flannel shirt and dig out your duct tape as Canada’s favourite lovable, wacky handyman, Red Green takes to the road in his first cross Canada one-man show! Showtime is Tuesday October 20 at 7:00pm at the Savoy Theatre. Tickets are $57.00.

Saturday 15 October 2011

Celtic Colours Sells Out!


Tonight's Final Event of the Celtic Colours International Festival, The Barra Macneils' Celtic Roots & Branches has Sold Out. I hope everyone enjoys the show tonight!

Celtic Colours Ticket Availability- and Events For October 15th



Dancing up a Suete (2pm) – Cheticamp
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime:
Dancing Up a Suête
2:00 PM, La Place des arts Pére Anselme-Chiasson, Cheticamp, Tickets: $30/25

The suete winds of Cheticamp are famous. Our newest dance show will blow you away with high energy dancing from several traditions.
La Swing du Suête | Asham Stompers | April Verch Trio | Sylvie Doucet |Stephanie Aucoin | Ian MacDougall | Maybelle Chisholm McQueen

Community Meals
Fricot Musicaux
Hometown Kitchen, Cheticamp - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (Menu Pricing)

Fricot Musicaux
Harbor Restaurant and Bar, Cheticamp - 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (Menu Pricing)

Visual Art Series
Farmers and Artisans' Market
Le Quai Mathieu, Cheticamp - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Free)

Open Studio Series
Proud to be Hookers Studio, Petit Étang - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Free)

Open Studio Series
Seasonal Treasures Gallery & Gifts, Cheticamp - 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM (Free)

Mentors & Musical Minds (2pm) – Mabou
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime.

Mentors & Musical Minds
2:00 PM, Strathspey Place, Mabou, Tickets: $35/30/25
Traditions survive because one generation passes them down to the next. Today is an example of how it is happening in Mabou. Suas e!
Glenn Graham | Kimberley Fraser | Stan Chapman | Joe Murphy | Féis Mhàbu Youth Performers | Brian Doyle

Learning Opportunity:
Rug Hooking Workshop:
Inverness County Centre for the Arts, Inverness - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM ($60 includes kit)

Pearl Stringing for Beginners:
Scotsville School of Crafts, Scotsville - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM ($55 (materials included)

Visual Art Series
Living in a Painting: Cape Breton Island en Plein Air Exhibit:
J. Franklin Wright Gallery at Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Free)

Lakeside Impressions 2011:
Scotsville School of Crafts, Scotsville - 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (No fee, donations accepted)

Textile Festival Exhibit
Inverness County Centre for the Arts, Inverness - 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Adult $3 / Students & Seniors $2 / Family $5)

Pipers Ceilidh (2pm) – Gaelic College
SOLD OUT! Zero tickets available for this concert.

The Barra MacNeils (7:30pm) – Sydney
SOLD OUT! Zero Tickets available for this concert.

Community Meals:
Spaghetti and Meatball Supper
Sydney Forks Recreation Centre, Sydney Forks - 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM ($10)

Visual Art Series
The Nova Scotia Art Bank Exhibition
Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, Sydney - 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Free)

Gallery Exhibition: Roots and Branches
Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, Sydney - 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Free)

Celtic Colours en Plein Air Viewing
Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, Sydney - 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM (Free)

Friday 14 October 2011

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!


3 of the 6 Celtic Colours International Events have already Sold Out! A Full Slate in L'Ardoise and On These Rocky Shores in Main-A-Dieu have tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime. Now That The Work Is Done in Glace Bay has tickets available through the Savoy Theatre Box Office.

Thursday 13 October 2011

Leave It To The Ladies is Sold Out!




Tonight's Celtic Colours International Event in Iona no longer has any tickets available, but hose hoping to see Scotland's Mairearad Green will have another chance tomorrow night at the Orangedale Whistle! Those hoping to see Cathy Ann MacPhee will have a chance Saturday at The Barra MacNeils' Celtic Roots & Branches in Sydney and those hoping to see Cape Breton's own Ryan MacDonald will have one last chance Saturday night in St. Ann's for the Piper's Ceilidh!

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!



