Cape Breton Tourism Spotlight

Nova Scotia Tourism Strategy Planning Session Scheduled for NSCC on February 3rd

2012-01-27T10:00:00.004-04:00

Attention all tourism operators! This information has just arrived at my desk from Mary Tulle, CEO of Destination Cape Breton Association, and because of its important message, I want to pass it along to all those in our tourism industry. The date of the NS. Tourism Strategy Planning Session in Sydney is Friday, February 3rd from 10:30 - 12:30, and will be held at NSCC Marconi. It is very important to have a say in these sessions as Cape Breton is a major part of the tourism industry in Nova Scotia and we must make sure that our needs are not overlooked.

Nova Scotia Tourism Strategy Planning Session

Good afternoon

As many of you may be aware there is a new Special Operating Agency (SOA) being formed that will lead in the creation and implementation of a new tourism strategy for Nova Scotia. In order for the strategy to be properly and accurately developed, stakeholder input is critical. YOU are a stakeholder and your thoughts and opinions need to be heard.

Bluteau Devenney is working with the interim Strategy Committee to facilitate open house sessions province wide and on Friday, February 3 from 10:30 - 12:30, a session will be held at NSCC Marconi. I encourage you to attend in person but should that not be possible there are two additional options availabe to you to provide your feedback. The attached links take you to both an online survey and questionnaire.

Nova Scotia Tourism Strategic Plan Questionnaire
Nova Scotia Tourism Agency Strategic Planning Stakeholders Survey

The change in the structure of tourism for Nova Scotia, coupled with the opportunity for things to be done "in a new and improved way", are goals that we all strive to achieve. Providing input into how and what these changes can be, however, are opportunities that you can impact.

I genuinely thank you in advance for taking the time to come to the session in person, or for completing the survey and / or questionnaire.

Should you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact me at 902 539 0300 or via email at anytime mary@dcba.ca.

I hope to see you on the 3rd.

Kind regards
Mary Tulle

As part of the development of a five year strategic plan for Nova Scotia tourism, our firm Bluteau DeVenney and Company has been retained by the Nova Scotia Tourism Agency to facilitate the strategic planning process. A key component of that process is the gathering of perspectives from those stakeholders in the sector – whether private industry, government, supporting associations, etc. The process will have three key components - the gathering of information, sifting and synthesizing of data, feedback for trends and themes, and the development of the plan and resulting action items required to achieve success in the future.

In addition to asking the current sector key questions, we are also gathering information from a number of sources including past stakeholder input and regional, national and international activity and research. Understanding what is working well, building on the sectors strengths and capturing opportunities that currently exist or which could be developed are important focus points as are the capabilities required to make these things happen and the challenges that are faced by the sector.

We will be facilitating focus group sessions in the locations below to provide an opportunity for tourism sector stakeholders (operators, training providers, associations, etc) to provide input and inform this process. Your perspective can help shape the new strategic plan and the direction of the tourism sector in Nova Scotia.

We ask that you please check your schedule and attend one of the sessions below. If you are unable to attend, we will be providing access to an online survey. The sessions are being conducted at the following Nova Scotia Community College campuses and we thank them for their support. The
sessions are scheduled for 2 hours. To ensure space and supports are adequate, we ask that you please RSVP to the following email by providing your name, company name and session you plan on attending - rsvp@bluteaudevenney.com.

Jan 31st NSCC Kingstec- Wolfville. 8:30am - 10:30am

Jan 31st NSCC Burridge- Yarmouth 2:00pm - 4:pm

Feb 1st NSCC Lunenburg- Bridgewater 10:00am - Noon

Feb 2nd NSCC Truro 9:00am - 11:00am

Feb 2nd NSCC Pictou 1:30pm- 3:30pm

Feb 3rd NSCC Marconi- Sydney 10:30am- 12:30

Feb 7th NSCC Halifax Campus 2:30pm- 4:30

We are looking forward to hearing your thoughts and our continued work with the NSTA and the individuals and associations that strive to make our tourism sector a vibrant and profitable economic driver of the Province.

Wayne Woodard

Tourism in Richmond County

2012-01-25T10:20:00.003-04:00

The Saltscapes Travel Expo is quickly approaching for those operators who would like to promote their business. The Expo will take place in Halifax from April 27th to 29th and Destination Cape Breton will be there. After evaluating DCBA's presence at last year's show through surveys and by talking to previous participants to get their opinions, the association has decided to take a slightly different direction at this year's show. DCBA will be attending this year with a condensed presence, with the focus on selling Cape Breton as a vacation destination for this tourism season. The association will be booking a 20X30 foot space which will be manned with Destination Cape Breton staff and three Visitor Information Counselors and they would like to extend an invitation to any animators from other organizations to take part in the Cape Breton display at no charge.Travel costs would need to be covered by each individual attending.

Additionally, DCBA is offering tourism operators a chance to promote their package or experience through promotional postcards which will be produced as a handout at the Expo. Packages or experiences must meet the criteria set by the association. Besides having your experience or product listed on the promotional postcard, the information will also be displayed on cbisland.com. The fee to take part in this promotion is $100.00 and if interested in taking part in this offer you should contact DCBA as soon as possible; space is limited. To take part in this promotional venture or to find out more on the criteria for your experience or package, please contact Caroline at caroline@dcba.ca or call 1-902-539-4593. The Saltscapes Travel Expo which takes place at Exihabition Park in Halifax is an excellent promotional opportunity to showcase what Cape Breton has to offer to the Atlantic Canada Market.

Richmond tourism operators and businesses from the St. Peter's area, as well as the Tourism and Economic Development Department for the Municipality, took the opportunity this past holiday season to promote the Village of St. Peter's with the Festive Moments Segments which aired 10 times a day for 18 days on both The Eagle and The Giant Radio stations out of Sydney. This marketing program highlighted the businesses in the Village of St. Peter's as a must visit area on the island. This was an exceptional opportunity to promote what the area has to offer to potentional visitors.

Richmond County's Winter Festival will be hosting some great outdoor events. One of these will be the Coastal Riders ATV Winter Festival Rally in L'Ardoise on Saturday, February 4th. The activities will include Winterfest Breakfast from 7-10am at the L'Ardoise Men's Club. Registration which is open to everyone, will take place at the L'Ardoise Community Centre from 8-9:45am. Registration fee: $20.00 for 3 tickets per Bike and any additional passenger who wants to pay the registration fee will also receive 3 tickets to be eligible for the prize draws which will take place at 5pm. The Rally will begin at 10am sharp, beginning at the L'Ardoise Community Centre and ending at the L'Ardoise Community Centre. There will be a Fish Cake & Bean Supper from:4-6:30pm with a social with taped music to take place from 4pm until 6:30pm. For information on the following events: Breakfast-Nils Adamsson 587-2778, Rally-Carolyn Cook 587-2422-please note the number 587-2263 listed in the Reflections of Richmond Winter Edition was a mistake. And Supper - Lillie Spray 587-2077.

Geocaching Event To Be Held at Fortress Of Louisbourg

2012-01-24T11:59:00.005-04:00

Information has just arrived at my desk from Laurel Martell from the Fortress of Louisbourg, on a geocaching and showshoeing event that will be taking place at the Fortress on February 19th. If you enjoy geocaching and showshoes , this event will be perfect for you.

Cache Us If You Can—On Snowshoes!

Sunday, 19 February 2012 - 10 a.m.
Join us for our second annual geocaching event at the Fortress of
Louisbourg National Historic Site as we celebrate Heritage Day.
An introduction to geocaching and snowshoeing will be available for
beginners.
Registration will take place at 10 a.m. in the McLennan Centre (formerly
the Museum). Coffee and tea will be available.Entrance fees: Adult: $7.50, Senior:$6.05, Youth: $3.65, Family/Group $18.10
This event is hosted by the Atlantic Canada Geocaching Association,
Fortress Louisbourg Association and Parks Canada.

For more information, please visit the Atlantic Canada Geocaching
Association Web site or call 902-733-3552.

Trouvez-les, si vous en êtes capable—en raquettes!
Le dimanche 19 février 2012 - 10 h
Joignez-vous à nous lors de notre 2e événement annuel de géocachette au
lieu historique national de la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg et célébrez avec
nous la Fête du patrimoine!
Une introduction à la géocachette et à la raquette sera disponible pour les
débutants.
Inscription à 10 h au centre McLennan (autrefois le musée). Café et thé
offerts.
Cet événement vous est présenté grâce à Atlantic Canada Geocaching
Association, l’Association de la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg et Parcs Canada.

Pour plus de renseignements, visitez le site Web Atlantic Canada Geocaching
Association (en anglais seulement) ou téléphonez au 902-733-3552.

Laurel Martell
Professional Development Facilitator | Animatrice-formatrice en
perfectionnement professionel
Parks Canada | Parc Canada
259 Park Service Road, Louisbourg NS B1C 2L2 | 259 chemin Park Service,
Louisbourg N-É B1C 2L2
Tel | Tél: 902 733-3552
Fax | Télécopieur: 902 733-3543
laurel.martell@pc.gc.ca
Government of Canada/Gouvernement de Canada

100 years, Come Celebrate! | 100 ans, Soyez de la fête!

Highland Dancing Starts Up For Winter Program in Richmond County

2012-01-19T11:02:00.005-04:00

The holiday break is over and it is great to have the Winter classes for Highland Dancing start up again. This is an excellent program for children interested in learning the Celtic tradition of highland dancing, it will run for 7 weeks starting January 25th. The program is ran through the Department of Recreation for the County of Richmond County, and is held at the St. Peter's Fire Hall on Wednesday afternoons.It will run from 3:30-4:30pm for children ages 5-6 years and from 4:30 - 5:30pm for children 7 years and up. The Course fee is $55.00 and the instructor is Micayla Matthews of Scottish Dance Teacher's Alliance. If you are interested in having a child begin classes call the Richmond County Municipal Office at 226-2400 and ask to speak to the staff of the Recreation Department and they will be happy to give you the registration information.

Here is an update that I received from Jennifer Landry, Instructor of Highland Dance in St. Peter's. She also has given some information on the Celtic workshops being held on March 16th and 17th in Westmount.

Hi Everyone!

Reminder that dancing begins next Wednesday with Micayla Matthews!

Also, see below for Celtic workshops coming up March 16-17 in Westmount if you are interested! There is a facebook page for info on this: http://www.facebook.com/events/285389228184674/ The facebook page shows the format for the days. Pass it on to anyone who may be interested.

Thanks
Jennifer
Highland Dance Instructor
St. Peter's

CELTIC WORKSHOPS

Dates: Friday, March 16th & Saturday, March 17th
Location: 95 Sunnydale Drive, Westmount

AM Sessions: 9:00-12:30 (BEGINNER LEVEL)
PM Sessions 1:00-4:30 (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)

This 2-Day workshop will offer students a ‘taste’ of Celtic Culture

***Beginners are welcome***

We would love for you to come and try this out~!

*Students Ages 5 to 20 years

Courses Offered:

Bagpipes

Pipe Band Drumming

Highland Dance

Step Dance

Fiddle

*Gaelic Song*

*All students will learn a fun Gaelic Song to end their morning or afternoon sessions*

Registration: ONLINE

workshop.macarthurdance.com

Student Fee: $100.00

*EARLY Registration Before February 15th = $10.00 off ($90.00 total)

Fees Include:

*2-Day Workshop = 3 choices per day, plus 1 Gaelic Song Class

(Total = 8 classes over the 2 days)

*Snacks

*Family Ceilidh

*Instructor Intro Performance Daily

This is an affordable and fun way to have your child spend their March Break, while learning and getting a taste of the Celtic Culture of Nova Scotia. If this is successful, there will be classes continued in workshop formats for interested students.

For more information, contact: kelly@macarthurdance.com

Tourism in Richmond County

2012-01-18T07:17:00.001-04:00

It is promising to see Cape Breton continue to create attention about all the island has to offer. This time the focus is drawn to our islands surfing location Point Michaud Beach, located on the Fleur de Lis Trail. Michelle Richards, professional surfer and Surf Instructor for the Richmond County Recreational Department’s Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud, as well as the organizer for the Point Michaud Surf Classic & Expo, won 1st place and $300 from surf-forecast.com in their Regional Surf Competition. In this competition, worldwide submissions describing local surf break were received and reviewed. Finally they selected Richards' description about Point Michaud Beach. Runner ups in the competition were: Jack Heckerman - Japan (Okinawa) , Oliver Treetz - Taiwan (North Coast), Giovanni Mancuso - Brazil (Rio Grande Do Sul), Chip Bissell - Mexico (Baja Sur), Salvador Jimenez de la Nuez - Spain (Gran Canaria). The new surf region pages will be available soon on Surf Report, Surf Forecast, www.surf-forecast.com. This promotion of our area's surfing is sure to draw surfers from around our country and beyond to our area to try our surf for themselves.

This was definitely the great period for Point Michaud Surfing to draw attention to our area. This information came to me from Richards’ Facebook page Surf Point Michaud which is very popular with surfers across Canada and the US. Richards posted: "Surf's Up at Point Michaud", by Daniel Bonner. The article can be found on page 8 of Sport Nova Scotia's quarterly newsletter. The Sport Quarterly, highlights issues in our sport community, local sport participants and organizers who are worthy of recognition, and programs that are working to improve Nova Scotia's sport system." http://www.sportnovascotia.ca/Portals/0/docs/pubs/sportq/December_2011.pdf.

On the entertainment scene: On Saturday January 21st, there will be a Pub & Trivia Night at The Tara Lynne Community Centre in River Bourgeois starting at 8pm. The Richmond County Winter Festival will begin January 23rd and run until February 26th. Some of the events include Farm Tales Reading Circles, this is a 12 week program will begin mid-January and is sponsored by the Richmond Literacy Network for more information contact Sarah Nettleton at 226-0383. On Sunday, January 22nd from 1:30pm until 3:30pm Storytelling at the Park will take place at the Lennox Passage Provincial Park in Martinique for information contact Marg Herdman at 226-2440. Center La Picasse in Petit de Grat will host a kids dance for ages 12 and under from 6:30pm until 8:30pm and a Teen dance from 9pm until 11pm on January 25th. For more information contact Dora at 226-0149. A Soup Luncheon will take place at the Fourchu Community Hall on January 28 from 11am until 1pm. Until next week, have fun exploring Richmond.

Wildfire Pottery and Books Open Fridays from 1-5pm For The Winter Months

2012-01-17T08:30:00.005-04:00

Attention, good news for all those who enjoy an afternoon of reading. This information has just arrived at my desk and I know you will find it of interest. If you enjoy sitting in front of the fireplace and reading a great book while sipping a cup of coffee as much as I do, then this may be of interest to you.

Wildfire Pottery and Books Open Fridays from 1-5,‏

Hi and Happy New Year!

I'll be opening up the bookstore and pottery shop Friday afternoons again for the winter starting this Friday, January 20th from 1-5.
There are lots of new titles on the shelves, cappuccinos and good coffee (by donation) and a nice big warm fireplace in the book room.

The parking area will be partly sanded, but it might be a good idea to bring your grippers as it tends to get icy in spots.

Look forward to seeing you and if you are looking for any titles in particular just give me a call,

Cheers,
Sarah

Wildfire Pottery and Books
Open Fridays from 1-5,

44556 Cabot Trail
H: 929-2391
Shop: 929-2315
www.zibbet.com/wildfirepottery
www.zibbet.com/theartfulbadger

Change of Time For The Free Afternoon of Games at Centre La Picasse

2012-01-17T08:17:00.005-04:00

This notice has just come to my attention and so I am passing it along to all my followers who may be planning to attend. The Correct time for the childrens events will be 6 to 7:30pm on February 8th at Centre La Picasse in Petit de Grat.

NOTE: changement d'heure / Change of time‏

Il y aura une après-midi de jeux gratuit pour les enfants de 12 ans et moins au Centre La Picasse, mercredi le 8 février de 18h à 19h30. Il va avoir des prix à gagner, venez avoir du fun. There will be a FREE afternoon of games for children 12 and under at La Picasse, Wednesday February 8th from 6 to 7:30 pm, there will also be prizes to win so come have fun.

-------------------------------------

Dora Samson-Boudreau

Assistante à la programmation

La Picasse, centre communautaire culturel

3435 Route 206 C. P. 70 Petit de Grat

Isle Madame, Nouvelle-Écosse B0E 2L0

Tél: 902-226-0149 Téléc: 902-226-0549

www.lapicasse.ca

Coastal Riders ATV Club Winter Festival Rally

2012-01-15T12:29:00.006-04:00

Winter Festival ATV Events in Richmond County includes ATV Rally in L'Ardoise. What a great way to get out in the fresh air and view the great scenery in Richmond, while having lots of fun with friends. Come join in the fun during Richmond County's Winter Festival.

Coastal Riders ATV Club Winter Festival Rally

Date: Saturday February 4th.

Winterfest Breakfast 7-10am at the L'Ardoise Men's Club - cost $7.00

Place: L'Ardoise Community Centre

Registration: 8-9:45am Open to Everyone

Registration fee: $20.00 for 3 tickets per Bike and any additional passenger who wants to pay the registration fee will also receive 3 tickets to be eligible for the prize draws.
Ticket draws will be made at 5pm.

