Chapel Island Mission

Bridgette and Bella Googoo attended the Chapel Island Mission


There has been an annual mission on Chapel Island since 1742, making it the longest continuous mission in Canada. Father Maillard said the first mass on the island on a boulder in 1742. In the early 1750s he was able to build a chapel on the island. Everyone is welcome to attend and observe this important occasion. This year marks the 400th year of Grand Chief Membertou’s baptism, with special guest his Eminence Cardinal Quellet, special Envoy of His Holiness Pope Benedict
XVI, attending the ceremony.

The chiefs of Unama'ki are proud to host an event for the entire family on Saturday during the Chapel Island Mission. Like the Christmas Socials held each year in Membertou, the Chiefs feel this is a perfect opportunity to offer a similar type of event for the children.
This event is free for everyone! There will be bounce-o-ramas, rock climbing, a mechanical bull, a giant maze for the little ones. a dunk tank, pony rides, a horseshoe tournament, live bands and DJs! There will be prizes for kids of all ages-door prizes for everyone!! Kids can enjoy free lobster, a free BBQ and lots of popcorn, slushies and cotton candy!
The day would not be complete without a great finale-at 9:30pm there will be fireworks to be enjoyed by all. Fire works can be viewed from the main island and camp ground.

There will be a Saturday night Mass at 7pm, which will include the renewal of baptismal vows followed by a candle light procession around the exterior of the Church, during the procession of light around the church, the servers will lead, followed by a singing choir. Up on completion of the candle light procession the congregation will reenter the church for the completion of the Mass.
August 1st. The Mission continues with Baptism and Resurrection, at 10am, the Celebration of the Sacrament of Baptism will take place. At 2pm, the Mass-the Celebration of the Eucharist and presided over by His Eminence Marc Cardinal Quellet, Special Envoy of His Holiness PopeBenedict XVI. The service will be co-celebrated by Bishop Brian Dunn, Bishop of Antigonish Diocese and Bishops and Priests of Atlantic Canada. This will be followed by the Feast Procession of St. Anne followed by Veneration of Relics, a supper for the Grand Council, Visiting Priests, Bishops and Cardinal Quellett. After Mass there will be a Social Gathering which will include events such as Elder's Story telling, Book Launching: Honoring 400 Years by Jaime Battisite, Drumming, Dancing, and Bingo. At 7pm Grand Council Meeting will take place.

Monday August 2nd at 10am he closing Mass for the Mission will take place.

St. Peter’s Regatta Week 2010

Just passing on this information from the organizers...

Friday, July 30
Warm up race
Skippers’ meeting at Lions Marina: 1300 hrs
Race start: 1400 hrs
This race will be held on a triangular buoyed course within view of the lake end of the canal.
Saturday, July 31
MacDonnell Cup Race Sponsored by the MacDonnell Pharmacy
Skipper’s meeting: Lions Marina 1000 hours
Race start: 1200 hrs
This race starts and finishes between the committee boat and buoy Q49,at Carter’s Cove on the St. Peter’s Inlet. The course of approximately 15 nautical miles proceeds onto Bras d’Or Lake and rounds the Kelly Shoal buoy (Q 35) to starboard then returns to the start/finish line. All are invited to the awards presentation and a barbecue hosted by the MacDonnell Pharmacy, at the Lions Marina, shortly after the race ends.
Sunday August 1
MacAskill Cup Race Sponsored by Joneljim Construction
Skipper’s meeting: Lions Marina 1000 hours
Race start: 1200 hrs
This race will use the same course as Saturday’s race.After the race, join us for the awards presentations and our annual,and always eagerly anticipated, chowder supper.