Guitar Summit in Judique and My Old True Love in Baddeck have SOLD OUT! But there are still some tickets available at 4 of the other 6 Celtic Colours International Events. Leave It To The Ladies in Iona, The Hills Are Alive in Ingonish, Devilish Duos in Belle Cote, and Kickin' Up A Storm in Sydney River will all have limited tickets available at the door an hour before showtime or you can check the Celtic Colours Box Office at 1-888-355-7744 until 4pm.

Tourism in Richmond County

Visitors to Richmond County, who are attending the Celtic Colours concerts, have been very happy with what they experienced so far and they are sure to be thrilled with the concerts that they are still to witness. On October 12th, enjoy "Ceilidh on the Canal", starting at 7:30 pm, St. Peter's Lions Club, St. Peter's, Tickets start at $25. This ceilidh is a true mix of musical styles - Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton and a twist of Bluegrass. You just never know what may transpire on stage with Howie MacDonald, Brenda Stubbert, Anna Massie, Mairearad Green, Niamh Ní Charra, Crowdis Bridge and Gillian Head all performing. The Ceilidh on the Canal has been and remains a popular fixture which offers an excellent variety of talent that has their audience coming back year after year. Before the concert visitors can enjoy Fishcakes and Beans at the St. George's Channel Hall, St. George's Channel starting at 4:00 pm. On October 14th take in "A Full Slate", 7:30 PM, L'Ardoise Community Center, L'Ardoise; tickets start $25. From super-talented fiddle and guitar playing to foot stomping dancers, you'll be blown away. Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear J.P. Cormier & the Elliott Brothers and Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews will attest to their amazing talent combined with the Asham Stompers from Western Canada and Richmond’s Allie Mombourquette; it should be an incredible event. But even before the main event takes place sit back and enjoy a traditional Kitchen Party at the Tara Lynne Community Centre, River Bourgeois, with the entertainment starting at 2:30pm and running until 4:30pm and the corn chowder and chicken soup dinner running from 4:30pm until 6:30pm.

During the festival there are also a variety of learning opportunities which will be taking place each day. For a full list of these experiences go to www.celtic-colours.com. And make sure to take in the Kitchen Racket each night at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn from 10pm until 1am. Admission is$2.00 with a ticket stub from that night’s concert or $5.00 without a ticket stub, and players are admitted free. But even after the Celtic Colours Festival has ended there will still be lots of activities taking place for our visitors to experience. On October 16th there will be a Merchandise Bingo held at the Tara Lynne Community Centre in River Bourgeois starting at 1:45pm. And on Thursday October 20th, the Kitchen Party at the River Bourgeois Seniors 50+ Club will begin. The Kitchen Party will run every second Thursday during the winter from 7-9pm. On October 24th, there will be a Lasagna Dinner held at La Picasse in Petit de Grat from 11am until 1pm, cost $10.00 per person with only 50 tickets sold in advance. Pick up your at La Picasse, 226-0149. And on October 29th and 30th, the young and old who enjoy the spookier side of Halloween, can take in the Halloween Haunted House which at the Tara Lynne Community Center from 7 to 10pm, admission is $3.00.

Until next week I hope you have a great time at the Celtic Colours Festival.

Wednesday 12 October 2011

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!



Good News! There are still tickets available for 4 of the 6 Celtic Colours International events tonight! The Song & The Songsmith in Mabou, Foot Stompin' Fun in Aspy Bay, Gaelic In The Glen in Glendale, and Women Of Song in Sydney all have tickets available at the door from 1 hour before showtime.

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!


There are tickets available for 5 of tonight's 6 Celtic Colours International Events! We Are All Cousins in Cheticamp, A Touch of the Irish in Riverdale, Piano Summit in Sydney River, Close To Home in Christmas Island, and the Cow Bay Ceilidh in Port Morien all have tickets available at the door before showtime. Please check with the Celtic Colours Box Office at 1-888-355-7744 for last minute availability!

Tickets Still Available For Tonight's Celtic Colours International Festival


Celtic Colours International Music Festival Tickets Available for Tuesday, October 11, 2011.

CLOSE TO THE FLOOR (7:30PM)-MABOU
Zero tickets available -SOLD OUT!

WE ARE ALL COUSINS (7:30PM)- CHETICAMP
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime.

A TOUCH OF THE IRISH (7:30PM)- LOWER RIVER
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime.