Rally Start Time: 10am sharp beginning at the L'Ardoise Community Centre and ending at the L'Ardoise Community Centre.

Fish Cake & Bean Supper (Sponsored by L'Ardoise Seniors Jolly Club):4-6:30pm

Social with taped music will take place starting at 4pm until 6:30pm

For information on the following events:

Breakfast-Nils Adamsson 587-2778

Rally-Carolyn Cook 587-2422-please note the number 587-2263 listed in the Reflections of Richmond Winter Edition was a mistake, Correct number is 587-2422.

Supper- Lillie Spray 587-2077

If you need accommodation for this event:

Check accommodations 10 Minutes away from L'Ardoise

The Bras d'Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's 535-2200

MacDonald Country Inn in St. Peter's-535-2997

2nd Annual Isle Madame ATV Riders Winter Festival Rally

2012-01-15T12:04:00.007-04:00

Attention all ATV Riders, the 2nd Annual Winter Festival Rally Poker Run will be taking place in Isle Madame on February 11th. If you enjoy this exciting outdoor activity, you will definitely not want to miss this run. Great prizes, great food and lots of fun! The information on the Poker Run Event is listed below.

The 2nd Annual Isle Madame ATV Riders Winter Festival Rally

Date: February 11th, 2012

Registration time : 9:30am - 11am at the Rocky Bay Hall in Rocky Bay

Fee: 25$ per poker hand/meal

Meal: Spaghetti Supper

1st Prize: trip for 2 to Dominican Republic

2nd Prize: $300

3rd Prize: $200

4th Prize : $100

* Lots of door prizes to be given away! There will be hot dogs and drinks for sale on the trail. All riders must wear proper riding gear and follow all OHV rules.

Accomadations available at:L'Auberge Acadienne: 226-2200

Vina Motel: 226-2662

Contact Tony Pierce @ 226-9601 for more information

MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW--

Doug MacPhee and Mario Colosimo Perform at The St. Ann's Bay United Church

2012-01-14T17:35:00.004-04:00

Looking for something to do on a Friday evening. Finding the dark nights long and you would like to get out with some of your friends for some great music. I have just the event to fill your needs. On January 20th, the St. Ann’s Bay United Church will present the excellent entertainment of Doug MacPhee and Mario Colosimo.

A Dinner and Musical Evening with Doug MacPhee and Mario Colosimo.
St. Ann's Bay United Church presents two of Cape Breton's foremost entertainers.

The evening of music will take place in the tea room at St. Ann’s Bay United Church located at 46715 Cabot Trail, Indian Brook, Cape Breton. Doors open at 5:30 pm.

A delicious hot roast beef dinner will be served at 6 pm. Performance starts at 7:00 pm. Admission: Dinner and Entertainment. $25.00.Seating is limited. Please call 929-2212 to reserve your place by Wed. Jan. 18 2011. Book your tickets now, many have already been reserved,so don't wait reserve your tickets now and then just pay at the door the day of the dinner and show.

Entertainers:
Doug MacPhee comes from a family steeped in the traditional music of Cape Breton Island. He has performed with all the great fiddlers of Cape Breton over the years and has toured extensively throughout Canada, the United States, Scotland, and Europe. Doug was invested as a Member of the Order of Canada in 2008.

Mario Colosimo has been providing piano accompaniment to island musicians for over 30years. Although classically trained in piano, he plays every style of music from Celtic to Swing. He has lent his piano, guitar and vocal talents to many local bands and artists. Mario operates a music studio in Dominion where he teaches guitar, fiddle, piano and piano accompaniment. He has been sharing his passion for music with his students for over 25 years.

Information For All Those Wanting To Promote Their Tourism Business At Saltscapes This Year

2012-01-14T14:06:00.007-04:00

Attention all tourism operators on Cape Breton Island, this information has come to my desk from the desk of Destination Cape Breton Association. With Saltscapes quickly approaching it is important to make decisions on where you want to market your business for the upcoming season. This information from DCBA may be just what you were waiting for and so I want to pass it along to my followers as quickly as possible.

Saltscapes East Coast Expo 2012

In October 2012, Destination Cape Breton Association (DCBA) engaged in discussion with Saltscapes participants who had previously attended the expo as a Cape Breton consortium. The outcome of these discussions and the survey results completed post the 2011 Expo, indicated that Cape Breton Island will be taking a different direction this year. DCBA will be attending the 2012 this year’s show with a condensed presence and a clear focus on selling Cape Breton as a vacation destination for this tourism season. We will be booking space under DCBA and would like to offer choice placement for anyone attending the show to be located next to the Cape Breton Island booth spaces. For anyone attending this year’s Expo and are interested in having a space next to DCBA, please let us know prior to January 20th and we will confirm your space preference with Saltscapes Expo organizers. DCBA space is 20 X 30.

DCBA will have staff and three visitor information counselors in the booth and would like to extend an invitation to any animators from other organizations to take part in the Cape Breton display at no charge. Travel costs would need to be covered by each individual.

Additionally, DCBA is offering industry a chance to promote your package and or experience through post cards that will be produced as a handout at the Expo. The packages and/or experience must meet the criteria listed below. These will also be listed on cbisland.com. The fee to take part in this promotion is $100.00 and space is limited. Anyone wanting to take part please contact Caroline at caroline@dcba.ca or 1-902-539-4593

Thank you

Packaging Details Required
•Package title
•25-word description
•1 small (stamp size)photo or logo
•The dates during which this package is availablemust be stated
•There must be one point of purchase for the guest to book all components of the package
•The cancellation and refund policy must be included
•the package description must explicitly state what is included in the package (i.e. # of days/nights, # of meals, # of tickets/admissions, etc.)
•What is not included in package(such as taxes and gratuities)
•Package price must be included

Experience Details Required

•Experience title
•Be well themed – 25-word description (what makes this experience unique?) connecting to one or more of the tourism core experiences culture, history, seacoast, urban, and food and wine) and with a title to reflect the theme;
•Engage the visitor through hands-on activities which allow them to become an active participant in the activity, not just an observer, and provides the visitor with exclusive or behind-the-scenes access to something;
•Engage as many of the five senses as possible;
•Where possible, integrate local food and other elements which can add to the WOW of the experience.
•Be purchasable - visitors must be able to purchase the experience for a set price;
•Be available a minimum of 4 weeks throughout the year.

Winter Classes At The Gaelic College In Cape Breton

2012-01-14T13:39:00.003-04:00

Leasanan A' Gheamhraidh (Winter Classes)A'Cholaisde Ghàidhlig will be offering a 10-week session of Winter Classes for adults and children.

Lessons will begin on Thursday evening, January 19th and run through until March 22nd, 2012. Price is $120 for a 10 week Registration ($12/lesson). Children must be 7 years of age to register. We encourage pre-registration for the 10 weeks. Course information is as follows:

Time:6:30PM
Beginner Fiddle (must bring your own fiddle)

Beginner StepDancing (no clickers please)

Beginner Guitar (must bring your own guitar)

Gaidhlig aig Baile (GAB Immersion methodology / All levels)

Time:7:15PM

Intermediate Fiddle

Intermediate StepDancing

Intermediate Guitar

Oran Gàidhlig (Gaelic Song)

Instructors:Gaelic: Emily MacKinnon

Fiddle: Boyd MacNeil and Dawn Beaton

Step-Dancing: Lisa MacNeil and Margie Beaton

Guitar: Paul MacDonald

Winter Gaelic Weekend

February 24 - 26, 2012

A Weekend of GAB Immersion Instruction■All With A "Winter" Theme

■All Levels Of Instruction
■Song Workshops
■Traditional Winter Supper
■Gaelic House-Ceilidh
■Guest Speaker
■Story-Telling Session With English Translation
■Participants can choose to live in for the weekend or attend as a day student. Students traveling from a distance can also arrange to stay over Friday evening. Additional fees will apply.

March Break Fun Camp (General Info)MARCH 9, 10, 11, 12, 2012

The Gaelic College in St. Ann's will be conducting its’ March Break Workshop beginning Friday, March 9th.. Registration is Friday evening and classes will run on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. For more information visit www.gaeliccollege.edu or email: education@gaeliccollege.edu or phone (902) 295-3411 ext. 222

Index

To quickly navigate our March Break Workshop page, please go to the website and click on the links.

Disciplines, Levels & Instructors

Discipline

Levels

Instructor(s)

Fiddle

F1,F2,F3,F4,F5

Shelly Campbell, Dave MacIsaac

Gaelic Song

All levels

Joanne Rankin MacIntyre, Bernard Cameron

Step/Square-Dancing

S2,S3,S5

Melanie Craig MacDonald

Cape Breton Piano

P5,P4,P3

Susan MacLean

Cape Breton Piping

BP3,BP4,BP5

Kenneth MacKenzie, Paul K. MacNeil

Guitar Accompaniment

G4,G3

Dave MacIsaac

GAB 1/GAB 2

See Guidelines

Joanne Rankin MacIntyre, Bernard Cameron

Highland Dance

H5, H4, H3, H2, H1

Kelly MacArthur

Gaelic Drama

See Guidelines

Joanne Rankin MacIntyre, Bernard Cameron

Tracey MacNeil

Director of Education & Programming
A'Cholaisde Ghàidhlig / The Gaelic College
P.O. Box 80, Englishtown, NS
B0C 1H0
1(902) 295-3411 ext. 222

View of Richmond

2012-01-13T07:59:00.002-04:00

Cape Breton continues to create attention about all this great island has to offer. This time the focus is drawn to our excellent surfing location Point Michaud, located on the Fleur de Lis Trail in Richmond County. Michelle Richards, professional surfer and Surf Instructor for the Richmond County Recreational Department’s Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud, as well as the organizer for the Point Michaud Surf Classic & Expo, won 1st place and $300 from surf-forecast.com in their Regional Surf Competition. In this competition, worldwide submissions describing local surf break were received and reviewed. Finally they selected Richards about Point Michaud Beach. Runner ups in the competition were: Jack Heckerman - Japan (Okinawa) , Oliver Treetz - Taiwan (North Coast), Giovanni Mancuso - Brazil (Rio Grande Do Sul), Chip Bissell - Mexico (Baja Sur), Salvador Jimenez de la Nuez - Spain (Gran Canaria). The new surf region pages will be available soon on Surf Report, Surf Forecast, www.surf-forecast.com.

Still more excellent promotion for Point Michaud Surfing. This information came to me from Richards’ Facebook page Surf Point Michaud which is very popular with surfers across the country. Richards posted: "Surf's Up at Point Michaud", by Daniel Bonner. Found on page 8 of Sport Nova Scotia's quarterly newsletter. The Sport Quarterly, highlights issues in our sport community, local sport participants and organizers who are worthy of recognition, and programs that are working to improve Nova Scotia's sport system." http://www.sportnovascotia.ca/Portals/0/docs/pubs/sportq/December_2011.pdf.

On the entertainment scene: there will be a Variety Concert at The Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville on January 15th, at 2pm. Also on the 15th there will be a merchandise bingo held at the Fourchu Hall starting at 2pm. On Saturday January 21st, there will be a Pub & Trivia Night at The Tara Lynne Community Centre in River Bourgeois starting at 8pm.

Tourism In Richmond County

2012-01-12T07:42:00.002-04:00

With the holiday season behind us, we now look towards the new year and all it has to offer in Richmond County. There is a lot to do around the area. There will be a Variety Concert at the Lakeside Community Centre in Hall starting at 2pm. On January 21st. There will be a Pub & Trivia Night held at the Tara Lynne Community Centre in River Bourgeois starting at 8pm. With the cooler weather arriving, it is a perfect time to get out and do a little hiking around the area; take advantage of the St. Peter's Old Railroad Bed Trail running along the bay or enjoy a beautiful walk on the trails in Battery Provincial Park. It is also wonderful experience to take in the beauty of the scenery as you walk along the shorelines at the Grand Greve, Point Michaud or Pondville Beaches.

The Richmond County Literacy Network has been chosen as one of the monthly entries for the Bluenose Cash for Your Cause. Their website at www.bluenose-insurance.ns.ca is now ready to accept votes. The organization with the highest number of votes at the end of the month will receive $1000.00. This is a great way to show our support for the literacy network in Richmond County, so log on and give them your vote. You can vote once per day ... so vote often! Please encourage your friends to vote as well; reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube or all your other on-line communities. LITERACY MATTERS, so lets do our part to assist this worthy cause.

St.Peter`s and area tourism operators and businesses along with the Richmond County Municipality’s Economic Development Department took the opportunity to promote the village of St. Peter`s through a cooperative promotional program which was offer to the village by The Eagle Radio Station’s Promotions Department from Sydney. The Festive Moments segements which ran 10 times a day on both the Eagle and Giant FM radio stations over the holidays. The beautifully detailed segments drew quite a bit of attention from the listening audience about the village of St. Peter’s. The segments which ran for 18 days are sure to be a great promotional opportunity to inform the public about what can be found in our area for shopping, restaurants and attractions not only over the holidays but year round. There are talks of doing a similar promotion for the area in the Spring of 2012. Until next week, have enjoy this beautiful area we live in.

Point Michaud Draws Positive Attention.

2012-01-09T18:47:00.003-04:00

I am ecstatic with all the great publicity Cape Breton continues to create about all this great island has to offer. This time the focus is drawn to our excellent surfing location Point Michaud, located on the Fleur de Lis Trail in Richmond County.
The following information has just arrived at my desk from Michelle Richards, professional surfer and Surf Instructor for the Richmond County Recreational Departments Summer Surf Program at Point Michaud, as well as the organizer for the Point Michaud Surf Classic & Expo. Michelle informed me that she entered the competition which drew entries world wide describing the local surf break. Michelle is an excellent promoter for Richmond County as a surfing destination and also has a very popular facebook site, SurfPointMichaud, which keeps surfers up on current surf happenings. Although the official announcement about the win has not yet been released to the media, I couldn't wait to share this news with my followers.
This is what Michelle had to say:

"Wow!! Won 1st place and $300 from surf-forecast.com in their Regional Surf Competition. World wide submissions describing your local surf break were received and reviewed. Finally they narrowed it down to mine about Point Michaud Beach, Cape Breton Island. Here are the runner ups: Jack Heckerman - Japan (Okinawa) , Oliver Treetz - Taiwan (North Coast), Giovanni Mancuso - Brazil (Rio Grande Do Sul), Chip Bissell - Mexico (Baja Sur), Salvador Jimenez de la Nuez - Spain (Gran Canaria)"

The new surf region pages will be available soon.
Surf Report, Surf Forecast, Surfing
www.surf-forecast.com

Still more excellent promotion for Point Michaud Surfing. This information came to me from Michelle's facebook page and I couldn't be more please with the news.

"Surf's Up At Point Michaud", by Daniel Bonner. Found on page 8 of Sport Nova Scotia's quarterly newsletter. The Sport Quarterly, highlights issues in our sport community, local sport participants and organizers who are worthy of recognition, and programs that are working to improve Nova Scotia's sport system."

http://www.sportnovascotia.ca/Portals/0/docs/pubs/sportq/December_2011.pdf
www.sportnovascotia.ca

USA Today Names Cabot Shore's Wilderness Resort As One of The Top 3 Hotels in Nova Scotia

2012-01-09T08:39:00.006-04:00

I would like to extend my congratulations to the Cabot Shore's Wilderness Resort in Indian Brook, located on the Cabot Trail, on being named as one of the Top Three Hotels in Nova Scotia along with The Prince George Hotel located in Nova Scotia's Capital Halifax and The Pictou Lodge located on The Northcumberland Shore and being the only one named in Cape Breton, by USA Today. Sara Rankin, Marketing Coordinator for the Cabot Shore's Resort contacted me with the great news and I want to pass this information along to all my followers.

Ms Rankin states "We recently received some exciting news from USA Today who had selected us as one of the top 3 Hotels in Nova Scotia and we also were the only Hotel selected in Cape Breton. The Chronicle Herald picked up our story yesterday and we have also have been interviewed by local radio stations".

This is what USA Today had to say about Cabot Shores:

"Cabot Shores, on the island of Cape Breton, is a unique and romantic option for visitors. It received four out of five stars on TripAdvisor.com. Situated on 55 acres, Cabot Shores offers ocean views from its lodge, private chalets and farmhouse. The hotel, which prides itself on eco-tourism, is a place to go for bird-watching, kayaking and canoeing, or simply for peace and quiet. It is also very to close to the famed Buddhist Gampo Abbey. The lodge, which has six bedrooms, offers a queen or double bed, private bath and television. The chalets, which can sleep two to eight people, provide a private way to enjoy the Nova Scotia wilderness. Cabot Shores 30 Buchanan Dr. Englishtown, Nova Scotia B0C1H0 902-929-2584 cabotshores.com"

To read what the Chronicle Herald had to say in it article go to this site:
http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/48430-top-three-ranking-takes-cabot-shores-resort-surprise

It is so exciting to continue to see Cape Breton entrepreneurs receive well deserved recognition for their hard work and continued dedication.