VIEW OF RICHMOND

The summer has been full of activities for visitors to enjoy and one event that always captures the interest of our visitors is The Nicolas Denys Days in St. Peter’s from August 2 to 8th. This is the festival held every year in honor of St. Peter’s founding father, French Trader Nicolas Denys.
This year’s events include a sheep-shearing demonstration, a Poker Walk with entertainment and a BBQ, the Ultimate Merchandise Bingo with a 2010 Aveo as the Jackpot prize to be won in 50 numbers or less, which will be a major fund raising event for the Wallace MacAskill Museum.
On August 3rd the popular kid's event the Teddy Bears Picnic will take place, the 5th Annual War Canoe Race, and Children's Tug of War and a Karaoke and wings night.
August 4th, there will be a Youth Ball Hockey Tournament for ages 8 to 16, the Nicolas Denys Museum Open House and the MacAskill Museum Auction, Parks Are for People guided walk and the Cape Breton Heritage Coast Ceilidh.
August 5th there will be a day full of fun for all ages, including kids day with lots of activities planned, friends of Leona Chowder dinner, pre-teen, and teen dances, the CBHC Ceilidh at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn and the Battery Park Campfire series.
Thursday will be another fun filled day of events including a Mock Jail, the Danny MacDonald Memorial Tournament, and a Film Screening of 4 short films: the Copain Trilogy and Conscript by Jacob Owens. By popular demand the Deep Fried Turkey and Home Fries is back, Battery Park Nature Chat and live entertainment and wing night at MacBouch.
Saturday events include an Artisan Craft Market, Chalk on the Sidewalk, Oldies Drive Inn (Antique Cars and Muscle automobiles) at Battery Park, Charlie A’Court at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn and the Lions Hall Festival Dance.
August 8th events include 5km run, Parish Potluck, Festival Parade and the Cape Breton Heritage Coast Kitchen Racket, the Concert By the Sea at the band stand and Mitch MacDonald at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn.
What an incredible line up of events, definitely mark these dates on your calendar for an enjoyable week of events.
For all those who would like to check out our new blog with a spotlight on tourism and daily list of upcoming events go to tourismspotlight.blogspot.com.

Music at THE BARN 26th Anniversary

JULY 28, 2010 AT THE BARN

Three Fiddler Concert and Ceilidh
Kinnon, Andrea & Betty Lou Beaton featuring tunes from his new CD “Tunesmith” with Chrissy Crowley(fiddler).
Starts at 8 PM
Admission$8.00 at the door. $4.00 for students
RESERVED $10.00 $15.00 OR $20.00
Ask about our $20 Family Pass

ON THE GROUNDS OF THE NORMAWAY INN 691 EGYPT ROAD, MARGAREE VALLEY
DINNER SERVED IN THE MAIN LODGE 5:30 PM TO 9PM
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS 1-800-565-9463.
Room Specials
Inn Room $79, Cabins from $99

2 miles off the Cabot Trail. Follow the signs to the Normaway. From the north, 7 miles from Margaree Forks, turn left on the Egypt Road. From Route 105 (Trans Canada), turn off at Exit 7 (at the Red Barn at Nyanza). Travel north 17 miles (28km) to the Egypt Road.

TOURISM IN RICHMOND COUNTY

Visitors to Richmond will find lots of outdoor activities to keep them hopping this summer. New this season is The Misty Cat, a Nonsuch–class sailboat that is safe, comfortable and well equipped for an enjoyable day on the water. It will be operating out of St. Peter’s. The tour will begin at the St. Peter’s Canal at 10:30am and you return at 4pm. The day may include sightseeing in St. Peter’s Inlet, a trip through the St. Peter’s tidal lock into Lennox Passage or a day of just casual sailing around the lake, stopping for a swim. The choice is yours. This day sailing cruise offers novice or experienced sailors an opportunity to take the helm of the innovative wishbone rig or let the captain do all the work and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Cost of the day is $600.00 for the boat, captain and the days sail for you and your party of up to 5 passengers. A delightful lunch including dessert and cool drinks can be added for $25.00 per person or feel free to bring your own lunch HST is extra to these prices. Reservations should be made at least a few days in advance, or check for short notice bookings and availability. There are also sailing packages available where you can include an overnight stay and dining experience at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn along with the day sailing charter. The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn also offers guests the opportunity to kayak, bike and canoe as part of their service. To register or to obtain more information call 1-902-535-2200 or toll free at 1-800-818-5885.