CLOSE TO HOME (7:30PM)- CHRISTMAS ISLAND
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime

COW BAY CEILIDH (7:30PM) - PORT MORIEN
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime.

PIANO SUMMIT (7:30PM) - SYDNEY RIVER
tickets available through Celtic Colours Box Office until 4pm.
Tickets available at the door 1 hour before showtime.

Celtic Colours Box Office: 1-888-355-7744 or 1-902-567-3000
The boc office will be open from 10am until 4pm today.

Monday 10 October 2011

Attend Madame Grandchamps Cabaret and Join Author Elaine Sawlor and Other Story Tellers from the Fortress As They Share A Tale or Two About Louisbourg

A Celtic Colours International Festival Participatory event. Madame Grandchamps Cabaret: Join us at Madame Grandchamps Cabaret at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site to hear and share a tale or two about Louisbourg. Featuring author Elaine Sawlor and other storytellers from the Fortress of Louisbourg.This event will take place on Wednesday October 12th. from 2pm until 4pm. Regular admission fees to the site apply. For more information phone 1-902-733-3552.

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!


4 of the 6 Celtic Colours International events tonight still have tickets available. Collectively Celtic in Sydney Mines has tickets available at the door from 1 hour before showtime. Friends & Family in Albert Bridge also has tickets available at the door before showtime. From the Boyou to D'Escousse still has some tickets available at the door. There's a Land Somewhere at the Membertou Trade & Convention Centre has tickets available through the Celtic Colours Box Office at 1-888-355-7744.

Sunday 9 October 2011

Velo Events planned for Celtic Colours

Velo Cape Breton has forwarded this information along us here at the Visitor Information Centre and I think you will find this interesting.

Velo Cape Breton is the Island wide voice of cyclists, working for better cycling in our great Island. We have made significant progress since our formation in 2004. Visit our website info@velocapebreton.ca that will introduce you to some of our activities.

Joining VCB is a proof of support to the community development and advocacy work done by the hard working volunteers of this club. Your $10. will go a long way. It's your 2011 legacy to the rising generation. To join click here.

Help us make Cape Breton Island a better place to live!

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TUESDAY MORNING IMPROMPTU RIDES GOING FAT... TIRES

This week it's in Iona/Grand Narrows for the CELTIC COLOURS Ride - Bicycle Tour of Grand Narrows and Derby Point Rd.

Tuesday, October 11th

Meeting: Grand Narrows Waterfront, Grand Narrows
Time: 1:00 PM

Bring your bike (or rent a bike in Sydney) to tour Grand Narrows and Iona. School children from the local school will participate and give cyclists a brief history of the area's culture and origins. 60% of the ride is on a gravel road.

More info: Sharon Brummund - (902) 622-2197- sbrummund@ns.sympatico.ca


INAUGURATION HERITAGE TRAIL - Whitney Pier

Friday, October 14th

Time: 11:00 am.

Part of the CBRM Active Transportation Plan, this off-road trail overlooks Sydney Harbour and the former lands of the steel plant. Once remediation of the Tar Ponds is completed, the trail will connect with Downtown Sydney and beyond.

More details of the event will be available next week. Stay tuned!

HIKE THE COXHEATH COLOURS & CEILIDH

Saturday, October 15th.

A Time to enjoy the splendor of the fall colours on the Coxheath Hills Wilderness Trail. Along the trail stop to listen to musicians and to chat with wildlife experts.
Saturday, October 15th from 1-4pm. Join the fun at the Ceilidh in Knox Hall with fiddler Hanna Stockley and Kolten MacDonnell on keyboard. Refreshments for sale. The trail And Hall are located on Coxheath Raod at the Blackett’s Lake turnoff. Event is free Donations are welcome. For information call 1-902-564-6352

____________

CELTIC COLOURS HIKES IN CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK

Wednesday, October 12: Acadian Trail

Thursday, October 13: Branch Pond Look-off Trail.

Friday, October 14: Franey Trail

Guided hikes starting at 10:30 a.m.

Hike through a vibrant panorama of autumn leaves as fiddle music resonates within you. Join park staff for a guided hike associated with Celtic Colours International Festival concerts in Chéticamp, Aspy Bay and Ingonish.

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!



4 of the 6 Celtic Colours International events for tonight are sold out! Tickets are available at the door for Back Together in Boisdale and there are limited tickets available at the door for Legendary Celts in Marion Bridge.