Great Winter Courses At Cape Breton Craft & Design

2012-01-06T10:15:00.003-04:00

Looking for something to do over the winter months? Check out this great list of programs at the Centre for Crafts & Designs in Sydney. This information has just come to my attention and I want to pass it along.

Winter Courses and Workshops

Winter courses and workshops at Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design are scheduled to begin the week of January 30. Registration for members is now open and continues until January 6. General registration for non members begins January 9. Registration for programs continues until January 27. However, space is limited so students are urged to sign up early. Watch the Centre’s website for the complete program or contact the Centre to receive a copy. Phone 902.539.7491 ext 111 or email tammy@capebretoncraft.com.

How 2 Tuesdays

How 2 Tuesdays continues this month with Janet Dawson, weaver and owner of The Bobbin Tree. Janet will be in our main gallery on Tuesday, January 10th from 12:15 – 12:45 giving a demonstration on her loom. Come on into the Centre next week and take a craft break with Janet. For more information on How 2 Tuesdays, contact Tim at 539.7491 ext 116

Make Art Part of YOUR New Year's Resolution

I resolve to expand my horizons. Was that your New Year's resolution? Make good by enrolling in one of more than 85 courses offered through NSCAD's School of Extended Studies this winter.

Calls for Entry

Art Market - Art & Craft Sale
Calgary Telus Convention Centre
Now in its 26th year, this juried Art Market will be held November 15-18, and is currently accepting applications for participation. Booth assignment will take place on April 1, so it is highly recommended to apply early. Please visit their website for application forms and further information.

Avondale Art Fair
DEADLINE: March 15
Newport Landing Waterfront Park
Avondale, NS
For more information regarding this open air fair, to be held on June 16, please visit their website.

WinSport Canada
DEADLINE: January 25
The Canadian Winter Sport Institute is seeking expressions of interest from qualified artists who are passionate about exploring the link between sport and art in a new, high performance sport venue, to create two site specific works of art. For the complete call, including budget and site plans, please visit the WinSport website.

Kids and Teen Dance in Petit de Grat

2012-01-05T11:09:00.003-04:00

The holidays are behind us but there is still fun to be had. If you received some brand new shoes for Christmas and would like to try them out on the dance floor, I have an event that you will definitely want to attend. This information has just come to my desk from La Picasse, check it out!

Danse d’enfants et jeunes mercredi le 25 janvier 2012 pour les 12 ans et moins de 6h30 à 8h30 & les jeunes de 13 à 18 ans de 9h à 11h à La Picasse. Le coût est 5$. Musique enregistré avec lumières ainsi que les services de cantine disponible. NB : Les sacs à dos & les sacoches sont INTERDIT. Les manteaux seront affiché sur les supports dans le couloir donc La Picasse n’est pas responsable pour les items perdus.

DANCE for Kids and Teens, Wednesday January 25th 2012. Kids under 12 dance is from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and the teen dance 13 to 18 years old is from 9 to 11 pm. Price is $5 each. Music by a DJ and canteen services will be available. NB: Back packs and purses are NOT ALLOWED. Jackets will be put on hangers in the hallway therefore La Picasse IS NOT responsible for any lost items.
----------------------------

Dora Samson-Boudreau

Assistante à la programmation

La Picasse, centre communautaire culturel

3435 Route 206 C. P. 70 Petit de Grat

Isle Madame, Nouvelle-Écosse B0E 2L0

Tél: 902-226-0149 Téléc: 902-226-0549

www.lapicasse.ca

Richmond Literacy Asks For Your Vote

2012-01-04T10:48:00.003-04:00

This information has just come to my desk from Millie Hatt, Network Coordinator of the Richmond Literacy Network in Richmond County and they need our help. It only takes a few minutes to place your vote and it would be helping a very important organization in our County. In a day and age where funding is hard to get, lets do our part and for the literacy Network to win $1000.00 to help with their programs.

The Richmond County Literacy Network has been chosen as one of the monthly entries for the Bluenose Cash for Your Cause. Their website at www.bluenose-insurance.ns.ca is now ready to accept votes. The organization with the highest number of votes at the end of the month will receive $1000.00. We encouarge you to support the cause of literacy in Richmond County by logging on and giving us your vote. You can vote once per day ... so vote often! Please encourage your friends to vote as well; reach out to them on Facebook, Twitter, You Tube or all your other on-line communities. LITERACY MATTERS
Thanking everyone in advance for your support and vote!
Millie

Millie Hatt
Network Coordinator
Richmond County Literacy Network
708 Veterans Memorial Drive, P.O. Box 69
Arichat,NS B0E 1A0

Attention All Festival Organizers

2012-01-04T10:26:00.005-04:00

If your Community Festival Committee has not yet updated its information on the Nova Scotia Tourism website, I would advise you to do it as soon as possible. This is a free advertisement opportunity for your festival and it is one of the most checked websites by visitors coming to the area. Your festival's information should have been updated on this site in order to have been included in this years Doers and Dreamers Festivals and Events Guide. Here is the website to go to register your event.
http://www.gov.ns.ca/econ/tourism/festivals-events/

2012 Celebrations Tonight from The Plaza Deck of The Civic Centre in Sydney

2011-12-31T11:06:00.008-04:00

Don't be satisified to sit in front of your TV on December 31st and watch the crowds celebrate the start of the New Year in places like Halifax and NewFoundland or New York as the ball drops over Time Square to start 2012, but become part of the celebration. Come down to the Plaza Deck of the Civic Centre at 320 Esplanade in Sydney and join in the celebrations from 10:30pm to 12:30am. Everyone is welcome! It will be fun for the whole family with entertainment featuring The Sheldon Aucoin Band. The Cape Breton Cerebral Palsy Association will be on hand to serve up hot chocolate in the Community Round Room on the lower level at the Civic Centre.

View of Richmond

2011-12-30T11:53:00.002-04:00

Christmas is over and we now look towards to 2012 and a year full of possibilities for the tourism season. Destination Cape Breton has been busy meeting with tourism operators and businesses to get their input in what they would like to see happen in the year ahead. The Association is carefully charting its course of action as to what direction it will take to market the island to its full potential as a travel destination to meet with the visitor’s expectations. It is clear from all the information that has been gathered that visitors will be looking for a destination that can meet their needs in areas of experiential tourism. It is imperative that the products that the island is offering as its signature experiences will accomplish the desired effect and keep visitors in the area longer, providing a favorable memory that visitors will relay to others. In countries which have worked to refine their signature experiences, to meet and exceed the visitors expectations their tourism market has shown an increase. With the wealth of natural beauty and culture that Cape Breton has to offer, it is reasonable to expect that the island can accomplish this as well.
With the New Year just hours away, there will be lots of celebrating taking place throughout the county as everyone welcomes in the new year, with events scheduled for December 31st. A New Year’s Dance will take place at the St. Peter`s Lions Hall in St. Peters, running from 10pm until 2am. There will be a hot and cold Buffet, and dance to the music of Barrett’s Privateers. For tickets contact Margaret Morrison at 535-3030, Ext. 222, Shirley MacKay at 587-2078, Treka Burke at 587-2991 or 535-3472. Mary Beth Buchanan at 535-2203 or 535-3379 or Michell Carter at 535-3201 or Paula Sampson at 587-2910. There will also be a New Year’s Dance at the West Bay Road Fire Hall from 10pm until 2am, with recorded music and finger food. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 43 will host a New Year’s Dance from 9pm until 1am with a buffet served up by Chef Jim George and music by Celtic Country, tickets are available at RCL Branch 43. There will also be a New Year’s celebration held at the Framboise Community Centre from 9pm until 2am, lunch provided, and music by DJ. For tickets contact Sarah at 884-2025.

New Year's Celebrations in Cape Breton

2011-12-27T09:55:00.003-04:00

Additions to our New Year's Celebrations line up keep coming in. I have these additions to add for your enjoyment.

New Years Eve at the Englishtown Hall with the Jam Band and a buffet lunch/$10.00. Time-(10pm-2am).

New Year's Levee at Cabot Shores
Invitation to Annual New Year's Levee at Cabot Shores January 1, 2012, 3-6pm. Bring friends & family and some food/drink to share (BYOB)Bring walking shoes for a walk along Indian Brook (or snow shoes as the case may be. Bring a swim suit and towel for the second annual Polar Bear Swim - if you dare! RSVP with Barbara by 28. December: barbara@cabotshores.com, or call 902-929-2584.

Christmas at the Yorkes

2011-12-25T11:17:00.004-04:00

I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas! I hope that you are having a wonderful Christmas morning, and that Santa was good to you all. I must apologise for not having put up a lot of posts in December but I have been having computer problems and Samta has just brought a new lap top to my son so I will be able to update my posts more often. I am just in the process of making Christmas Dinner for my family who will be arriving shortly, so again Merry Christmas and have a wonderful day.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-12-14T11:23:00.001-04:00

Only 10 days left until the Big Day, and the rush is on. Stores are filled with shoppers, making sure they have the perfect gift for those on their gift list. In Richmond we are so fortunate to have a great selection of gift shops that can help take the stress out of the season. Everything from heirloom Christmas items from the Christmas Shoppe to specialty items at the local Boutiques and Craft and Gift shops; quality items made by local crafters can be found here in Richmond. So don't panic, there is still time to drop in at any of the beautiful shops around the county to find what you are looking for.

Even as the holidays draw near, there are still lots of events taking place to heighten your holiday spirits. One such event, which you will not want to miss will take place tonight, December 14th, at the St. Georges Channel Community Hall. Noel, A Christmas with J.P. Cormier and the Elliot Brothers will start at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 and you get your tickets by calling 1-902-345-0616, or 1-902-345-2641. On December 18th, the St. Georges Channel Hall is busy again as it holds it very popular Country Breakfast from 9am until noon. And also on December 18th, there will be a Christmas Concert held at Our Lady's of Assumption / Notre Dame de L'Assomption Cathedral in Arichat at 2292, Hwy 206 at 2pm. A lunch of soup, sandwich, dessert, tea or coffee will be served following the concert.

At the Port Hawkesbury Civic Center, they have a special display taking place commemorating Christmas from year's past. Come and see some beautiful old toys and memorabilia. The showing will run during the holidays at the J Franklin Wright Room from 4pm until 10pm.

If you have not sent out your Christmas cards yet, you might like to pick up a pack of 6 beautiful Winter in Richmond County Note Cards, which feature the winning images from the 2011 Winterscapes photo contest. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

Until next week, have fun as you prepare for the upcoming holidays.

Tourism Operator Expands Operations in Richmond County

2011-12-14T11:09:00.003-04:00

Working in tourism, one of the aspects of the work that I enjoy most is meeting operators that feel deeply about the industry and want to see it prosper and grow. Richmond is very fortunate to have operators that work very hard in making this happen. One such operator is Beate Haffold, owner/operator of the MacDonald Country Inn and Canal House B&B in St. Peter's. Ms. Haffold feels deeply that the industry in Richmond County and Cape Breton Island will continue to grow to such an extent that she continues to expand her tourism holdings in the county. Ms Haffold first opened the doors of the 5 room B&B in 2004, quickly gaining a strong clientele with the 4-Star rated accommodation and in 2009, Haffold and her partner purchased the MacDonald Hotel and remodeled the 1906 era accomodation and turned it into the modern up-to date 4-Star rated MacDonald Country Inn, offering guests 5 comfortable units with private baths, as well as 3 suites. The Inn, which runs year round, also has a full service restaurant, which operates daily during the tourism season and during the off season for private gatherings of 6 or more. In 2010 the partnership separated, dividing the properties with Ms Haffold taking over sold ownership of the Inn. She then expanded the business with the start of West Wind Cottage Rentals, which handles a year round rental service for cottages around the area. On November 1st, 2011, Ms Haffold again took control of the Canal House B&B through a purchasing agreement with her former partner, and runs the B&B from April to the first week of November.
Haffold feels strongly that there is a need in the area for up to date well ran accommodations which offer visitors the types of accommodations that best meet their needs; and with the diversity of her properties she can now meet these needs. Ms Haffold employs a staff of 8 very dedicated workers, including Chef Dillon Carter, who was part of this summer’s Right Some Good Food Event. Staff members work very closely with Ms Haffold to make sure that guests have an experience that will have them making return visits to the area. One new experience Ms Haffold plans to offer in 2012 is an OctoberFest, held prior Celtic Colours Event, offering entertainment, a dance and traditional German dishes. She hopes this will turn into an annual event for the area.

Bal du jour de l'An / New Year's Ball‏ at La Picasse in Petit de Grat

2011-12-14T09:53:00.002-04:00

Looking for someplace special to go and celebrate the start of 2012. La Picasse is having a New Years Ball on December 31st and it should be loads of fun, so dust of your dancing shoes and get your tickets today. This information on the event has come to my desk from the office of La Picasse.

Il y aura une bal du jour de l’an le 31 décembre 2011 à La Picasse à 21h en partenarait avec la Radio Communautaire de Richmond CITU. Venez célébrer la nouvelle année avec vos ami(e)s. Il y aura un petit goûter & un verre de vin à minuit. La musique enregistrée bilingue jouera avec les belles tunes que vous écoutez au 104,1 FM. Billets à l’avance jusqu’au 23 décembre sont 15$ la personne. Après le 23 déc. les billets seront 20$ chacun. DES JEANS SONT INTERDITS. Venez avoir du fun avec nous en commençant l’année avec de la joie. New Year’s Ball at La Picasse in partnership with Radio Richmond CITU on December 31st from 9pm to 1 am. Come celebrate the New Year with us while eating finger foods and a free glass of wine at midnight. Bilingual music as you hear on 104,1 FM will be playing. Advanced tickets (before December 23rd ) are 15$ each and after December tickets will be 20$ each. NO JEANS ALLOWED. Help us bring in the New Year with Joy.

Noel-A Christmas with J.P. Cormier and The Elliot Brothers -Let the Holidays Begin!

2011-12-10T21:07:00.005-04:00

Looking for some great entertainment leading up-to the holidays, I have an excellent event that will definitely fit the bill. Noel-A Christmas with J.P.Cormier and the Elliot Brothers will take place at the St. Georges Channel Hall in St. Georges Channel on December 14th, starting at 7:30pm. Tickets are $20.00 and they can be obtained by calling 1-902-345-0616 or 1-902-345-2641. This is sure to be a great concert and what a way to kick off the holiday season.

6th annual Old Fashion Christmas Supper Rescheduled for Tonight

2011-12-09T10:42:00.003-04:00

6th Annual Old Fashion Christmas Supper (with all the trimmings), which had to be rescheduled from last night will be held tonight - Friday - Dec. 9th - Starting at 4 pm - at the English Town Community Hall, charge $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children . Homemade pies & apple crisp -dessert.
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News from Commodore Greg of The Wallace MacAskill YC, St. Peter's, Cape Breton

2011-12-09T10:22:00.006-04:00

I have just received some exciting news from Greg Silvers of The Wallace MacAskill Yacht Club, about an opportunity that may interest those of you who enjoy sailing and I want to pass it along.

Hello again all members and friends

Further to my messages in the past week or so about establishing an Yngling fleet in our area (St Peters, Isle Madame, Dundee, etc.) I wanted to let you know that I have received some early interest from a few people.

Regarding the idea that families could partner to co-own one of these fine little racing boats, Jeremy Hillyard has indicated he is interested in a half share - so if anyone else is so inclined, please let me or him know (DrJeremy.Hillyard@gasha.nshealth.ca).

I also have an expression of interest from one other sailor for a boat for his family, plus I am looking to purchase another one myself. So there's a potential of 3 already. There is a fleet of 8 boats available, on trailers, in Maine (pending further details and inspection, these are reportedly in very good condition except for sails).

Once again, to summarize the whole idea here:
- low cost, recently retired Olympic class keelboats are exciting to sail in fleet or match racing.

- it looks like a boat on trailer, in good condition, will cost in range of $3k. Sails may need to be replaced. The boats have to be hauled back from Maine. I have a quote in the works for fleet pricing on 'economy RB Stevens' class legal sail (main and jib)

- such a fleet would be a good step toward creating more actiitvity and more interest in sailing in our area. For example, we could get a weekly club race on a weekday evening going all summer - we could include the Y class in our own regattas, we could visit other local regattas and bring our class to their events....

- these boats are ideal for kids, and for seniors: very safe, positive flotation, exceptionally fast and stable, dry in 'friendly racing' conditions. Can be easily sailed solo (whitesail), or with crew of 1 or 2 more.

- very inexpensive to maintain (20.5' loa, on trailers, masts stepped by hand, etc.)

Gerry Gibson has confirmed we could easily set up a mooring field for a fleet of these boats at the Lions Marina.
So, I am keen to hear from any of you who have any interest!

We are looking to have a winter get-together, tentatively Jan 26 in St Peters, more info to come on that, and it may be a good time to see if this idea for a new racing fleet has any legs.