Travelers to the area who enjoy kayaking are in luck, Kayak Cape Breton is only 15 minutes outside of St. Peters in the community of Roberta. Kayak Cape Breton offers rentals on single and double Kayaks for ½ day , full day or by the week. Visitors can also take kayak instruction from an instructor with over 25 years of experience and then set out for fun on the lake.
Some of our accommodations also offer opportunities to canoe as part of their service such as Grand River Bed and Breakfast and Cabins and Vollmers Island Paradise on Isle Madame. Those who enjoy golfing will love the Dundee Resort and Golf Club which has been offering great opportunities for some super green fees and cart packages such as the twilight Tuesdays where you can have a round of golf plus a cart for $40.00 including tax. One Super Deal!
Surfers coming to Richmond will want to make a visit to Richmond’s hidden treasure Point Michaud Beach, where Michelle Richards Richmond’s Recreation Department’s Surf instructor gives lessons 7 days a week. Point Michaud also has a lifeguard on site this year. Point Michaud is not only an excellent surf location but it is one of the best beaches for beachcombing, bird watching, sun bathing, not to mention swimming, and the perfect location for kids playing in the sand. It is definitely a must stop destination for the beach goers. Richmond also has two diving operators in the county. PADI Dive Center Easy Dive is located in St. Georges Channel and the second operator who offers diving is Vollmer Island Paradise on Janvrins Island.
On July 17th, Velo Cape Breton hosted the Cross the Highlands Challenge in which 74 cyclists competed in the St. Peter's edition of the challenge and completed a 25km through Oban and a 60 km trek over Pringle and Camerons Mountains and back to town. Following the Challenge cyclists gathered at the Fire Hall in St. Peters and enjoyed lots of stories of the days adventures and music provided by Kayla Bona of the Cape Breton Heritage Coast and a BBQ provided by Velo. From all the cyclists who took, part it was a tremious experience and one that cyclists will be looking forward to next year. Richmond has some great cycling areas.

For those looking for activities in the great out doors, with lots of fresh air and scenic beauty, look no further. Come to Richmond. And for the latest tourism information, visit my blog at tourismspotlight.blogspot.com.

An Evening of Celtic Music

The Cape Breton Gaelic Society presents an evening of Celtic Music. This event starts at 8pm and will take place at St. George’s Church, built in 1785, at 119 Charlotte Street, Sydney.
Cape Breton style fiddling and step dancing, Gaelic singing, highland piping and dancing and more. Stewart MacNeil on Piano & vocals, Chris McDonald Guitar& vocals, Jayne Olson Celtic flute, Brain DeGaust guitar & vocals, Kenny Greene Guitar, Morag Burke Gaelic singer, Jana Gillis Piper, Susan MacEachern piano, Courtney MacPherson Piper, My Three Sons (Colin MacNeil guitar, James MacNeil fiddle, Michael MacNeil piano) and step dancers and Highland dancers and more.
Tickets $10.00 available at the door, doors open at 7pm. All proceeds to Gaelic Language courses & scholarships.

Cape Breton’s Kayak Elite

Richmond County has long been known in tourism for its Kayak operator Eberhard Witt of Kayak Cape Breton. Eberhard, with over 25 years of experience, is an avid sportsmen and the pioneer of the kayak industry here in Cape Breton. He offers short tours and lessons in the art of kayaking to those just learning. Kayak Cape Breton also offers kayak rentals of single and double kayaks for periods from ½ day rentals to full day and upto weeklong rentals. The operation also offers two cedar log cottages and a cozy boathouse apartment all located on the magnificent Bras d’Or Lakes featuring a beautiful view, beach area in a peaceful setting, great for one person or the who family.
Kayak Cape Breton is located in Roberta on the southern tip of the Bras d’Or Lake Scenic Drive, 20 km from historic village of St. Peter’s and just about a 20 minute drive from the Dundee Resort and Golf Club.