Saturday 8 October 2011

A Taste of The Festival is set for Tonight at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion in Sydney

If you are looking for a truly Celtic Experience, you will definitely way to take in "A Taste of the Festival", tonight starting at 7:30PM, at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion on the Esplanade in Sydney. Tickets: are $40/35/30 and are available through the Celtic Colours Box Office by phone at 1-877-285-2321 or on line at www.celtic-colours.com or in person at the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion.
The line up of talent is exceptional and includes: the Blazin' Fiddles of Scotland, The Black Family with songs of Ireland, Ronald Bourgeois and Hilda Chiasson-Cormier with music of Acadian flair, and BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet with the lively toe tapping music of Louisiana and a Cape Breton concert is not complete without at lease a few tunes from one of Cape Breton's best fiddlers Dwayne Cote. A Taste of the Festival what it advertises, a taste that will leave your craving more and more, and the festival has lots more to offer throughout the days ahead. So come on down and enjoy the Celtic Experience.

|

Friday 7 October 2011

View of Richmond

Fall is up on us, and the weather is seasonal and the changing leaves are beautiful. It has always been one of my favorite times of the year, and it is great to see that our visitors are agreeing with me, as they stop by the visitor centre and comment on how beautiful the leaves are. Of course they are also curious as to why so many homes seem to have large amounts of old furniture and other items at the end of their driveways! Oh well! They seem to understand once I explain about heavy garbage pickup. A couple of questions asked by our visitors are why do some of the homes have a star hung on the front of them. I was not sure myself what the star indicated, and one of my visitors actually brought me in the explanation. The star is a barn star which was viewed as a symbol of good luck to many farmers as they still are today, and make a very popular decorative accent to a garden wall or home front. Here is a generally accepted view of what the some of the different colours indicate as it pertains to the Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch tradition. Brown means earth, can also mean friendship and strength; Green indicates growth, fertility, success in things and ideas that grow; Orange indicates abundance in career, projects and matters needing an added push, just to mention a few.

Great to see lots of visitors travelling in October and there are lots of events planned for them to experience. On October 8th, take in an Old Fashioned Grand River Square Dance and Social at the Grand River Fire Hall from 8:30pm until midnight, admission $7.00. On October 9th, Development Isle Madame Association will host Family Fun Day (free event) at the Cap Auguet Eco Trail, Boudreauville Entrance from 2-4 pm, with a BBQ, games and prizes; great fun for the whole family. The Riverdale Community Center has two events taking place on October 16th, the Riverdale Jamboree will take place from 2 to 5pm, admission is $5.00 and at 8pm the weekly Sunday Night Riverdale’s 45 Card play will resume. On October 24th, there will be a Lasagna Dinner from 11am until 1pm. Tickets $10.00 and can be picked up at La Picasse in Petit de Grat.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Tourism in Richmond County

Visitors to Richmond County, who are attending the Celtic Colour Concerts are in for a treat, starting with “From the Bayou to d’Escousse: D’Escousse fais do do”, on October 10th, at 7:30 PM, D'Escousse Civic Improvement Hall, D'Escousse, tickets: $30/25. An Acadian community welcomes home her Cajun cousins from the Bayou. The songs will flow in both official languages along with tunes from here and there. Ronald Bourgeois, BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet, James Keelaghan, Mckayla MacNeil, Kayla Bona, and Clifford Carter. Patrons of this show are in for a unique experience with BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet, since forming in 1975, these Grammy winners have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun group in Music. Their music takes on the rich Cajun traditions of Louisiana and add flavours of zydeco, new Orleans jazz, tex-mex and country and blues to come up with their own recipe for a performance that will have captivate their audience and make it hard to stay in their seats. To fill in your afternoon before the show you may want to take in a Day of Celebration with Friends of Notre Dame de l'Assomption Cathedral: a musical afternoon at the Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. The festival has everything covered to make the events as simple as possible before the concert event take in one of the delicious Community Meals on Monday, October 10th enjoy a Roast Turkey Dinner at the Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

On October 11th concert goers can enjoy "A Touch of the Irish", at 7:30 PM at the Riverdale Community Center, Lower River Inhabitiants, tickets: $30/25. In a community with Irish roots, some of Ireland's finest singers and instrumentalists, made up of Alan Kelly Gang, Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Órla Ni Cheallaigh will meet a father and daughter vocal duo, Richmond County’s own very talented Cyril MacPhee and his daughter Haley. During the day enjoy Sounds and Supper by the Sea at Lobsters R Us, Lower L'Ardoise - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM ($30), or take in the Isle Madame Lights: Experiential Tour and Chowder Lunch at Lennox Passage Provincial Park, Lennox Passage -10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($30 includes lunch).