Happy holiday to you all,

Commodore Greg
Wallace MacAskill YC, St. Peter's, Cape Breton

--
Greg Silver Graphic Design
Gregory Silver, B Des, CGD, FGDC

PO Box 178
St. Peter's, Nova Scotia
Canada B0E 3B0

Office 902 535 3990
Cel: 902 631 5050
greg@gregsilver.ca

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-12-07T10:39:00.001-04:00

Destination Cape Breton Association’s industry sessions are fast approaching! Thank you to all those who have registered, and a quick reminder to those that are interested in attending to please register at your earliest convenience. DCBA staff is eagerly awaiting this opportunity to hear all about your season and to answer any questions you may have regarding their recent contributions and successes. These sessions are excellent networking and brainstorming opportunities, so please do not hesitate to come out! Sessions take place as follows: December 7th Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre 10:00am, December 7th Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s 1:30pm, and December 9th the Delta in Sydney 10:00am.

With the Christmas season quickly approaching, we are always trying to find something different to give as gifts or send out to the people we care about during the holidays. I always look forward to going to the mail box and finding Christmas Cards from family and friends, it is such a heartwarming traditional way of keeping in touch with the people you care about over the holidays. If you are looking for a card that will also remind your friends of home, the St. Peter’s Community Club may have just the answer for you. The winning photos from the Community Clubs Photo Contest have been chosen and are now available as delightful winterscape cards. The Cards are $6 for a pack of six cards (one from each photographer) and 6 envelopes. This is a fundraising effort with all the proceeds donated to the Nicolas Denys Museum, in St. Peter’s. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

To help lessen the stress of Christmas shopping, Richmond County has some great shopping locations that will make picking that special gift item a lot easier. Some of Richmond's most sought after shopping spots are Glad Tidings the Christmas Shoppe in St. Peter’s, Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts, Mac’s Celtic Shop and Lawton’s Drug Store, Forget Me Nots Gift Shop located in St. Georges Channel, and in Petit de Grat, La Picasse gift boutique which all have a beautiful variety of Christmas gift ideas. Until next week have fun as you prepare for the holidays.

Old Fashion Christmas Supper Tomorrow Night

2011-12-07T09:10:00.002-04:00

There will be a 6th Annual Old Fashion Christmas Supper with all the trimmings on Thursday December 8th. It start at 4 pm at the English Town Community Hall. Prices are $12.00 and $6.00 for children. Homemade pies & apple crisp dessert.

View of Richmond

2011-12-02T08:37:00.002-04:00

The countdown is on with only 23 days left until the big day is here. I love the holidays; the hustle and bustle, everyone putting up their decorations, children making their Christmas lists and all the great Christmas activities put on by the community groups which are so much fun to attend. And Richmond has a wonderful variety of events planned this season. Tonight, St. Peter’s will be hosting the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, located next to Foodland Grocery, at 6pm with Santa present to give out candy canes to all the children. Following the tree lighting there will be live entertainment and refreshments at the St. Peter’s Fire Hall. There will also be a Family Square Dance held at the United Church Hall in St.Peter’s from 7 to 9pm with Music by Donna Marie DeWolfe and Al Martin.
A Relay for Life fundraiser will be held at the MacBouch Beverage Room and Restaurant in St. Peter’s on December 3rd, from 1-4pm. The event will have an auction with Christmas items, baked goods and a 50/50 ticket draw and great music from local entertainers. Also on December 3rd, the Noel Isle Madame Community Christmas will take place at LeNoir Landing in Arichat from 2:30pm until 6pm. On December 4th, a Christmas Bingo will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River starting at 2pm. Also on the 4th, there will be Community Breakfast held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat from 8am until 11am. And make sure to take in the Children’s Christmas Concert at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville on the 4th; what a perfect event to gets us into the holiday spirit. The concert will start at 2pm.
If you are looking for a card that will also remind your friends of home, the St. Peter’s Community Club may have just the answer for you. The winning photos from the Community Clubs Photo Contest have been chosen and are now available as delightful winterscape cards. A box of 6 cards is $6. Money raised from the sale of the cards will go to the Nicolas Denys Museum. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

Seinfeld in Sydney Tomorrow Night

2011-12-01T17:03:00.003-04:00

Comedy Superstar Jerry Seinfeld will perform at 7pm tomorrow night at Centre 200. Tickets for Seinfeld’s show are $99.50 for floor and the lower bowl seats. Upper bowl and the fourth level club seats are $79.50. Tickets are limited, but seats are still available online at www.tickets.capebreton.ca, at the Centre 200 box office and Savoy Theatre box office, or charge-by-phone at 902-564-2200.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-11-30T09:19:00.002-04:00

The countdown is on until Christmas. There are just 25 days until the big day is here. I love the holidays; everyone is out putting up their decorations, the children are making their Christmas lists and every community is hosting events that are so much fun to attend. And Richmond and the surrounding areas have a wonderful variety of events planned. On November 30th, Richmond Academy will be hosting their first Annual Christmas Craft Fair and Variety show from 6 to 9pm at Richmond Academy. On December 2nd, St. Peter’s will be hosting the lighting of the Village Christmas Tree, located next to Foodland Grocery, at 6pm with Santa present to give out candy canes to all the children. Following the tree lighting there will be live entertainment and refreshments at the St. Peter’s Fire Hall. Also on the 2nd, there will be a Family Square Dance held at the United Church Hall in St. Peter’s from 7 to 9pm with Music by Donna Marie DeWolfe and Al Martin, so dust of your dancing shoes and come and enjoy the music. A Relay for Life fundraiser will be held at the MacBouch Beverage Room and Restaurant in St. Peter’s on December 3rd, from 1-4pm. The event will have an auction with Christmas items, baked goods and a 50/50 ticket draw and great music from local entertainers. Also on December 3rd, the Noel Isle Madame Community Christmas will take place at LeNoir Landing in Arichat from 2:30pm until 6pm. And there will be a Christmas Bazaar and Tea held at the Strait Area Evergreen Senior Club in Port Hawkesbury from 1-4pm. On December 4th, a Christmas Bingo will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River starting at 2pm. Also on the 4th, there will be Community Breakfast held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 150 in Arichat from 8am until 11am. There will also be Merchandise Bingo held at the Fourchu Hall starting at 2pm. And make sure to take in the Children’s Christmas Concert at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville on the 4th ;what a perfect event to gets us into the holiday spirit. The concert will start at 2pm.

With the Christmas season quickly approaching, we are always trying to find something different to give as gifts or send out to the people we care about during the holidays. I always look forward to going to the mail box and finding Christmas Cards from family and friends, it is such a heartwarming traditional way of keeping in touch with the people you care about over the holidays. If you are looking for a card that will also remind your friends of home, the St. Peter’s Community Club may have just the answer for you. The winning photos from the Community Clubs Photo Contest have been chosen and are now available as delightful winterscape cards. The Cards are $6 for a pack of six cards (one from each photographer) and 6 envelopes. This is a fundraising effort with all the proceeds donated to the Nicolas Denys Museum, in St. Peter’s. The cards are available at Jeantie's Mini-Mart, Shamrock Store, C & M Video, Home Hardware in St. Peter's, Fleur de Lis Store (Rockdale), the East Coast Credit Unions in Richmond County and St. Josephs Credit Union.

To help lessen the stress of Christmas shopping, Richmond County has some great shopping locations that will make picking that special gift item a lot easier. Glad Tidings the Christmas Shoppe in St. Peter’s, is always a must when doing your Christmas shopping. Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts, Mac’s Celtic Shop and Lawton’s Drug Store, also have a beautiful variety of Christmas gift ideas to suit your shopping needs. And don’t forget Forget Me Nots Gift Shop located in St. Georges Channel, where you can find 90% locally made gift items, just perfect for Christmas giving. In Petit de Grat, La Picasse gift boutique has some excellent gift ideas for the Christmas season. Well I hope, this will help with your Christmas shopping, until next week have fun as you prepare for the holidays.

Find Your Holiday Spirit at Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design

2011-11-28T09:31:00.006-04:00

Wow! It is less than a week away from Holiday Spirit. This annual fundraising event will kick off with an evening of fun, craft, entertainment, and refreshments by Allegro on Thursday, December 1st from 5pm to 9pm. The event promises to entertain you and fill your spirit with martinis & canapes Thursday December 1st, 5pm to 9pm. Tickets are $35. Following the evening event on December 1st, an artisan boutique shopping experience will take place on the 3rd Floor Loft of the Centre for Craft and Design on December 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. For more information on Holiday Spirit or to reserve your tickets for this evening shopping event, contact Tim at 539.7491 ext 116. Holiday Spirit, find yours at Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design!Below are the dates and times for this festive event:

December 1st, 5pm to 9pm (Private Shopping Party, by ticket only)
December 2nd, 5pm to 8pm
December 3rd, 10am to 6pm
December 4th, 12pm to 5pm

Holiday Spirit is a fine craft market to help discerning shoppers find that special one-of-a-kind gift for those on their Christmas Lists.

This event is sure to draw shoppers from near and far and the new holiday advertisement from the Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design is sure to attract lots of interest for Cape Breton.
The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design's advertisement for Holiday Spirit aired this week on CTV. If you have not had a chance to see it, click on the title of this post to check it out.

Christmas Concert at the Fortress of Louisbourg

2011-11-28T09:10:00.005-04:00

During the holiday season I love to take in as many of the holiday concerts and special events as I can. It is the perfect way to get into the spirit of Christmas. This information has just come to my attention about a Christmas event taking place at the Fortress of Louisbourg that you will definitely be interested in, so I am passing it along. Hope to see you there.

December 11, 2011
Holiday Harmonies

Join us in celebration of the holiday season at the Fortress of Louisbourg for our annual holiday concert. 'Holiday Harmonies' features Coro Cantabile and tickets are just $25.00.

Venez célébrer la saison des Fêtes avec nous à la Forteresse de Louisbourg lors de notre concert des Fêtes annuel. « Holiday Harmonies» met en vedette la chorale Coro Cantabile. Les billets sont 25$.

Fortress Louisbourg Association and Sydney Architectural Conservation Society presents -

HOLIDAY HARMONIES, Sunday December 11 from 3 to 5 pm, in the Fortress Louisbourg 18th Century Chapel featuring the CORO CANTABILE.Tickets are $25.00 each by advanced credit card sale by calling 733-3552.
Refreshments and a special presentation at intermission.

Tickets are $25.00 each by advanced credit card sale by calling 733-3552.

Refreshments and a special presentation at intermission.

Great Christmas Gift Ideas from LaPicasse

2011-11-16T14:03:00.003-04:00

This information has just come to me from the desk of LaPicasse, the French Cultural Center in Petit de Grat. This may interest anyone looking for Christmas gift items from our Acadienne Region, so I would like to pass it along.

Des nouveautés à La Boutique de La Picasse : Des photos acadiennes cadrées, des cartes de souhaite acadiennes générale et des cartes acadienne de NOËL. Nous avons eu le livre ‘’Acadian Lives in Cape Breton’’ et aussi des livres d’enfants variés. Venez ouère et supporter nos artistes locales. Pour plus d’information, appelé 226-0149.

The Boutique at La Picasse now has an assortment of Acadian cards, general Acadian Christmas cards and Acadian framed photos. We also have the book ‘’ ’Acadian Lives in Cape Breton’’ and we also have a variety of children books. Come visit our well stocked Boutique at La Picasse, in Petit de Grat and support our local artists. For more information please call 226-0149.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-11-16T08:24:00.002-04:00

Richmond County is gearing up for the holiday season, and what better way to get in the spirit of the season than attending the Festival of Trees. Yes, the Festival of Trees will be taking place on Saturday, November 19th and Sunday, November 20th. This is one of my favorite festivals because it is such an uplifting event. First, it is for a great cause with donations coming in for the Food Bank and second, it gets the whole community in the mood for Christmas. The children take part decorating their entries, either in the individual or child group categories, the community groups as well as the retail and commercial industry always do a spectacular job with their entries. This year's festival has an excellent schedule with lots of events planned for the whole family, including the highlight of the event, a visit from Santa.
This year's event includes a Family Pancake Breakfast from 9 to 10:30am with Santa Claus available for a Picture Session with the kids from 10:30 until 11:30am. The Kidd Brothers will be on hand with their entertaining and interactive children's band from 11:30am until 12:30pm and the very popular Santa's Corner is back again this year with the children taking part in making crafts, a coloring contest, and making up a Wish List for Santa taking place from 1pm to 4pm. The Official Tree Lighting takes place at 6pm followed by the reading of the classic Christmas story "The Night Before Christmas" read by one of the Elves at Santa's Workshop, with milk and cookies for the kids. Following this there will be live entertainment from 6:30 to 8:30pm, followed by mulled cider and hot chocolate served with Cape Breton's favorite treat on any occasion, oat cakes.On Sunday, the festival will run from 12pm until 2pm. The schedule of events include viewing and voting for your favorite Christmas tree, cookie decorating, mingling with your favorite fictional characters, the silent auction will continue, and Santa will again be on hand for pictures with the children. With live entertainment running from 1pm until 2pm. Upon completion of voting and the Silent Auction, there will be the presentation of awards for the best trees as well as the awarding of items to the lucky winners of the Silent Auction. Sounds like lots of fun, so bring the kids out to the Festival of Trees on this Saturday and Sunday. Now where did I put my Christmas decorations?

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-11-10T08:53:00.001-04:00

The tourism season on Cape Breton has come to an end for another season. Now we have the opportunity to look back at this past season and see how the island fared in the tourism market and start to plan for the future. This past season Cape Breton witnessed some remarkable feats in its tourism industry. First being designated as the number one island destination in North America and second, being named third best island destination in the world; that is definitely something to be proud of. It is now our goal to keep our standing at this top class level in order to continue to draw visitors from around the world. The Bras d’Or Lakes also received recognition and drew attention to the island when it attained designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These two factors probably had a lot to do with well known travel writers from around the globe traveling to Cape Breton to experience first-hand our culture, scenery and experiences for which we are known.
This past season Destination Cape Breton Association worked diligently to increase our presence in the tourism market. It placed an information kiosk on the Halifax waterfront in order to direct visitors to our area. It also made extensive upgrades to the CBIsland.com website, which was an asset to the tourism operators, making it more efficient for them to effectively update their individual listings and give visitors who are planning to travel to Cape Breton a more complete view of what the island has to offer. Numbers pertaining to visitors to the area were down in the first part of the season but made a rebound in the latter part of the summer and into October. Overall Cape Breton fared very well with approximately 90,000 plus visitors paying Cape Breton a call. These numbers were higher than those seen in other tourism locations in Nova Scotia. DCBA continues to move forward with plans to best market the island to insure that the tourism industry continues to grow. They will be holding information sessions around the island with stakeholders of the tourism industry, where the DCBA staff will take the opportunity to highlight some of the islands exciting milestones and accomplishments, which are primarily as a result of the operators’, businesses’, and community organizations’ commitment and support to Cape Breton’s growing tourism industry. Operators will be updated on the opportunities available to become more involved within the industry throughout 2012. These sessions, which are free to the public, will be a great place to network, a chance to keep up-to-date on the many successes in the industry and an excellent opportunity to become more involved in the community. The sessions will take place December 5th - Inverary Inn in Baddeck 10:00 am, December 6th - Inverness Fire Hall 1:00 pm, December 7th - Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre 10:00 am, December 7th - Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s 1:30 pm and December 9th - Delta, Sydney 10:00 am. To register go to http://www.cbisland.com/signup/.
This past season also saw some changes made to the tourism scene in Richmond County. Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative dissolved its association, leaving the tourism industry in Richmond fully under the guidance of Jeff Stanley at the Municipality’s Economic Development and Tourism Department. Charlene Marshall who had been Destination Richmond’s Partnership Coordinator moved over to the Municipality’s Tourism Department for the initial transition, but has since taken a teaching position with the Nova Scotia Community College. Having worked closely with Charlene I am very sorry to see her leave the tourism field and want to express my thanks for all she tried to accomplish during her time in charge of DRTC.

View of Richmond

2011-11-09T01:07:00.001-04:00

With the end of the traditional tourism season on Cape Breton, it gives us a chance to look back at this past season and start to plan for the next. This past season Cape Breton has witnessed some remarkable feats in its tourism industry. First being designated as the Number one island destination in North America and second, being named third best island destination in the world; that is definitely something to be proud of. It is now our goal to keep our standing at this top class level in order to continue to draw visitors from around the world. Cape Breton also saw the Bras d’Or Lakes receive the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, which also helps draw attention from around the world. This past season some of the best known travel writers from around the globe traveled to Cape Breton to experience firsthand our Cape Breton culture for which we are known. And Destination Cape Breton Association has worked very diligently increasing our presence in the Halifax mainstream and have also undergone an extensive upgrade to the CBIsland.com website, which is an asset to our operators, so they can effectively update their individual listings and give our visitors a more complete view of what the island has to offer.