Another excellent kayak operation located in Cape Breton is North River Kayak Tours. Kayak operator Angelo Spinazzola started kayaking in St. Ann’s Bay in his teens and cultivated his skills paddling throughout Central and North America. North River Kayak Tours was established in 1995, and they offer a variety of kayak tours from Half day guided tour to full day guided tour to 3day getaways as well as tours that offer a tour with a difference such as Roughing it & Romance to Roughing it and Romance, 2-Day Kayak & Hike to a 5 Day Highland Getaway. North River Kayak also offers Paddle Canada Training Level 1 & 2.
Besides tours Spinazzola also offers kayak rentals for single and double kayaks.
They are located in North River on the world famous Cabot Trail.
Besides being a tourism operator Spinazzola is also a professional musician whos latest recording “Release” was nominated for the 2007 East Coast Music Awards for Roots/Traditional Solo recording of the year.

Rising Tide Expeditions operates out of Gabarus. Rising Tide Expeditions offers a Sea Kayak School where students can obtain Sea State 0-Introduction to Sea Kayaking, Sea State 1- Safety and Sea Kayaking, Sea State 2 – Sea Kayak Touring. They also offer clinics in kayak rolling, Rescue Practice, Navigation. Rising Tides offer ½ and whole day Gabarus Bay tour, 2 day trips enjoy a overnight paddle trip from-Gabarus-Louisbourg, Main a Dieu, Isle Madame or the Bras d’Or Lakes. You can also take 3day from Scatarie Island, or 5 day tours of Scatarie Island Outpost or The Cape Breton Highlands, 3 day and 5 day tours of our Acadian shores and 3 and 5 days of our West Bras d’Or Lakes. This year as well, Rising Tide Expeditions is offering a very exciting new tour which combines kayaking and yoga, talk about capturing a new market, sounds incredible.
More accolades keep coming in for Cape Breton this time Rising Tide Expeditions of Gabarus received attention in the Canadian Geographic Travel Club May 2010 issue which featured Coasting by Kayak - Fort Ahoy! Congratulations !!!

Two of the Festivals Taking Place on Cape Breton

Seaside Daze Festival will take place at 112 Kings Road, Dominion on July 25th.
ANNUAL QUILTING DISPLAY at the Church of the Good Shepherd Hall on lower Mitchell Avenue will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. This year’s theme will be “Easter Bonnets”. Everyone welcome, admission is $1.00. Door prizes will be awarded.
From 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. “UNDER THE BIG TOP” at the Hawks Field. Bingo starts at noon. Children’s entertainers “Razzmatazz” will be featured from 1 pm to 3 pm. Other fun activities include children’s games, crown and anchor, bounce tents, and much more! Canteen and barbeque services will be provided.
FIRE PREVENTION DAY at the Dominion Fire Hall will take place from 12pm to 4pm. Come out for a fun day of games and activities and learn all about fire prevention. This event is sure to be fun for the entire family.
SEASIDE DAZE & SANDBAR NIGHTS at the Sandbar will take place from 4pm-2am. Come out for our Sunday afternoon matinee, featuring “Dinky Cameron”, from 4pm to 8pm. Evening entertainment will continue featuring “DJ Gary B” from 10pm-2am. Kitchen services will be available from 3pm-1am.
NBA 2-BALL CHALLENGE at the Marcia Fiolek Memorial Playground at 6pm. Participants must be ages 17 and under. Prizes will be awarded. For more information, or to register, visit the Seaside Daze Headquarters located at Macdonald Elementary School or phone 842-2973.
6pm–10pm – “CEILIDH BY THE SEA” under the Big Top at the Hawks Field. Beer garden sponsored by Labatt Breweries, CBRM Recreation Department and Dominion Community Men’s Hawks Club. Enjoy the great sounds of “The Privateers” (19 years of age and over).
KITCHEN PARTY & JAM SESSION at the Shamrock Club will take place from 9pm to 1am. Come out and enjoy the great sounds of “Blair Brown & Friends”. All instruments or musical talents are encouraged. Drink specials include Coors or Molson Buckets for $13.00.
9pm–1am – ENTERTAINMENT at the Dominion Fire Hall. Head to the fire hall after the “Ceilidh by the Sea” and keep the party going with music by DJ “Joe MacNeil”.