On October 12th, enjoy "Ceilidh on the Canal", starting at 7:30 pm, St. Peter's Lions Club, St. Peter's, Tickets start at $25. This ceilidh is a real "visit" - Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton and a twist of Bluegrass. You just never know what may transpire on stage. Howie MacDonald, Brenda Stubbert, Anna Massie, Mairearad Green, Niamh Ní Charra, Crowdis Bridge and Gillian Head. The Ceilidh on the Canal has been and remains a very popular venue which offers an excellent variety of talent that has their audience coming back year after year. Before the concert visitors can enjoy Fishcakes and Beans in St.George's Channel Hall, St. George's Channel - 4:00 pm.

On October 14th take in "A Full Slate", 7:30 PM, L'Ardoise Community Center, L'Ardoise; tickets start $25. From super-talented fiddle and guitar playing to foot stompin' dancers, you'll be blown away. Anyone who has had the opportunity to hear J.P. Cormier & The Elliott Brothers and Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews will attest to their amazing talent combined with the Asham Stompers and Allie Mombourquette, it should be an incredible event. But even before the main event takes place sit back and enjoy a traditional Kitchen Party at the Tara Lynne Community Centre, River Bourgeois - 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM and enjoy a tasty meal. During the festival there are also a variety of learning opportunities which will be taking place each day. For a full list of these experiences go to www.celtic-colours.com. And make sure to take in the Kitchen Racket each night at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn from 10pm until 1am. Patrons can attend with a ticket stub from a concert event for $2.00 or without a ticket stub for $5.00 and players are admitted free.

Tuesday 4 October 2011

The Count Down Is On-Only 3 Day Until The Start of The Celtic Colours International Festival

Celtic Colours Events taking place in Richmond County-October 2011

October 8th.
Artisan Show and Sale
St. George's Channel Hall, St. George's Channel - 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Free)

If you are still looking to hear some great Celtic Music come and enjoy the
Kitchen Racket each night at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn from 10pm until 1am. Patrons can attend with a ticket stub from the Celtic Colours concert for
$2.00 or without a ticket stub for $5.00 and players are admitted
free. The Kitchen Racket event at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn will run from October 7th thru October 14th.

For Visitors interested in doing a day sail while in the area for Celtic Colours, call Cape Breton Sailing Charters at 1-902-631-5050 and set up an appointment with Captain Greg for a day on the lake.

On October 10th The Celtic Colour Concerts series in Richmond County
starts with “From the Bayou to d’Escousse: D’Escousse fais do do”, at
7:30 PM, at the D'Escousse Civic Improvement Hall, D'Escousse, tickets: $30/25.
An Acadian community welcomes home her Cajun cousins from the Bayou.
The songs will flow in both official languages along with tunes from here
and there. Ronald Bourgeois, BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet,
James Keelaghan, Mckayla MacNeil, Kayla Bona, and Clifford Carter.
Patrons of this show are in for a unique experience with BeauSoleil
Quartet avec Michael Doucet, since forming in 1975, these Grammy
winners have claimed their undisputed role as the most esteemed Cajun
group in Music. Their music takes on the rich Cajun traditions of
Louisiana and add flavours of zydeco, new Orleans jazz, tex mex and
country and blues to come up with their own recipe for a performance
that will have captivate their audience and make it hard to stay in
their seats.
The festival has everything covered to make the events as simple as
possible before the concert event take in one of the delicious
Community Meals on Monday, October 10th enjoy a Roast Turkey Dinner at
the Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM.