DCBA continues to move forward with plans and learning sessions to insure that the tourism industry continues to grow. And as part of this effort a series of free information sessions will be held around the island to which all industry operators are invited to attend. During these sessions, DCBA staff will take the opportunity to highlight some exciting milestones and accomplishments to date, primarily as a result of the operators, businesses and communities organizations commitment and support to Cape Breton’s growing tourism industry. Operators will be updated on the opportunities available to become more involved within the industry throughout 2012. These sessions will be a great place to network, a chance to keep up-to-date on the many successes in the industry and an excellent opportunity to become more involved in the community. The sessions will take place December 5th - Inverary Inn in Baddeck 10:00 am, December 6th - Inverness Fire Hall 1:00 pm, December 7th - Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre 10:00 am, December 7th - Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s 1:30 pm and December 9th - Delta, Sydney 10:00 am. To register go to http://www.cbisland.com/signup/.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-10-26T13:33:00.001-03:00

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.

MSN Gives Cape Breton Top Marks

2011-10-23T14:13:00.004-03:00

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.

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

2011-10-21T10:29:00.005-03:00

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

2011-10-21T09:12:00.001-03:00

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.

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

2011-10-20T11:50:00.002-03:00

“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

2011-10-20T10:31:00.002-03:00

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.

Christmas Ideas from Velo!

2011-10-19T10:10:00.003-03:00

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

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

2011-10-18T11:08:00.003-03:00

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.

Celtic Colours Sells Out!

2011-10-15T16:52:00.002-03:00

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

2011-10-15T12:06:00.003-03:00

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)

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!

2011-10-14T11:53:00.002-03:00

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.

Leave It To The Ladies is Sold Out!

2011-10-13T17:14:00.003-03:00

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!

2011-10-13T10:05:00.003-03:00

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

2011-10-13T08:59:00.002-03:00

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.

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!

2011-10-12T14:04:00.002-03:00

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.

Celtic Colours Tickets Available!

2011-10-11T17:28:00.003-03:00

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

2011-10-11T09:57:00.006-03:00

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.

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

2011-10-10T12:54:00.007-03:00

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!

2011-10-10T10:05:00.002-03:00

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.

Velo Events planned for Celtic Colours

2011-10-09T13:49:00.003-03:00

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!

2011-10-09T09:17:00.002-03:00

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.

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

2011-10-08T16:12:00.004-03:00

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.

|

View of Richmond

2011-10-07T09:10:00.001-03:00

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.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-10-05T11:36:00.001-03:00

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.

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

2011-10-04T10:39:00.005-03:00

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))

CBC/Radio Canada Celebrates Open House Tomorrow

2011-09-30T09:02:00.003-03:00

CBC/Radio Canada is celebrating 75 years in service with an Open House at 285 Alexander Street, Sydney on October 1st. from 11am to 3pm. They have lots of activities planned including a BBQ and Cake, entertainment with local musicians, interactive displays, a tour of the facility, face painting, kids activities and more. So drop by and help CBC celebrate.

Highland Village Launches Campaign to Develop Fund for Youth to Learn Traditional Cultural and Music Skills

2011-09-29T13:49:00.002-03:00

This Press Release has just been brought to my attention and I want to pass it along to anyone who might find it interesting.

Press Release: Highland Village Launches Campaign to Develop Fund for Youth to Learn Traditional Cultural and Music Skills

On Saturday, August 6th, the Highland Village in Iona hosted its 50th Annual Highland Village Day Concert. That event marked five decades of celebrating and promoting Scottish Gaelic culture in Nova Scotia through one of Cape Breton’s original Scottish concerts. Over those 50 years many young up-and-coming entertainers got their start on the Highland Village stage.

To mark this important milestone, and to ensure that cultural skills based on Gaelic traditions continue to flourish with our youth in Nova Scotia, the Nova Scotia Highland Village Society launched Stóras na h-Òigridh (Treasures of Youth) Fund. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial support and assistance to up-and-coming Nova Scotia youth between the ages of five and twenty-one, who are eager to advance their skills in the Gaelic tradition including the following: fiddle, pipes, piano, language, storytelling, song, and step dance.

The Treasurers of Youth fund concept was inspired by the enthusiasm of the late Michael Anthony MacLean , a well known fiddler from Washabuck, Nova Scotia who always had a keen interest in assisting youth to further their skills in playing traditional Cape Breton music - especially the fiddle.

Initially, we intend to capitalise the endowment fund with a minimum of $35,000. The intention is to develop an endowment fund, whereby the capital would not be used - rather only the annual earned income - which would then be awarded and disbursed to a successful applicant(s). Thus, the Society has initiated the “Complete the Tune” Campaign through which monies will be raised to capitalise the fund. The main feature of the campaign is the sale of musical notes from “Michael Anthony MacLean’s Birthday” - a march composed by Lucy MacNeil of the Barra MacNeils.
More information on the fund, including a downloadable brochure, is available on the fund’s website www.treasuresofyouth.ca All donors will be provided with a charitable tax receipt.
The Nova Scotia Highland Village Society in Iona was founded in 1959 to create the Highland Village Museum, to share and promote the Gaelic culture and heritage of Nova Scotia. Today, the Society continues to carry out this mission through the operation of the Highland Village Museum in Iona, a part of the Nova Scotia Museum, as well as, initiatives to support the growth and development of Gaelic language and culture.
-30-
Rodney Chaisson
chaissrs@gov.ns.ca
(902) 725-2272

Textile Festival Opens October 7th

2011-09-26T13:45:00.003-03:00

This information is has come to my attention for the October 7th Textile Festival which will run until October 24th at the Inverness County Centre for The Arts. It will tie in very well with the Celtic Colours International Festival.

Oct. 7th the Textile Festival will open at the Inverness County Centre for the Arts. This exhibit will run until Oct. 24th and is a celebration of all things fibre. The festival has become a bi-annual event and this year’s curator, Anne Morrell Robinson, has brought in fibre artist from across the Maritimes to display their work. When we think of textiles we often think of household goods or clothing. This show will make you re-think textiles and fibre art. To explain what fibre art is all you need to know is that the art is made using a fiber as the starting point. It might be thread, wool, wood fibre, or perhaps a fibre you never thought about. The art might be stitched, woven, felted, hooked, or embellished in many unusual ways. What is being done is only limited by the artist’s imagination. The artists who make these creations come from as close as Inverness and from as far away as Newfoundland. They all share a love of working with their hands to make items that lift up their spirits. The opening reception for this exhibit will be on Friday evening Oct. 7th from 6:00 pm to 7:30.
For those visitors here for Celtic Colours, it is a great opportunity to experience other art disciplines that Cape Breton is known for. The workshops are: Fabric Landscapes with Margie MacIsaac on Wednesday October 12th, Fabric Postcards with Regina Marzlin on Friday October 14th, and Rug Hooking with Yvette Muise on Saturday October 15th. For more information or to register please contact the Inverness County Centre for the Arts by calling 1-902-258-2533 or email www.invernessarts.ca

Coming Soon The 1st. Annual Hammer In Louisbourg -Don't Miss It

2011-09-23T11:54:00.006-03:00

Attention all visitors coming to Cape Breton for the Celtic Colours International Music Festival, why not extend your visit for another few days and take in this unique event.
I love the variety of events a visitor can take in while visiting Cape Breton Island. Most folks might think OK Cape Breton Island, we can take in great Ceilidhs or festivals and historic Museums, and take a sail on the many boat tours, but what about the Cape Breton Black-Smith Association putting on an event where visitors can witness first hand their members as they demonstrate their skills using 18th to 21th century tools and methods and what better location to do this but at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. But that is exactly what our visitors can expect as they take in Hammer In Louisbourg on October 22nd and 23rd. The admission is $7.30 for adults, and $6.05 for seniors and $3.65 for youth or a family fee of $18.10. Price includes regular entry to the site plus the added value of watching the blacksmiths make various items, for example nails, welding, decorative items etc. The event runs from 9.30am until 5pm on Saturday, October 22nd, and from 9:30am until 2pm on Sunday October 23rd. Visitors are welcome to join the Cape Breton Blacksmiths Association on site for a fee of $35.00 or by going to the website www.cbblacksmiths.com to be become a member in advance.

View of Richmond

2011-09-23T08:58:00.001-03:00

Now that Cape Breton’s festivals are starting to wind down, we turn our anticipation towards the Celtic Colours Music Festival. The schedules are out and the ticket sales seem to be going quite well, with some venues selling out almost immediately. But that does not mean that you are too late to purchase your tickets, there are still lots of venues with tickets available. Here in the Richmond County area, we are fortunate this year to have four venues and other venues within driving distance, for those who want to take in the after hours Kitchen Racket Jam Session at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter's, which runs throughout the Celtic Colours week.

The opening concert “Distant Sons and Daughters” at 7:30pm on October 7th takes place in Port Hawkesbury with an excellent line up. This event will be preceded by Supper at the Causeway at the Port Hastings Fire Hall from 4:30-6:30pm, as part of the Celtic Colours Community Meals series. On October 10th the Celtic Colours concert “Bayou to D’Escousse: D’Escousse fais do do”, will take place at the D’Escousse Civic Improvement Hall starting at 7:30pm. The concert will be preceded by a Roast Turkey Dinner at the Notre Dame de L’Assomption Parish Hall in Arichat from 4 to 6:30pm. On October 11th the Celtic Colours concert “A Touch of the Irish” will take place at the Riverdale Community Center in Lower River Inhabitants. The concert will be preceded by Sounds and Supper by the Sea held at Lobsters R Us in Lower L’Ardoise from 1 to 5pm. This event will offer a Ceilidh from 1-3 and Lobster Supper from 3-5pm. Local fishers, musicians, and artisans will be on hand to help create an unforgettable experience by the sea for our visitors. On October 12th, St. Peter’s will host the Celtic Colours concert “Ceilidh on the Canal” starting at 7:30pm. This event will be preceded by a delicious Fishcakes and Beans Supper at the St. George’s Channel Hall starting at 4pm. On October 14th, I am happy to announce a Celtic Colours Concert in L’Ardoise for the first time; “A Full Slate” starting at 7:30pm. With the array of talent on their program it will definitely not be their last. This event will be proceeded by a Kitchen Party starting at 2:30pm and Chowder Supper starting at 4pm, at the Tara Lynn Community Centre in River Bourgeois.

Festival Celebrates Aquaculture Industry

2011-09-22T15:22:00.003-03:00

Looking for something to do on the weekend, well I may have just the answer. This information has just arrived at my desk from Destination Cape Breton, about an event taking place on Saturday September 24th in Waycobah First Nations.It should be a great cultural experience.

Festival Celebrates Aquaculture Industry 14th annual Aquaculture Harvest Festival
Saturday, Sept. 24th, at the Waycobah First Nation.This year's event will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. at the We'koqma'q Mi'kmaw School, 80 Reservation Road.The festival features live local entertainment, an oyster shucking demonstration, an aquarium with trout and shellfish, and face painting.

Drum and Fife Winter Lessons Available at the Fortress of Louisbourg

2011-09-21T12:24:00.003-03:00

I am happy to pass this information along from the Fortress of Louisbourg Association, to all the young folks who would be interested in taking drum and fife lessons this winter.

The Fortress of Louisbourg Association Presents:

Drum and Fife Winter Lessons

The Fortress Louisbourg Association is seeking new recruits for the
drum and fife program. Come out and show us your musical talent!

Session 1 ($40) : October 29 – December 3rd
Session 2 ($50) : January 14th – March 10th
Session 3 ($50) : March 24 – June 2nd
Open to all students ages 10 and over.

Lessons will take place at Cape Breton University every Saturday at 10am.
Spaces are limited and pre-registration is required.
Phone: 1-902-733-3548
Email: d_pitch1@hotmail.com or michellelaheyfla@gmail.com
Website: www.fortressoflouisbourg.com

Pianist Chris Donnelly and Clarinetist Kornel Wolak Pair Up To Provide An Evening of Exceptional Music

2011-09-15T16:49:00.007-03:00

For all the music lovers out there who enjoy classical music, this information about an event scheduled for September 17 from Theatre on the Hill may be of interest to you.

Pianist Chris Donnelly is pairing up with clarinetist Kornel Wolak to deliver a varied concert program including well-loved classical hits, jazz standards and a little something new. Their virtuosity and depth is certain to entertain!
With a concert program featuring Mozart, Brahms, Gershwin, Rossini and a piece by Mr. Donnelly himself, this compelling team appears in Indian Brook, Cabot Trail presented by Theatre on the Hill at the Colouratura Art Gallery at 8:15pm on Saturday 17th September. Tickets are available $20 cash only. For more information, please call Ian Green 902 929 2809

PaddleFest Saturday Night

2011-09-15T09:56:00.001-03:00

Don't miss the 1st. Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest-September 16th to 18th.

2011-09-14T12:28:00.002-03:00

Come join us in Richmond County for the 1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest!
September 16-18, 2011

Cape Breton Paddlefest Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 16th:

5:00pm - 7:00pm - Sign-in for Cape Breton Paddlefest – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
7:00pm – 8:00pm - Slide Show – courtesy of Rising Tide Expeditions – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
8:00pm – midnight - Cape Breton Paddlefest Social – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
Live Musical Entertainment – Krista MacKinnon & Jay Luddington. (19yrs and over. Government IDs will be requested) – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s

Saturday, September 17th:

8:00am - Welcome from Municipality of Richmond
Breakfast; guest speaker from Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve association - St. Peter’s Lions Hall
9:30am - Paddlefest Parade through the historic St. Peter’s Canal – Parks Canada's St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
10:00am – 12:30pm - Morning Paddlefest Sessions – St. Peter’s Marina (see session descriptions below)
10:00am – 4:00pm - Paddlefest Expo – St. Peter’s Marina
Freedom Canoe & Kayak
12:30 – 2:00pm - Lunch – St. Peter’s Lions Hall
2:00pm – 5:00pm - Afternoon Paddlefest Sessions – St. Peter’s Marina (see session descriptions below)
6:00pm – 7:00pm - Paddlefest Dinner with Guest Speaker – Bill Danielson, author of Cape Breton Weather Watching: For the Naturally Curious – St. Peter’s Lions Hall ($10 per person)
9:00pm – 1:00am - Dance with live band My Dog Sam hosted by the St. Peter’s Lions Club,$8 per person. (19yrs and over. Government IDs will be requested) – St. Peter’s Lions Hall

Sessions:

Saturday 9:30am – 12:30pm - Canoe Beginner – Powerful Forward Paddling
Kayak Beginner – Manoeuvring your Kayak in Style
Canoe Intermediate – Make Your Canoe Dance
Kayak Intermediate – Paddling on the Edge – Using your Body, Boat and Blade with Finesse
On-land: Canoe and Kayak Camping – Packing Up and Getting Out
Social Paddle – St. Peter’s Bay

Saturday 2:00pm – 5:00pm - Canoe and Kayak Beginner – "Paddling with a Partner – Working in Tandem"
Canoe and Kayak Intermediate – "What Happens When you Take a Swim – Introduction to Capsize and Rescues"
On-land – Buying a Canoe or Kayak – "What to Look For"
Social Paddle – Arichat Harbour

Sunday, September 18:
(Breakfast on your own)

9:00am – noon - Morning Paddlefest Sessions – St. Peter’s Marina (see session descriptions below)
12 noon - Wrap-up and good-byes

Sessons:

Sunday 9:00am – 12 noon - Social Paddle – Lennox Passage
Canoe and Kayak Intermediate – "Paddling in Wind & Waves – It’s Gotta Happen Sometime"
Kayak Intermediate – Surf Kayaking – Point Michaud Beach
On-land – "Not Getting Lost – Learning to Navigate with Maps and Charts for Paddlers"

Cape Breton Paddlefest will be held rain or shine! Please come prepared with appropriate foul-weather gear.
Deadline to register for Cape Breton Paddlefest was Friday, September 9th.

Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Limited kayak and canoe rentals are available; if you need to rent a boat for Cape Breton Paddlefest, we encourage you to reserve early and arrange your own pick-up and drop-off with one of the following companies:
Kayak Cape Breton
www.kayakcapebreton.com
Phone: (902)535-3060
Email: kayakcb@ns.sympatico.ca
Rising Tide Expeditions
www.risingtideexpeditions.ca
Phone: 902-884-2884 or 1-877-884-2884
Email: info@risingtideexpeditions.ca
North River Kayak
www.northriverkayak.com
Phone: (902)929-2628 Toll-Free: 1-888-865-2925
Email: info@northriverkayak.com

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-09-14T10:06:00.000-03:00

We still have surfers in the area, taking advantage of the high waves caused by Tropical Storm Katia this past week-end. Surfers have been in the area since the last week of August for the Point Michaud Surf Classic, which brought a noticable increase in tourist traffic. Michelle Richards, surf instructor and organizer of the Surf Classic reports that her end of summer event was a success. The competition drew crowds of both families and surf enthusiasts from the local area and as far away as Halifax and Massachusetts. Surf conditions were ideal to run all divisions in 2 to 3 foot surf, even with the presence of fog, and it was the highlight of the surfers summer events. The musical bands that preformed Friday and Saturday night were a great fit for the expo. And special thanks to the sponsors for their generous donations for the award presentation this year. The Surf Classic winners:
Kid Girl's Surf Board : Cheyenne Couchene, Kid Boy's Surf Board: Riley MacLean,
Jr. Girl's Surf Board (under 15 years): Sylvie Julien, Jr. Girl's
Surf Board (over 16 years): Julie,
Jr. Boy's Surf Board (11 - 13 years) : 1st place Sam Julien, 2nd Tyler Fortune,
Jr. Boy's Surf Board (14 - 15 years) : 1st place Jamie Smith, 2nd
Colin Colson, 3rd Dustin Martel, 4th Derek Garson, 5th Brandon Romans,
6th Jack Watson,
Jr. Boy's Surf Board (16 - 17 years) : 1st place Tristan Martel, 2nd
Craig Colson, 3rd Jake, 4th Gary Peters, 5th Dylan Abbot, 6th Chad,
Women's Surf Board (20 - 29 years): 1st place Carli Boers, 2nd Bridget
Turner, 3rd Terrilyn Boudreau, 4th Erica MacDonald,
Women's Surf Board (30 - 39 years): 1st place Natasha MacDonald, 2nd
Jackie Beaton,
Women's Surf Board (40 - 49 years): 1st place Nancy Taylor, 2nd
Michelle Boudreau,
Men's Surf Board (20 - 29 years): 1st place Luke, 2nd Nathan Hill,
Men's Surf Board (30 - 39 years): 1st place Richie MacDonald, 2nd Pat Shananhan,
Men's Surf Board (40- 49 years): 1st place Chris Smith, 2nd Kevin
Julien, 3rd Darrel Peters, 4th Joel Fortune,
Master's Surf Board (over 50 years): 1st place Gerard Taylor, 2nd Brian Mahon.
Open Surf Board (every age and any board): 1st place Chris Smith, 2nd
Colin Colson, 3rd Natasha MacDonald, 4th Tristan Martel, 5th Jamie
Smith, 6th Luke,
Long Board Open: 1st place tie Bridget Turner and Sylvie Julien, 2nd
Scotty Sherin, 3rd Carli Boers, 4th tie - Jamie Smith and Brandon
Romans, 5th Chris Smith,
Short Board Open: 1st place Brandon Romans, 2nd Sam Julien, 3rd
Tristan Martel, 4th Richie MacDonald, 5th Bridget Turner, 6th Jamie
Smith.
Finless Surf Board: 1st place Jamie Smith, 2nd Craig Colson, 3rd Joel
Fortune, 4th Cheyenne Counchene, 5th Riley MacNeil.
Skim Board: 1st place Luke, 2nd Gary Peters, 3rd tie Colin and Craig
Colson, 4th Sam Julien, 5th Jamie Smith, 6th Chad.
Body Board: 1st place Sylvie Julien, 2nd Sam Julien, 3rd Dustin
Martel, 4th Brandon Romans, 5th Dylan Abbot, 6th tie Derek Garson and
Darrel Peters.
Kayak Surf: 1st place Eberhart Witt, 2nd Sylvie Julien, 3rd Tristan
Martel, 4th Sam Julien, 5th Dustin Martel, 6th Bridget Turner.
Surf Board Team Relay: 1st place Team L Trippers - Jamie and Chris
Smith, Luke and Jack Watson, 2nd place Team Kannon Beach - Colin and
Craig Colson, Bridget Turner and Nathan Hill, 3rd Team Green Bast@!ds
- Tristan and Dustin Martel, Dylan Abbot and Richie MacDonald, 4th
Team Julien - Kevin, Sam and Sylvie Julien and Steve
MacLean, 5th Team Black - Gary Peters, Joey Foote, Jake and Doug, 6th
Team Orange - Brandon Romans, Derek Garson, Tyler Fortune, Cheyenne
Couchene and Riley MacLean.
Body Surf Team Expression Session: 1st place Team Green Bast@!ds -
Tristan and Dustin Martel, Dylan Abbot, Richie MacDonald and Darrel
Peters, 2nd place Team L
Trippers - Luke, Jamie and Chris Smith and Jack Watson, 3rd place Team
Kannon Beach - Nathan Hill, Colin and Craig Colson, Bridget Turner and
Chad, 4th place Team Orange - Brandon Romans, Derek Garson, Tyler
Fortune, Cheyenne Couchene and Riley MacLean.
Top Water Awards: Top Water Girl - Cheyenne Couchene, Top Water Boy
- Riley MacLean, Top Water Jr Boy (under 13) - Sam Julien, Top Water
Jr. Boy (under 15) - tie Colin Colson, Jamie Smith and Brandon Romans.
Top Water Jr. Girl (under 16) - Sylvie Julien. Top Water Jr. Boy (over
16) - tie Craig Colson and Tristan Martel. Top Water Jr. Girls (over
16) – Julie. Top Water Woman (20s) - Carli Boers. Top Water Woman
(30s) - Natasha MacDonald. Top Water Woman (40s) - Nancy Taylor. Top
Water Man (20s) – Luke. Top Water Man (30s) - Richie MacDonald. Top
Water Man (40s) - Chris Smith. Top Water Master (over 50) - Gerard
Taylor.
Until next week, enjoy Richmond.

Attention All Cyclists - Velo To Do Biosphere Bike Ride

2011-09-14T09:47:00.003-03:00

Cape Breton Velo cyclists will be taking part from 10:30am to 3pm in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Celebrations on September 17th. Join fellow cyclists at the Beaver Cove Take Out for a 25km ride to the Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere Reserve core event at the Highland Village in Iona (this event begins at 2pm). The cost is $2.00 for non Velo Cape Breton members. For more information, please contact Shelley Porter at blomidonrose@yahoo.ca.

Come Out And Celebrate The Bras d'Or Lake Being Named A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

2011-09-11T15:00:00.006-03:00

Some information has reached by desk from Rodney Chaisson, that I think all Cape Bretoners should be aware of. By now everyone should know that the Bras d'Or Lake has received the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This fact is something that we should all be very proud of, so on September 17th,lets join in the celebration, which is scheduled to take place at the Highland Village in Iona. It should be a great time. This is the information that I have received on the event and I want to pass it along to all those who would like to part of the experience.

"Saturday, September 17th-Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve Celebration
Come join us for a celebration to mark the UNESCO designation of the Bras d’Or Lake and its watershed as a Man and the Biosphere Reserve. The celebration will take place around the watershed throughout the weekend of September 17th and 18th. The core event will take place here at the Highland Village on Saturday, September 17th (2-5 pm) and feature entertainment by The Colin Grant Band, Les Zorvenants, Chief Leroy Denny, The Beaton Sisters Band, Cyril MacPhee and Darrell Keigan, Jeff MacDonald, Joanne MacIntyre, Kitpu singers, Gaelic singers, Mooney Francis, Vincent Joe, Mi’kmaq drummers, Acadian dancers and step dancers. The keynote speaker will be Silver Donald Cameron, with emcee Max MacDonald. The program will also feature a multicultural ceremony of designation. There will be food from different cultures, dignitaries, a play– “In a Cultural Garden” by Whycocomagh Education Centre students; and an art display from Bras d’Or Stewardship/Biosphere contest. Admission to the core event and the Highland Village Museum are free for the afternoon. For more information on this and other events to celebrate this milestone see the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association’s website - www.bibra.ca."

Celtic Colours International Comes To The South Side of Cape Breton in October!

2011-09-10T17:00:00.008-03:00

Friday October 7th, 2011
CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL EVENT:

-Distant Sons and Daughters
7:30 PM, Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, Port Hawkesbury, Tickets: $60/50/40
Sons and daughters from four Celtic cultures--Ireland, Scotland, Appalachia and Cape Breton--come together to share their traditions for the opening of the 15th annual Celtic Colours International Festival.
The Black Family | Dougie MacLean | Ashley MacIsaac | Barbara MacDonald Magone | Bruce Molsky & Jumpsteady Boys | Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaacSheila Kay AdamsNic Gareiss

COMMUNITY MEALS:

Friday, October 7th

-Supper at the Causeway
Port Hastings Fire Hall, Port Hastings - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM ($10)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Friday, October 7th

-Cape Breton Ceilidh
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM (Donations accepted)

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Friday, October 7th

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Friday, October 7th

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

OCTOBER 8TH. EVENTS:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Saturday, October 8th.

-Quilting Demonstration
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Donations

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Saturday, October 8th

-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)

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Saturday, October 8th

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

OCTOBER 9TH EVENTS:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Sunday, October 9th

-Knitting Demonstration
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Donations accepted)

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Sunday, October 9th

-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)

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Sunday, October 9th

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT:
Monday, October 10th.

-From the Bayou to d’Escousse: D’Escousse fais do do
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 | Clifford (Ciffie) Carter

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Monday, October 10th

-Roast Turkey Dinner
Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM ($12)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Monday, October 10th

-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 at 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)

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Monday, October 10th

-Isle Madame Kitchen Party
L'Auberge Acadienne, Arichat - 10:00 PM to 2:00 AM ($5 or $2 with a concert ticket stub)

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT:
Tuesday, October 11th

-A TOUCH OF THE IRISH:
7:30 PM, Riverdale Community Center, Lower River Inhabitiants, Tickets: $30/25
In a community with Irish roots, some of Ireland's finest singers and instrumentalists will meet a father and daughter vocal duo.
The Alan Kelly Gang | Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Órla Ni Cheallaigh | Cyril MacPhee | Haley MacPhee

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Tuesday, October 11th

-Sounds and Supper by the Sea
Lobsters R Us, Lower L'Ardoise - 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM ($30)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Tuesday, October 11th

-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)

-Embellishing 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)

-Celtic Guitar Chording
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($35)

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Tuesday, October 11th

-Beyond the Colour Wheel
Gallery Ruairicroft, St. George's Channel - 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM ($10)

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Tuesday, October 11th

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT:
Wednesday, October 12th

-CEILIDH ON THE CANAL:
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 | Gillian Head

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Wednesday, October 12th

-Arm of Gold Fishcakes and Beans
St. George's Channel Hall, St. George's Channel - 4:00 PM ($10)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Wednesday, October 12th

-Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)

-Spinning Demonstration
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Donations accepted)

-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 ART SERIES:
Wednesday, October 12th

-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)

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Wednesday, October 12th

-Arm of Gold Song Session
St. George's Channel Hall, St. George's Channel - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($8)

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Thursday, October 13th

-Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)

-Rug Hooking Demonstration
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Donations accepted)

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Thursday, October 13th

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Thursday, October 13th

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT Event:
Friday, October 14th

A FULL SLATE:
7:30 PM, L'Ardoise Community Center, L'Ardoise, Tickets: $30/25
L'Ardoise means "slate" and we have a full slate of talent tonight. From virtuoso fiddle and guitar to foot stompin' dancers, you'll be blown away.
J.P. Cormier & The Elliott Brothers | Dwayne Côté | Duane Andrews |Asham Stompers | Allie Mombourquette

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Friday, October 14th

-Kitchen Party
Tara Lynne Community Centre, River Bourgeois - 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM ($10 (includes meal))

OUTDOOR EVENTS:
Friday, October 14th

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Friday, October 14th

-Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM ($35)

-Model Shipbuilding and Storytelling
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)

-Guitar workshop with JP Cormier
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM ($35)

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Friday, October 14th

-Open Studio Series
Grey Seal Weaving, Lower L'Ardoise - 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Free)

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENT:
Friday, October 14th

-Kitchen Racket Jam Sessions
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 10:00 PM to 1:00 AM ($5 / $2 with a concert ticket stub / Free for players)

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 15TH

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Saturday, October 15th

-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)

Come Celebrate With Us

2011-09-10T09:31:00.002-03:00

Mark Sunday, September 11th on your calendar as a day that all the citizens of the St. Peter’s area will want to come out and celebrate two very worthy events. First, the official opening and dedication of the sports complex and recreation field in St. Peter's will take place starting at 2pm on Sunday, September 11th, 2011. This modern sports complex and recreation field is a tremendous addition to the St. Peter’s Community, giving our children a new playground area and a recreation area that can be enjoyed not only by our young but by the whole community. Those attending the function will enjoy local entertainment and a free barbecue which will follow the opening and dedication ceremony scheduled for 3pm.
The second event will be at 4pm as the Rich Hansen Man In Motion World Tour 25th Anniversary Run will be arriving in St. Peter’s. Our site is participating in the End of Day Celebration which highlights a medal bearer who has been chosen for this honor for their significant contributions which have made a strong impact and a real difference in their community. The St. Peter’s End of Day medal Bearer is businessman and owner of the MacBouch Restaurant and Lounge, George Robertson. Mr. Robertson is also being honored by his community for his numerous contributions and kindness he has shown to others time and time again over the years. Aas a sign of his community’s acknowledge and deep appreciation for all he has done, the new sports complex will bear his name and the Municipality of the County of Richmond would like to join in the celebration and show their appreciation by declaring Sunday as “George Robertson Day”.

View of Richmond

2011-09-09T11:12:00.001-03:00

The 8th Annual Surf Classic took place the end of August and although it was foggy on the water the surfers took no notice as they rushed out into the surf and rode the waves back into shore. There were over 40 competitors and a lot of spectators on hand to cheer them on. Not only did the surfers take to the water, but some of the youngsters made their way into the water and had a great time playing in the surf and sand under the close supervision of the lifeguard station. At this time I am still waiting for a full list of the winners from the event but they will be available on the surf website shortly. To check that out go to www.surfpointmichaud.ca. I am able to announce after a conversation with Michelle Richards that Kayak Cape Breton operator Eberhart Witt retained his title in the Kayak division of the competition. Michelle, who has been in charge of the competition since its creation and who is also the surf instructor at Point Michaud for the last 9 seasons, did a tremendous job in keeping all the events running on schedule. As well Charlene Marshall, Tourism Coordinator for the Municipality of Richmond, did a great job organizing the Surf Classic Expo’s events held throughout St. Peter’s. Great work ladies on a job well done. With the hard work from all those involved in the operation of the Surf Lessons that run throughout the summer and with the Surf Classic, the surf industry will continue to conquer waves in the years to come.
The Ultimate Picnic took place on Tuesday, August 30th to a sold out crowd with over 150 tickets being sold. And what a picnic it was. The St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site was transformed into a mystical Shangri-La where lights twinkled on the waters of the canal as the boats took on a translucent glow, as guests dined on dishes created by world class chef Zavier Jarvas Guirary, with the assistance by local Chef Dillon Carter of St. Peter’s MacDonald Country Inn, using local ingredients fit for Peruvian nobility, all the while the band played on. What an experience for St. Peter’s! Pearlene Mofford and her crew of hard workers. They can definitely take a bow for this exceptional food adventure, that brought food and culture together on the shores of St. Peter’s.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-09-07T10:52:00.001-03:00

Philip and Christine Arenberg, the winners of the Richmond County Ticket Draw at this year's Saltscapes Travel Expo, arrived in St. Peter’s to accept their prize package last week. The prizes were one of the features provided by the Destination Cape Breton Tourism Organization Contingent, which consisted of tourism groups from around the Island. The Richmond County Package consisted of overnight stays and a breakfast, donated graciously by the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn and the MacDonald Country Inn, both in St. Peter’s, and L’Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat, and the Dundee Resort and Golf Club which donated a play and stay package to our lucky winners. The Arenberg’s also received a dining certificate from Louie’s Cozy Corner Restaurant in St. Peter’s. Mr. Arenberg told me that this was the first time he had actually filled out a contest ballot and had done so only because he was waiting in the line up as his wife gathered information on the area. When he was offered a ballot by Gary from the St. Peter’s Visitor Information Centre they started to talk and Gary told him of all the great activities being held in Richmond and that he should try his luck and he thought why not. He was really surprised when he received the phone call telling him he had won. He also mentioned that he had never won anything like this before. The Arenberg ticket had been picked out of 1426 ballots filled out at our booth during the Expo. Our lucky ticket winners has decided to divide up the certificates and make two separate trips to our island, one now and another during the Celtic Colours International Festival, which they are looking forward to. We would like to extend out congratulations to the Arenberg’s and hope that they have a wonderful time in the area. Thanks to all the operators who donated prizes.

The 8th Annual Surf Classic took place the end of August and although it was foggy on the water the surfers took no notice as they rushed out into the surf and road the waves back into shore. There were over 40 competitors and a lot of spectators on hand to cheer them on. Not only did the surfers take to the water, but some of the youngsters made their way into the water and had a great time playing in the sand. At this time I am still waiting for a full list of the winners from the event but I am able to announce the Kayak Cape Breton operator Eberhart Witt retained his title in the Kayak division of the competition. I will give a further update on the winners in my next column. Michelle Richards, who has been in charge of the competition since its beginning, did a tremendous job in keeping all the events running on schedule. As well Charlene Marshall, Tourism Coordinator for the Municipality of Richmond, did a great job organizing the Surf Classic Expo’s events held throughout St. Peter’s. Great work ladies on a job well done. With the hard work from all those involved in the operation of the Surf Lessons that run throughout the summer and with the Surf Classic, the surf industry will continue to make waves in the years to come.

The Ultimate Picnic took place on Tuesday, August 30th to a sold out crowd with over 150 tickets being sold. And what a picnic it was. The St. Peter’s Canal National Historic Site was transformed into a mystical Shangri-La where lights twinkled on the waters of the canal as the boats took on a translucent glow as guests dined on dishes fit for Peruvian nobility while the band played and guests danced. What an experience for St. Peter’s! Pearlene Mofford and her crew of hard workers can definitely take a bow for this exceptional food adventure.