Big Pond Festival:
The Big Pond Festival will take place at the Big Pond Community Firehall tomorrow.
There will be a Breakfast from 9:30am to 11am. Price $6.00.
The Rita MacNeil Concert will take place at the Big Pond Community Centre starting at 8pm, tickets are $35.00 or you can purchase a ticket package for dinner plus Rita’s Concert for $60.00 plus tax. For information on the Dinner/Concert package go to www.RITAMACNEIL.com

Tourism in Richmond County

Visitors to the Cape Breton Heritage Coast looking for entertainment of the Celtic variety are in luck this summer. Richmond’s tourism operators and municipal government and local tourism association have worked very hard to provide a program that will offer visitors live entertainment on a nightly basis throughout the summer.
Charlene Marshall, Partnership Coordinator for Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative, has been busy arranging events that will we hope will meet and surpass the visitors expectations while in Richmond. The Cape Breton Heritage Coast Music Program have hired two very talented young entertainers that will travel throughout the county entertaining visitors at venues such as local marinas, restaurants and museums, local events and festivals and at the VICs.
A weekly Monday Night Square Dance has been organized for locals and visitors alike which will take place at 6:30pm at the United Church Hall, this is a excellent venue for visitors to interact with locals in a community setting.
The Municipality of Richmond’s Tourism, Culture and Recreation Department has organized the Concerts by the Sea series, which offers great local talent at two locations in Richmond. These free outdoor concerts held on Thursday evening rotate weekly between the St. Peter’s bandstand and the LeNoir Landing in Arichat and run between 6 and 7:30pm.
The tourism operators are also doing their part in organizing events that will enhance the visitor's experience while in Richmond. The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s has begun their very popular Wednesday and Thursday Night Ceilidhs which run from 7-9pm and have added a new summer event on Sunday afternoon, the Kitchen Racket. First introduced during last season's Celtic Colours festival, Kitchen Racket was very well received and offered an excellent variety of entertainers. Running on Sunday afternoons from 2-5pm and again offering a great variety of talent. All three of these events definitely live up to the term musical gathering as guests are invited to bring along their instruments and join in the fun. The Inn also has a great list of entertainers scheduled to perform at special events during the summer.
Another tourism operator that is definitely doing their share to round out the entertainment opportunities for visitors by hosting great entertainment nightly is the Dundee Resort and Golf Club. This summer the very talented Jason Williams has been doing a great job of providing the visitors with top-notch entertainment as he takes to their stage at MacRae’s Dining Room and Chanters Pub.
Seal Cove Tavern in Louisdale and The MacBouch Beverage Room and Lounge are scheduled to have an excellent variety of talents performing at their venues during the summer. Just this past week a boat traveling through the canal had members of the Chieftains and other musicians aboard and they stopped in at the VIC to get information on the area and during the conversation it came about that they had taken in the Friday session at MacBouch and that they found the fiddlers very good.
The Lions Hall in St. Peter’s is drawing visitors as well as local attention with the August 14th concert featuring JP Cormier and the Elliot Brothers. With these top rated entertainers performing, it is bound to be a super evening of music, you will definitely want to get your tickets early. Advance tickets can be purchased for $15.00 from Verna Mann or at the door, for $20.00.
Another hot venue for visitors will be the L’Ardoise Festival Acadien. Part of this years roster, the Jimmy Flynn Show will take place on July 30th from 9-11:30pm, and anyone who has taken in one of Flynn's shows knows they are in for quite a show. Mary’s Islanders an upbeat and lively dance troop will be performing on August 1st at the festival. These venues along with the many community festivals held around the county will offer visitors a wide selection of entertainment.
As well as musical venues, the Campfire series is back at St. Peter’s Battery Provincial Park and everyone is invited to come Thursday at 7pm to enjoy a number of interesting presentations.
Parks has also hired some young ladies again this summer to give historic walking tours of the St. Peter's Canal and of the Nicolas Denys Museum, these take place at 10:30am and 2pm. These tour guides give a great history of the area and the tour is free.
Another form of entertainment this summer is the boating package offered by the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn where you can have a nights accommodation, plus a day cruise on the spectacular Bras d'Or Lakes or out towards scenic Isle Madame. On Board the Misty Cat guests will enjoy a turn at the helm, a gourmet lunch, a swim, fishing or just relaxing and basking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. For more details on this package go to www.brasdorlakesinn.com
Richmond can definitely be proud of the direction the tourism players are going in meeting visitor's expectations and enhancing their experiences while traveling in Richmond.