Learning opportunities are also available during the day for the enjoyment of visitors to the area.
Day of Celebration: Historic Cathedral Tour
Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ($5)
Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)
Weaving Demonstration
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Donations accepted)
Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)
Beginner Tin Whistle Workshop
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($15)
Square Dancing Workshop: Roddie's Set
St. Peter's United Church Hall, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM ($10)
Day of Celebration with Friends of Notre Dame de l'Assomption Cathedral: Musical Afternoon
Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($12)
Celtic Guitar Chording
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($35)
Day of Celebration: Historic Cathedral Tour
Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM ($5)
If you are still looking to hear some great Celtic Music come and enjoy the
Participatory Events held after the Celtic Colours Concert.

There will be two Kitchen Party events on at L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat, in conjunction with Celtic Colours on Monday, October 10th, from 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM ($5 without your concert stub or $2 with a concert ticket stub and the one at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's from 10pm until 1am, with the same charge as detailed at L'Auberge Acadienne Inn.

On October 11th concert goers can enjoy "A Touch of the Irish", at
7:30 PM at the Riverdale Community Center, Lower River Inhabitants,
tickets: $30/25. In a community with Irish roots, some of Ireland's
finest singers and instrumentalists, made up of Alan Kelly Gang,
Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Órla Ni Cheallaigh will meet a father and
daughter vocal duo, Richmond County’s own very talented Cyril MacPhee and his
daughter Haley,will be match up to create an evening you won’t soon
forget.
During the day enjoy Sounds and Supper by the Sea at Lobsters R Us,
Lower L'Ardoise - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM ($30), or take in the Isle Madame
Lights: Experiential Tour and Chowder Lunch at Lennox Passage
Provincial Park, Lennox Passage -10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($30 (includes
lunch)).
Learning Opportunities that are available during the day for the enjoyment of the visitors. Isle Madame Lights: Experiential Tour and Chowder Lunch
Lennox Passage Provincial Park, Lennox Passage - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($30 (includes lunch))
Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)
Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)
Celtic Guitar Chording
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($35)
Visual Arts Series
Beyond the Colour Wheel
Gallery Ruairicroft, St. George's Channel - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ($10)

On October 12th, enjoy "Ceilidh on the Canal", starting at 7:30 PM,
St. Peter's Lions Club, St. Peter's, Tickets: $30/25. This ceilidh is
a real "visit"--Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton and a twist of Bluegrass.
You just never know what may transpire on stage. Howie MacDonald,
Brenda Stubbert, Anna Massie, Mairearad Green, Niamh Ní Charra,
Crowdis Bridge and Gillian Head. The Ceilidh on the Canal has been and
remains a very popular venue which offers an excellent variety of
talent that has their audience coming back year after year.
Before the concert visitors can enjoy Fishcakes and Beans in St.George's
Channel Hall, St. George's Channel- 4:00 PM.
There are a number of learning opportunities that are available for the enjoyment of our visitors.
Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)
Scottish Country Dancing Workshop & Tea
L'Ardoise Community Centre, L'Ardoise - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($15)
Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)
Beginner Tin Whistle Workshop
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($15)
Celtic Guitar Chording
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($35)
Visual Arts Series
Celtic Colours en Plein Air: Richmond County Paint Out
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Beyond the Colour Wheel
Gallery Ruairicroft, St. George's Channel - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($10)

On October 14th take in "A Full Slate", 7:30 PM, L'Ardoise Community
Center, L'Ardoise, tickets: $25/$30. From super-talented fiddle and
guitar playing to foot stompin' dancers, you'll be blown away. Anyone
who has had the opportunity to hear J.P. Cormier & The Elliott
Brothers and Dwayne Côté and Duane Andrews will attest to their
amazing talent combined with the Asham Stompers and Allie
Mombourquette, it should be an incredible event.
But even before the main event takes place sit back and enjoy a traditional Kitchen Party at the Tara Lynne Community Centre, River Bourgeois - 2:30 PM to 5:30
PM and enjoy a tasty meal.
There are a number of learning opportunities available for the enjoyment of our visitors.
Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)
Luthier Workshop with Johannes Sturm
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($20)
Open Studio Series
Grey Seal Weaving, Lower L'Ardoise - 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Free)

Out Door Event:
Walkabout Chapel Cove
L'Ardoise Community Centre, L'Ardoise - 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Free)

Afternoon-Kitchen Party
Tara Lynne Community Centre, River Bourgeois - 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM ($10 (includes meal- corn chowder/soup supper with dessert, tea or coffee, which will be served after the music, from 4:30 to 5:30pm))