A Mix of Culture and Fine Dining

2011-09-01T21:47:00.004-03:00

The "Right Some Good" food adventure "The Ultimate Picnic", which was held in St. Peter's at Sunset by the St. Peter's Canal was phenomenal! Pearlene Mofford's creation of a Foodie Adventure was indeed an overwhelming success with visitors and locals alike. The Tuesday event saw a sellout crowd with approximately 150 people in attendance. The event was pure professionalism from start to finish. The area along the St. Peter's Canal National Historic Site was transformed, as if by magic, into this mystical fantasy where guests stepped out of the countryside into a high class restaurant setting in just a few short steps. Here excellent efficient servers set before you dishes prepared by one of the worlds best chefs. From appetizer to dessert, every bite was superb delighting the senses. Chef Javier Vargas Grumaray, through an enterpreter, expressed his enthusism for the event, as well as his pleasure for being asked to come to Canada to participate in Right Some Good. The setting was delightful as the band played and a few guests danced as the lights reflected the magic of the evening on the waves of the canal giving a translucent appearance to the boats moored nearby. This was definitely an experience that St. Peter's will remember for quite some time. Here are a few reflections on the event by some of those present.

Anne Digout - St. Peter's
"The Ultimate Picnic at St. Peter's was a wonderful food experience. The Peruvian twist added to the taste appeal of the dishes and everything was nicely presented. I enjoyedall the dishes but particularly enjoyed the dessert - Dulce de Leche. A great concept in international dining".

Evelyn O'Leary- St. Peter's
"The whole evening was magical. The atmosphere of the whole evening was amazing, but it was not only the food, which of course was excellent and definitely a fine dinning experience, but it was also the presentation of the food with its Peruvian flair and the service itself. I was really impressed by the preparation that went into this event, with everyone doing their part to pull it together. It was really professional. The setting, the lighting, the way the lights reflected on the waters of the canal and the boats it was totally spectacular. The music and being able to hear from the chef and his support team, it was truly an experience worth taking".

Dillon Carter of Sampsonville-The Ultimate Picnic's Local Chef shared some of his thoughts with me.
What a learning experience. I never realized just how much I would learn by taking part in this experience. The Chef from Peru was amazing. He taught us so much; I think I learned more about the Peruvian culture and cooking from this event than I could have from travelling to Peru. He was great, easy going showing us tricks of the trade as they say. And letting us taste the results of what we accomplished. It is incredible just how many things dishes from our area can have in common with food prepare in a South American Country and how easy it is to adapt the recipes using our local ingredients. The kitchen that we used to prepare the food was small and we were all there together doing our share, everything was created from scratch, so there was lots of activities going on and we were watching and learning and listening to everything the Chef had to say, and it was so much fun. I enjoyed every minute of it, it was a great!

James and Tara Jackson visiting from Charlottetown, PEI
"We thoroughly enjoyed the Ultimate Picnic at St. Peter's Canal! Delicious food, friendly faces, excellent service and beautiful surroundings made this a very memorable event."

Eva and Doug Landry - Sampsonville
"The Ultimate Picnic in the beautiful setting of St.Peter's Canal was truly spectacular - reminiscent of Brigadoon! The food was fabulous with service and ambience to match. Pearleen Mofford and her team are to be highly commended. And it was so nice to see our own Dillon Carter as a participant in this "ultimate" experience".

Linda Boulet-St.Peter’s
“Bring world-class cuisine to rural Cape Breton, Right Some Good offers both a rare opportunity and a revelation. Much like the collaboration between our local chef and his internationally renowned counterpart, the combination of local ingredients and Peruvian cuisine provided not only a delicious culinary experience, but revealed the astounding potential in the seemingly familiar, expanding horizons while delighting taste-buds.”

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-08-31T09:00:00.001-03:00

The 1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest will take place in Richmond County from September 16th to September 18th. Richmond County Economic Developers are hoping to see a good number of paddlelists come into the area for this event. There are events planned for all week-end starting on Friday, with the sign in at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn between 5 and 7pm followed by a Slide Show courtesy of Rising Tide Expeditions to get the week-end started. The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn will host a Social with live entertainment by Krista MacKinnon and Jay Luddington from 8pm to midnight. On Saturday the events will begin at 8am at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall, with a welcoming address by a representative of the Municipality of Richmond followed by breakfast with a guest speaker from the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Association who will give a presentation on the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve. The guest speaker will address the audience on the Bras d’Or Lake's designation as the newest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the world and Canada’s 14th; just another accolade that Cape Bretoners’ can be proud off. At 9:30am, visitors will be able to watch participants of the event take part in the Paddlefest Parade which will travel through the historic St. Peter’s Canal to the Marina where a number of events are scheduled to take place starting at 10am. From 9:30 am until 12:30pm there will be sessions for Canoe Beginner, Kayak Beginner, Canoe Intermediate, and Kayak Intermediate with all kinds of interesting aspects to be learned followed by a social paddle on St. Peter’s Bay. The Paddlefest Expo will also take place at the Marina from 10am until 4pm. There will be a lunch break from 12:30pm until 2pm followed by the afternoon sessions which will continue through the afternoon and concludes with a Social Paddle of Arichat Harbour. From 6 to 7pm the festival dinner will take place, with guest speaker Bill Danielson, author of Cape Breton Weather, at the Lions Hall. Followed at 9pm by a dance where visitors can dance the night away with music by My Dog Sam. On Sunday sessions will continue starting at 9am and running to noon with the official closing of the festival. Participants in this event must pre-register by 4pm on September 9th. Charlene Marshall, Tourism Coordinator for the Municipality of Richmond, said their event partners have worked very hard to make this signature event one that is sure to draw visitors to the area, and turn into an event that will continue to grow and gain popularity each year.

The Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Reserve Association will hold it’s core event to celebrate it’s designation by UNESCO at the Highland Village Museum in Iona on September 17th. Planned events are free to the public and will include a concert, official ceremony, multi-cultural food vendors, artisan vendors, art exhibit, play and information booths. This official ceremony is an event that all Cape Bretoners can take pride in. The Bras d’Or Lake Association has worked very hard over the last few years to draw the deserved recognition to this spectacular body of water of the Bras d’Or Lake and now the lake has gained recognition around the globe, so come out and join in the celebration and show your appreciation for this magnificent piece of nature that we can call our own.

Come Experience 18th Century Cuisine at Savour Louisbourg: Autumn 2011

2011-08-30T10:08:00.005-03:00

I have just received some new information on Savour Louisbourg: Autumn 2011 at the Fortress of Louisbourg, from Kristy Martell of the Fortress, and I want to pass it along. What a great experience, it should be a great time.

Savour Louisbourg: Autumn 2011.
The Fortress of Louisbourg proudly presents a delicious way to experience Canadian History - 18th Century Culinary Workshops! These fascinating and fun programs combine the one of a kind historical experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg with the opportunity to learn first hand the secrets of 18th century cuisine as it was prepared at the majestic French Fortress. The doors of the Engineer's kitchen will be opened to participants eager to practice the art of French cooking using both modern and open hearth kitchens.
Your guide through the delicious 18th century world of French Canadian cuisine is Chef Chantal Vechambre. Chef Vechambre specializes in the intricacies of preparing and serving a selection of French cuisine from the 18th century as she connects the meal to Louisbourg's people and their past. Each half day workshop provides recipes, history, stories about life in Louisbourg and a meal at the conclusion to taste and compare your results. As a souvenir, each participant will take home recipes tested during the workshops. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the art of 18th century French cooking within the walls of the Fortress of Loisbourg. Space is limited so don't hesitate to register by phoning 1-902-733-3552 or emailing louisbourginfo@pc.gc.ca.

Chef Chantal Vechambre
Originally from Paris, Chantal Vechambre is a chef certified in cuisine and pastry, chocolate and confectionery. In 2005, she moved to Moncton, New Brunswick where she began her own business as a consultant with the fine restaurants of the region, while offering courses in French cuisine and pastry for adults and youth alike. Recently, Chantal opened a chocolaterie at the Moncton Casino.
Currently Chantal dedicates much of her time to writing. She is preparing several literary works which include such topics as her culinary experiences in Canada, desserts, and her family recipes from France. The recipes that will be tested in the workshops at Louisbourg are in the process of being edited for a collective work soon to be published.
Her research in culinary history led her to collaborate with the team at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. Her suggested recipes link the available ingredients of the colonial time with cooking knowledge of this period, some of which is based on works written by famous 17th and 18th century chefs. She has provided much insight in reviewing the menus of the historic on-site restaurants and is very excited to lead the 18th century culinary workshops.

Winners Claim Their Prize

2011-08-26T21:09:00.003-03:00

Philip and Christine Arenberg who were the winners of the Richmond County Ticket Draw at this years Saltscapes Travel Expo, arrived in St. Peter’s to accept their prize package today. The prize package was one of the features provided by the Destination Cape Breton Tourism Organization Contingent which consisted of tourism groups from around the Island. The Richmond County Package which consisted of overnight stays and breakfast were donated graciously by the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn and the MacDonald Country Inn both in St. Peter’s, and L’Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat, and the Dundee Resort and Golf Club which donated a play and stay package to our lucky winners. The Arenberg’s also received a dining certificate from Louie’s Cozy Corner Restaurant in St. Peter’s. Mr. Arenberg told me that this was the first time he had actually filled out a contest ballot and had done so only because was waiting in the line up as his wife gathered information on the area, when he was offered a ballot for some overnight stays and thought why not. He also mentioned that he had never won anything like this before. The Arenberg ticket had been picked out of 1426 ballots filled out at our booth during the Expo. Our lucky ticket winners has decided to divide up the certificates and make two trips to our island, one now and another during the Celtic Colours International Festival, which they are looking forward to. We would like to extend out congratulations to the Arenberg’s and hope that they have a wonderful time in the area.

View of Richmond

2011-08-26T17:33:00.001-03:00

Richmond will host the 1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest from September 16th to September 18th. Richmond County Economic Developers are hoping to see a good number of paddlelists come into the area for this event. There are events planned for all week-end starting on Friday, with the sign in at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn between 5 and 7pm followed by a Slide Show courtesy of Rising Tide Expeditions to get the week-end started. From 8pm to midnight the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn will host a Social with live entertainment by Krista MacKinnon and Jay Luddington.
On Saturday the events will begin at 8am at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall, with a welcoming address by a representative of the Municipality of Richmond followed by breakfast with a guest speaker from the Bras d’Or Lake Biosphere Association. The guest speaker will address the audience on the Bras d’Or Lake's designation as the newest UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the world and Canada’s 14th; just another accolade that Cape Bretoners’ can be proud off. At 9:30am, visitors will be able to watch participants of the event take part in the Paddlefest Parade which will travel through the historic St. Peter’s Canal to the Marina where a number of events are scheduled to take place starting at 10am. From 9:30 am until 12:30pm there will be sessions for Canoe Beginner, Kayak Beginner, Canoe Intermediate, and Kayak Intermediate with all kinds of interesting aspects to be learned followed by a social paddle on St. Peter’s Bay. The Paddlefest Expo will also take place at the Marina from 10am until 4pm. There will be a lunch break from 12:30pm until 2pm followed by the afternoon sessions which will continue through the afternoon and conclude with a Social Paddle of Arichat Harbour. From 6 to 7pm the Paddlefest Dinner will take place, with guest speaker Bill Danielson, author of Cape Breton Weather, at the Lions Hall. Followed at 9pm by a dance where visitors can dance the night away with music by My Dog Sam.
On Sunday Paddlefest sessions will continue starting at 9am and running to noon with the official closing of the Paddlefest. Participants in this event must pre-register by 4pm on September 9th.

Tourism In Richmond County

2011-08-24T07:40:00.001-03:00

The 8th Annual Point Michaud Surf Classic will take place from Friday, August 26th to Sunday, August 28th. Competition will take place in several divisions including long board, short board, finless surf board, surf board team relay, body surf team, skim board, body board, kite surf, wind surf, kayak surf and stand up paddle. This event has been growing each year since its start and this year the competition is taking on a whole new persona. Not only will there be fun at the beach but lots of great activities have been planned throughtout the community to make this the best year ever. On August 26th join in the Friday Night Luau which will include a Surf Expo and Art Show with live music by Heartwood Slacks and Black Tooth Grinn. And to add to the fun the crowd can take part in a number of contests such as Best Lei, Hula Hoop and Limbo, so just how low can you go will be decided at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn with events starting at 8pm and running to midnight. Admission is $5.00 per person. Saturday’s events include the Surf Classic Competition at Point Michaud. Enjoy more of the Surf Expo with live acoustic music, kids games and a BBQ. Admission fee is $25.00 for competitors and spectators are admitted free. Later there will be a Surf & Turf Pub Special with live music by the Den Scholars at the MacBouch Restaurant and Lounge from 5-8pm. The Surf Classic Dance with music by My Dog Sam will take place at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn from 9pm until 1am, admission is $10.00 per person. And the fun continues on Sunday at Point Michaud with a Fun Surfing Day. Sounds like a great weekend at the beach, so come out and take to the waves or take your lawn chair and watch the festivities. It should be great.

The Surf Classic is not the only event taking place this weekend. The River Bourgeois Festival will be taking place from August 27th to September 4th. This is one of the last festivals held in the County during the summer and it heralds the last hurrah before the kids head back to school. This year's event promises lots of fun filled activities for the entire family including one of the highlights for the younger folks being a Disney Tea Party where the party goers can have their picture taken with one of their favorite characters.

Until next week I hope you have fun taking in all the great activities in Richmond.

The Count Down is On to The Ultimate Picnic in St. Peter's

2011-08-20T14:08:00.004-03:00

Right Some Good-The Ultimate Picnic at the St. Peter's Canal is only 10 days away!
This Food Adventure which will be held on August 30th starting at 7pm and running until 10:30pm, is one that visitors to the area will not often get the opportunity to experience. Internationally renowned chef Javier Vargas Guimaray from Peru will lead the team that will prepare a seated 3 course feast. He will be a assisted by Sampsonville native, local chef Dillon Carter from the MacDonald Country Inn in St. Peter's, with apprentice Chef Tara Sdraulig of Holland College completing the three member team. Imagine your self seated along side the St. Peter's National Historic Site the St. Peter's Canal at sunset and being presented with this spectacular menu made up of local ingredients and prepared by the hands of one of the worlds top chefs. If you appreciate good food, this is a adventure custom made for those who enjoy the best life has to offer. So come join us in St. Peter's for an experience that is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Cape Breton. Tickets for this event are $65.00 plus HST and can be purchased online at www.rightsomegood.ca.

MENU for The Ultimate Picnic:

Pisco Sour
A local twist on a traditional Peruvian Pisco Sour, a unique version of a whiskey sour using Cape Breton’s own single-malt.

Fish Cebiche
Peru’s national dish is the perfect way to showcase delicious Mira Bay fish and local veggies.

Grilled CB Pork Loin with Fruit Chutney and Sweet Potato Puree

“Blueberry Sigh”- Lima Style!
Styled after popular local dessert Blueberry Grunt, but with elements of a Peruvian favourite.

Gardening at the Fortress Louisbourg Today

2011-08-20T07:21:00.004-03:00

Ever wonder about gardening in the 1700s? It was a lot different than today. Learn about the many uses of herbs including how to cure a toothache and soothe a skin irritation. Participants will gather herbs from the garden to dry and make an herbal remedy. Seminars will be held from 10am until noon, rain or shine. Admission is included with your entry fee to the Fortress. Pre-registration is required. Don't forget to bring your gardening gloves!

1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest Only Weeks Away!