Cape Breton Honeymoon Destination of Choice

Marie Claude and Michel a young couple from Quebec stopped in at the VIC yesterday on their way to Louisbourg.
The rain that we were experiencing did not damping their spirits, as they told me they were married on July 17th, and they were on their honeymoon. They picked Cape Breton Island as the site they wanted to visit on their honeymoon. While in Cape Breton they were planning on visiting Fortress Louisbourg and then doing the Cabot Trail. Glad you chose us as you honeymoon destination.

Swiss Visitor

Florian displays flag

A family came into the VIC on Wednesday from Switzerland to get information on the Canal. While there their little boy took his mom over to the display of flags and picked out a Canadian flag. And with a hugh smile on his face he brought the flag over to the counter and stood there.
The little boys' mom told me he wanted the Canadian Flag to take home to Switzerland. When he arrives home Switzerland will be celebrating their national holiday, similar to Canada Day, and he wants to put the Canadian Flag up next to the family`s Switzerland flag.
I asked if he was enjoying his vacation here in Cape Breton and he shook his head yes. I asked him his name and he told me it was Florian. I asked if I could take his picture holding his flag, to put on my blog and his smile got larger. His mom said they would check the blog when she got back to Switzerland.

St. Peter's VIC has good start to the week.

Monday was very busy at the St. Peter's VIC. We are seeing a daily increase in visitors from around the world. Richmond's roving entertainer Kayla Bona stopped in at the VIC to entertain visitors waiting to obtain information on the Richmond area. A family from Northern Canada desided to come to Cape Breton to treat the kids to the sights.They were gathering information on the Fortress of Louisbourg and the Cabot Trail. While at the Centre they took a few minutes out to listen to a couple of fiddle tunes from Kayla and have their photo taken with the young entertainer. Kayla also played a lively number for a couple of out of province visitors who joined in with a dosey-doe and two step, out on our deck, great sports for sure. On Tuesday the day got of to a fast pace as 57 members of the Bourgeois Bus Tour from Quebec stopped in at the Center to get information on the sights in the local area and pick up information on Halifax, before heading on to Peggys Cove. The Nicolas Denys Day Festival brochures has arrived at the VIC, anyone wanting to obtain one can stop in at the Centre. We are also registering teams for the Ball tournment, War Canoes and Geo-cashing events, so give me a call to register your team at 535-2185.

Still more pictures from Velo Challenge

Cross the Highland Challenge take to the streets of St. Peter's

Group head for the first leg of the Challenge

Velo organizers stop in at the St. Peter's VIC after successful event

More pictures from Velo event

Cheticamp cyclist group came in for the event

Halifax and St. Peter's participants

Antigonish foursome take part in challenge

Velo's Challenge a Success for St. Peter's

Participants Cheryl Chandler and friend Anne were excited to take part in this event.
Cross the Highland Challenge group gather for final briefing before starting out.
Jacques Cote and Clifford Boudreau address the Velo challengers

Saturday July 17th, Velo's Cross the Highlands Challenge took St. Peter's by storm. 74 cyclists travelled from all over Nova Scotia to take the St. Peter's edition of the Challenge, coming from Halifax, Cheticamp, Antigonish, Port Hawkesbury and St. Peter's. The Challenge which was dividied into two routes, the shorter 25km route which took cyclists around Oban and back into town, and the longer 60km route over more challenging territory over Pringle Mountain then on to Cameron Mountain and back into the Villiage for the more experienced riders.

During conversations with the cyclists before the event, cyclists expressed excitement about the challenge. For some it was the first time they had attempted to take part in such a event of this size, and with cyclists with different degrees of experience. Others who had taken on this type of event before, shared that they were looking forward to a day of new terrain to test their ability. The comaradery was plain to see as cyclists mingled and chatted with each other before the event.

Excitement started to rise when everyone was called up to the starting line to receive the final briefing by Velo director Jacques Cote and welcoming words from The Municipality of Richmond Tourism, Culture and Recreation Director Clifford Boudreau then it was off on the Challenge. It was definitely an impressive sight to see as 74 members strong set out from the St. Peter's Fire Hall on their mountain bikes and proceeded on Toulouse Street to Grenville Street and paraded through the village westard to the Rankin residence where the group divided into two and set off on their Challenge.

Cyclists started arriving back at the Fire Hall around 2pm with the last cyclists coming in from the 60km trek around 5pm. Upon arrival at the Fire Hall they shared stories about the days adventure and heard some great fiddle tunes from The Cape Breton Heritage Coast's roving musician Kayla Bona. A BBQ was held for the cyclists and around 7pm the group dispersed. Challenge coordinators Richard McIntosh, of the St. Peter's chapter of Velo, and Jacques Cote of Velo Cape Breton were very pleased with the event saying everyone did great and completed their respective treks with no mishaps. Everyone is looking forward to next years event.

Congratulations to all those involved in the organizing of this super challenge, the weather was great, with an excellent turn out, and the event surpassed the expectations off all who took part.

Video of Velo Event in St. Peter`s

St. Peter's Takes the Across the Highlands Challenge

Tomorrow morning at 9:30am mountain bikers will begin the Across The Highlands Challenge. 75 spirited mountain bikers of all ages will take to the streets and trails of St. Peter's and surounding area starting at the St. Peter's Firehall. The participants will divide into two groups, one group will begin a 60km route that will go over Pringles mountain and back across Camerons mountain, the second group will begin a 30km ride through the Oban area.

Grenville Street will see alot of activity and hopefully a lot of well wishers cheering on the group of 75 riders as they set out together, continuing westward to Clair Rankin's residence. There the two divisions will take to the prepared routes for the across the highland challenge. The riders are expected to start returning at approximately 1:30-2pm. A BBQ is scheduled to take place at 4pm, where participants can share their experiences about the ride and celebrate at the end of an exhilirating challenge.
The tour will finish by riding the St. Peter's trail and drop their bikes off at the firehall.
The Across the Highlands Challenge is organized by Velo Cape Breton:If you would like more information on Velo Cape Breton go to www.velocapebreton.com

CANCELLED - The Nowhere Men

The Nowhere Men at the Seal Cove Tavern in Louisdale is cancelled.