2011-08-19T12:55:00.008-03:00

Richmond County is hosting a brand new shoulder season event, and it is one that the county hopes will cause a lot of interest this year and will continue to grow in the years to come. Below is a schedule of the events that will be taking place during the Paddlefest. Each participant must fill out the online registration form. Deadline to register for Cape Breton Paddlefest is Friday, September 9th at 4:00pm.
If you need any assistance while in the area, stop in at the St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre and we will be happy to assist you. Hope to see you in Richmond this September. For more information on the Paddlefest and to register online go to www.capebretonheritagecoast.com or contact: Charlene Marshall - Tourism Coordinator
Phone: 902.226.3983 or Email: cmarshall@richmondcounty.ca

The 1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest!
September 16-18, 2011

Cape Breton Paddlefest Program of Events
Friday, September 16:
5:00pm - 7:00pm -Sigh in for Paddlefest – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
7:00pm – 8:00pm -Slide Show – courtesy of Rising Tide Expeditions – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
8:00pm – midnight -Cape Breton Paddlefest Social – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
Live Musical Entertainment – Krista MacKinnon & Jay Luddington. (19yrs and over. Government IDs will be requested) – Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter’s
Saturday, September 17:
8:00am -Welcome from Municipality of Richmond
Breakfast; guest speaker from Bras d’Or Lakes Biosphere Reserve association - St. Peter’s Lions Hall
9:30am -Paddlefest Parade through the historic St. Peter’s Canal – Parks Canada's St. Peters Canal National Historic Site
10:00am – 12:30pm -Morning Paddlefest Sessions – St. Peter’s Marina (see session descriptions below)
10:00am – 4:00pm -Paddlefest Expo – St. Peter’s Marina
12:30 – 2:00pm -Lunch – St. Peter’s Lions Hall
2:00pm – 5:00pm -Afternoon Paddlefest Sessions – St. Peter’s Marina (see session descriptions below)
6:00pm – 7:00pm -Paddlefest Dinner with Guest Speaker – Bill Danielson, author of Cape Breton Weather ($10 per person) – St. Peter’s Lions Hall
9:00pm – 1:00am -Dance with live band My Dog Sam hosted by the St. Peter’s Lions Club $8 per person. (19yrs and over. Government IDs will be requested) – St. Peter’s Lions Hall
Sunday, September 18:
(Breakfast on your own)
9:00am – noon -Morning Paddlefest Sessions – St. Peter’s Marina (see session descriptions below)
12 noon -Wrap-up and good-byes

Sessions being held during the Paddlefest:

Saturday 9:30am – 12:30pm
-Canoe Beginner – Powerful Forward Paddling
-Kayak Beginner – Manoeuvring your Kayak in Style
-Canoe Intermediate – Make Your Canoe Dance
-Kayak Intermediate – Paddling on the Edge – Using your Body, Boat and Blade with Finesse
-On-land: Canoe and Kayak Camping – Packing Up and Getting Out
Social Paddle – St. Peter’s Bay

Saturday 2:00pm – 5:00pm
-Canoe and Kayak Beginner – Paddling with a Partner – Working in Tandem
-Canoe and Kayak Intermediate – What Happens When you Take a Swim – Introduction to Capsize and Rescues
-On-land – Buying a Canoe or Kayak – What to look for
-Social Paddle – Arichat Harbour

Sunday 9:00am – 12 noon
-Social Paddle – Lennox Passage
-Canoe and Kayak Intermediate – Paddling in Wind & Waves – It’s Gotta Happen Sometime
-Kayak Intermediate – Surf Kayaking – Point Michaud Beach
-On-land – Not Getting Lost – Learning to Navigate with Maps and Charts for Paddlers

Cape Breton Paddlefest will be held rain or shine! Please come prepared with appropriate foul-weather gear.

If you need to rent a Kayak or Canoe, here is some information you may need.

Kayak & Canoe Rentals
Limited kayak and canoe rentals are available; if you need to rent a boat for Cape Breton Paddlefest, we encourage you to reserve early and arrange your own pick-up and drop-off with one of the following companies:
Kayak Cape Breton
www.kayakcapebreton.com
Phone: (902)535-3060
Email: kayakcb@ns.sympatico.ca
Rising Tide Expeditions
www.risingtideexpeditions.ca
Phone: 902-884-2884 or 1-877-884-2884
Email: info@risingtideexpeditions.ca
North River Kayak
www.northriverkayak.com
Phone: (902)929-2628 Toll-Free: 1-888-865-2925
Email: info@northriverkayak.com

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-08-17T22:48:00.002-03:00

Here we are August 17th and the weather is not looking too bad for the next few days, or at least it is looking better than it has over most of the summer. If you are planning to travel into Richmond you will find lots of activities to fill you time with us. If your interests involve outdoor activities then you are in luck as there are lots of outdoor possibilities for you to consider. Take a day cruise on the newest Biosphere in Canada the Bras d’Or Lake with Cape Breton Sailing Charters out of St. Peter’s. They offer sailing tours for groups or you can charter the ship for a private outing with up to six passengers. Richmond also has an excellent Kayak operator, Kayak Cape Breton out of Roberta, where you can take lessons or rent a single or double kayak for ½ or whole days and enjoy the salt air as you take to the waves. There are also two diving operators where you can arrange a dive and explore some of the sunken ships off our coast. They are Marlin Dive Center on Janvrin’s Island and PADI Easy Dive at PADI Dive Center in St. Georges Channel.

Another great adventure visitors can experience is at Point Michaud where you can surf the ocean waves at the beautiful Point Michaud Beach. Instructor Michelle Richards and her staff will be on hand to offer surf lessons if you require instructions and wet suits and surf boards are available for rent. Surfers are gearing up for the Surf Classic which will be held the weekend of August 29th offering lots of great activities for the surfers and their guests. The Surf Classic Weekend will include live entertainment and dance, fun contests, great food experiences a Surf Expo and Art Show and demos plus the competition at Point Michaud Beach and just an all around good time. Point Michaud Beach is also a perfect spot for swimming or beach combing, bird watching or just laying back in the sun and reading a good book.

Richmond also offers great hiking trails for those who enjoy getting back to nature. And for those who enjoy golfing, the Dundee Resort and Golf Club is the place to be this summer. This beautiful golf course which over-looks the spectacular Bras d’Or Lakes offers an exceptional golf experience. It also offers twilight golf twice during the week as a weekly special on Tuesdays and Thursdays where you can your round of golf plus power cart for $35.00 plus tax, you will not see these rates offered on a course of this caliber anywhere else on Cape Breton. Dundee also offers lots of water based activities for the family such as rentals of peddle boats, kayaks and canoes and a zodiac, it also has a water trampoline which offers hours of enjoyment for the kids. Richmond also has two adventure tours on at Rock Loaf Farm a tour of a working sheep Farm on Isle Madame and a Lighthouse tour also on Isle Madame.

For those who enjoy our traditional music, we invite you to come on down and stay a while. Every night of the week visitors have the opportunity to enjoy and evening of entertainment. The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s offers free of charge the super talent of Krysta MacKinnon, who plays the fiddle, guitar and has one of the best singing voices you will fine on Cape Breton Island. Krysta entertains every evening from Sunday thru Wednesday from 8-11pm. On Thursday’s the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn offers a traditional family style Ceilidh from 7-9pm Admission $8.00 and an Adult Kitchen Racket from 9-11pm, admission charged. The Dundee Resort & Golf Club in Dundee offers free entertainment Sunday thru Thursday from 6 to 9pm with Jason Williams and from 8 to 11 pm with a guest entertainer on Friday and Saturday evening. There will also be a free outdoor event held as part of the Campfire Series at the Battery Provincial Park in St. Peter’s on Thursdays at 7pm on August 25th and September 1st. Until next week have fun exploring Richmond.

Come Out and Celebrate Canada's Fab Forts!

2011-08-17T15:05:00.004-03:00

This information has just arrived on my desk from the Fortress of Louisbourg.
Sounds like it could be very interesting.

Fab Forts Weekend at the Fortress of Louisbourg-
August 19th-21st.
Free for Veterans and Members of the Canadian Forces and their family!
In celebration of the 300th anniversary of the first stone fort in Canada, for Chambly, Parks Canada will be having a nationwide celebration of Canada's historic forts and all historic sites across the country.
On August 19th through to the 21st, many Parks Canada sites will be holding special events. A highlight of the weekend will be a coast to coast Parks Canada 100 gun salute, employing historic artillery, beginning at the Signal Hill, Newfoundland and ending at Fort Rodd Hill, British Columbia.
Schedule of Events for the Fortress of Louisbourg:
August 19th- 2:30pm. Drumming demonstration and announcement of the new drumming school 'Ecole des tambours'.
August 21st-1:30pm. Review of the colours and five artillery shots (as part of the coast to coast Parks Canada 100 gun salute.

Come out and celebrate Canada's Fab Forts!
For more information go to:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/celebrations/even/cfc-ffw.aspx or phone Laurel at 1-902-733-3552

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-08-10T13:24:00.001-03:00

Visitors from Sydney, Australia paid our fair village of St. Peter’s a call. The mother and daughter duo of Shona and Siobhan Papalia were in St. Peter’s to meet Rosemary and Mac MacIsaac and pay a visit to MacIsaac Kiltmakers. Although this was the first time that the Papalias and the MacIsaacs had met face to face, it was not the first time that the foursome had been in touch with each other. Rosemary MacIsaac, who is one of the best kiltmakers in Canada, has been making kilts for Siobhan since 2000 and corresponding with the Australian family over the internet. Siobhan, who started dancing when she was twelve years of age and has risen through the ranks as an award winning highland dancer in her own country, was invited to perform at the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo in Halifax this year. They decided to make a stop-over in Cape Breton and meet the MacIsaacs in person. The Halifax Tattoo was not Siobhan’s first experience with a performance of this caliber. She has performed numerous events in Australia as well as two other tattoos in Edinburg. Siobhan confided to me that the tattoo was not her only incentive for making her first trip to Canada. It was also her wish that she meet with Rosemary and together come up with a specially designed tartan for a new kilt she planned to order during her time here. This kilt will be worn by Siobhan at the Champion of Champions Competition which will be held in Hobart Tasmania in April of 2012. The competition, which is a major event for dancers, will have 400 competitors for the coveted recognition as the best in their division over all. The trip to Canada for the Australia duo was a mix of business and pleasure as they wanted to see as much of the attractions and scenery as possible before heading back home. Siobhan assured me that when she receives the brand new creation by Rosemary that she will send us a photo. Until next week, I hope you have the opportunity to take in some of the great music around Richmond.

Candlelight Tours and Children's Programming at the Highland Village.

2011-08-08T14:33:00.003-03:00

During August the Highland Village is offering an excellent opportunity for families to take a step back in time. They are offering Candlelight Tours as well as children's programming. The following information was sent out to our Visitor information Centre to pass along to interested parties travelling in Cape Breton this summer.

Highland Village Information.

Candlelight Tours and Children’s Programming at Highland Village this month.

This August, the Highland Village Museum in Iona is offering a number of special experiential programs including Candlelight Tours and children’s programs.

Join guides Jim St.Clair and Catherine Gillis for an intimate evening featuring a storytelling tour of the Highland Village with the beauty of a Cape Breton sunset. Cuairt nan Coinnlean/Candlelight Tours are offered on alternate Thursdays (August 11 and 25) beginning at 7 pm. Admission is $12 for adults, $28 for a family, and $5 for students. Prepaid reservations required.

The Highland Village also offers hands-on programs for children and youth where they can dress up in costume and get a real sense of what life was like for children in those days past. Làithean Sona/Happy Days Chidren’s Living History Program is for children from 8 to 12 years of age. The program features special hands-on activities including chores, crafts, games, language, and song. Costumes are provided. The program runs from 10 am to 4 pm every Wednesday. The cost is $30 per child. Prepaid reservations are required. For youth 13 to 17 years of age, the Highland Village offers Na Deugairean/ The Teenagers Living History Program for Youth which delves into the responsibilities and the lifestyles of young Gaels in days past. The program features special hands-on activities including chores, crafts, language and song. Costumes are provided. The program runs on alternate Thursdays (August 11 and 25) from 10 am to 4 pm. The cost is $30 per youth. Prepaid reservations are required.

On Friday mornings, the Highland Village features Spòrs/Fun Gaelic Games for Kids. Spòrs is a morning of interactive games that focus on language, song, dance and other aspects of Gaelic life. Gaelic games such as Tunnag, Tunnag Gèadh, “Duck Duck Goose” centre on basic Gaelic vocabulary and phrases which are incorporated into fun and engaging games for children. Spòrs is for children aged 5-10 and runs from 10 am to 12 pm every Friday morning. Admission is free.

For more information on these and other Highland Village programs contact us at (902) 725-2272 (Toll free 1-866-442-3542) or e-mail highlandvillage@gov.ns.ca. You can also check out our website at www.highlandvillage.ca; join us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

GIVIN'R CD- Fund Raiser for Richmond Academy Breakfast Program

2011-08-06T09:27:00.003-03:00

If you are looking for a gift to send to someone who is living away from Richmond and missing home, I have an item you may be interested in. GIVIN'R CD which was a Richmond Academy Project featuring students from the Academy is on sale for $10.00. It is a mix of songs and tunes, and the CD is a fund raiser for the Richmond Academy's Breakfast Program. If you are interested in purchasing a copy of the CD, stop in at the St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre.

Looking for Some Special Gift Ideas? Check Out La Boutique de La Picasse

2011-08-04T10:53:00.005-03:00

Looking for something Acadian to purchase as a gift to take back home from your travels. There are some beautiful items in this charming little gift boutique. You are sure to be able to find that special something to take back home for those on your gift list. Here are a few of the items found at La Picasse the French Cultural Centre’s Boutique.

La Boutique de La Picasse

Nous avons une variété d’items dans notre boutique; nous avons des nouvelles CD de Chiac, Irvin Blais, Laurie LeBlanc, Daniel Léger, Cayouche, Chet Brown, Daniel Goguen, Bluegrass Diamonds & Hank Middleton. Différents CD de Delores Boudreau, Marilyn David, Weldon Boudreau, Robert Bouchard, Décota McNamara etc…Des nouveaux items vitré (stain glass), une variété de peintures, livres, produits Madouesse, épinglettes, bijoux, tabliers etc... Ainsi qu’une grosse variété de produits acadiens comme des anges, aimants, étoiles, drapeaux, manicles, signe fêtons, plaques d’autos, t-shirts, chapeaux, manches à air, buoys etc. Des produits de l’Héritage de Ronald à Gonzague sont aussi disponibles. Venez ouère notre belle boutique!!!
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La Picasse Boutique
We have a variety of items in our boutique. New CDs from Chiac, Irvin Blais, Laurie LeBlanc, Daniel Léger, Cayouche, Chet Brown, Daniel Goguen, Bluegrass Diamonds & Hank Middleton. CDs from local artists like Delores Boudreau, Marilyn David, Weldon Boudreau, Robert Bouchard & Décota McNamara etc... New stain glass items, various paintings, jewellery, books, lighthouses, natural soaps & creams, pins, aprons etc... We also have a number of Acadian items such as licence plates, angels, t-shirts, windsocks, buoys, trivets, magnets, star catchers Baseball hats & different size flags. Come see their beautiful boutique & support local business.

Tourism in Richmond County

2011-08-03T16:07:00.002-03:00

July was an incredible month for recognition and accolades for Cape Breton Island. This is great news for Destination Cape Breton Association and the island's tourism industry. Not only did the Bras d'Or Lake receive recognition by the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a Biosphere Reserve, but Cape Breton has received top grades by Travel + Leisure magazine, which names Cape Breton #1 Island Destination in Continental US and Canada; #3 in the World! This is the third time the island has received this special award, beating out Vancouver Island and Nantucket this year for the coveted spot. That makes it even more meaningful, as it is not just a flash in the pan, because the island has been able to maintain the requirements necessary to qualify for this award. Mary Tulle, CEO of DCBA, travelled to Los Angeles to accept the award. On Friday DCBA, in partnership with the Municipality of Richmond, hosted a county-wide party to celebrate Cape Breton's Achievements. Representatives from the tourism and entertainment industries, the municipality, community groups, as well as proud Cape Breton residents and visitors turned out to celebrate at the United Church Hall in St. Peter's. It was definitely a Cape Breton party with entertainers generously donating their talent for the afternoon event. Artisans and local gift shops from around Richmond set up a display to showcase what visitors are able to fine during their visit to the area.Visitors came into the VIC after the party and expressed their pleasure for being included in the event and confirmed that the island definitely deserved the recognition.

Also last month, Ms. Tulle and tourism representatives of Destination Cape Breton Association, attended an open house at DCBA’s new information kiosk located on the Halifax Waterfront. The open house offered guests a glimpse at the experiences that await them on the island, where every turn in the road leads to a new adventure. This is another first for Cape Breton as it is the first regional destination in Nova Scotia to have a presence on the Halifax Waterfront. DCBA, in partnership with Ambassatours, now has an information outlet which will give staff the capability of reaching thousands of visitors at the Halifax waterfront. It has been estimated as many as 58% of tourists to Nova Scotia go through the Halifax waterfront area. Members from DCBA were on hand to speak with members of the industry as well about their 2011 plans for attracting visitors to the island with the introduction of the Cape Breton themed motor coach fleets. The motor coaches will travel in Canada and along the entire Eastern seaboard showcasing Cape Breton on beautifully designed murals which are sure to draw lots of positive attention.

Bingo at the Savoy Theatre

2011-08-02T07:17:00.003-03:00

Mulgrave Road Theatre presents: BINGO! by Daniel MacIvor. Starring Heather Rankin, with Emmy Alcorn, Marty Burt, John Beale and Ryan Rogerson. This 2 Day engagement plays August 2nd and 3rd. Showtime is 8:00 PM with ticket price of $28.50. Tickets available through the Savoy Theatre Box Office during regular business hours.

Nurk, Dookie, Heff, Boots and Bitsy gather in a motel room the night before their 30th High School Reunion. Hilarity and hijinks ensue, tears and beers flow, and is that love in the air or just the familiar scent of the harbour? 'Bingo!' asks the question 'They say you can't go home again but what if you never left?' A Cape Breton comedy and then some.

Daniel MacIvor was born and raised in Sydney. His first play 'Blue Bells' was presented at the UCCB drama festival in 1982. He wrote 'Bingo!' for Mulgrave Road Theatre while he was Playwright in Residence at the Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta. He is currently a Playwright in Residence at Tarragon Theatre in Toronto. He lives in both Toronto and Nova Scotia.