VIEW OF RICHMOND

Visitors to the Cape Breton Heritage Coast who are looking for entertainment of the Celtic variety are in luck this summer. Richmond’s tourism operators and municipal government have worked very hard to offer visitors live entertainment on a nightly basis throughout the summer.
Charlene Marshall, partnership coordinator for Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative, has been busy arranging events that will fill out the visitors schedule while in Richmond. The Cape Breton Heritage Coast Music Program have entertainers hired to travel the county entertaining visitors at venues such as local marinas, restaurants and museums, local events and festivals and at the VICs. A weekly Monday Night Square dance takes place at 6:30pm at the United Church Hall, a great venue for visitors and locals alike. The Municipality of Richmond’s Recreation Department has organized the Concerts by the Sea series, offering free outdoor concerts rotating between Arichat and St. Peters on Thursday evening from 6 to 7pm.
The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn has began their very popular Wednesday and Thursday Night Ceilidhs which run from 7-9pm and a Sunday afternoon Kitchen Racket from 2-5pm. These events live up to the term musical gathering as guests are invited to bring along their instruments and join in the fun.
The Dundee Resort in Dundee rounds out the entertainment opportunities for visitors by hosting great entertainment nightly. Jason Williams takes to their stage at MacRae’s Dining Room and Chanters Pub.
St. Peter’s MacBouch Beverage Room and Lounge also offer an excellent variety of talent performing at their venue. The Lions Hall in St. Peter’s is drawing visitors as well as local attention with the August 14th concert featuring JP Cormier and the Elloit Brothers. Advance tickets can be purchased for $15.00 from Verna Mann or at the door, for $20.00.
Another hot venue for visitors will be the L’Ardoise Festival Acadien in L’Ardoise. As part of this years roster, the Jimmy Flynn Show will take place on July 30th from 9-11:30pm, and Mary’s Islanders an upbeat and lively dance troop will be performing on August 1st. These venues along with the many community festivals held around the county will offer visitors a wide selection of entertainment.
As well as musical venues, the Campfire series is back at St. Peter’s Battery Provincial Park and everyone is invited to come Thursday at 7pm to enjoy a number of interesting presentations.

TOURISM IN RICHMOND COUNTY

The tourism season is definitely under way with every day seeing an increase in the number of visitors passing through St. Peter’s. Canada Day celebrations drew the attention of many visitors who decided to stay and take part in the festivities. Five members of the Brown family, including 12month old Oscar, traveling from Australia doing a sightseeing tour of Canada and making their way from the east coast to BC, were among those who stopped and decided to celebrate with the locals at Battery Park. They had a great time listening to the music and watching the dancers, as Oscar enjoyed romping on the grass and watching the children running around under the watchful eyes of Grandma, Mom and his aunts. The Biehles, a couple from Switzerland stayed in the village for Canada Day and enjoyed talking to some of the residents at the fireworks display who conveyed to them the history of the village and the railway in St. Peter’s and showed where the old railway bed, which is now a walking trail along the Bay, was located. Later the couple enjoyed a stroll along the trail where the old engines would have carried freight long ago. They said they had a wonderful experience.
A group from the USA, who were traveling in Richmond on July 6th, shared an experience with me at the VIC. They were traveling around Isle Madame and checking out all the beautiful scenery, when they came across a local gentleman with a strong Scottish accent fishing off one of the bridges. They stopped to talk to him and asked what type of fish he was catching. The gentlemen informed them he was catching mackerel so the local asked if they like fish and of course they said yes, so the man proceeded to fillet the mackerel and gave it to the visitors to take back and cook. Then along came another man who was friends of the first local and asked if they would like to try their luck at fishing and with the help of a borrowed rod the visitor said that every time he cast out the line within a minute he would have a bite. He ended up catching 15 fish and told me he had the filleted mackerel for breakfast. He was just so overjoyed at the generosity of the locals to take the time to let them watch and take part. Definitely an experience he will remember and share with family and friends in America.
Events happening on the Cape Breton Heritage Coast throughout the summer:
The historic walking tours of the St. Peter’s Canal and Nicholas Denys museum take place everyday at 10:30am and 2pm from the Denys St. Look-off. This is a great way to hear about our history.
For all those golfers great news from the Dundee Resort and Golf Club, Twilight Tuesdays you can have your round of golf and cart for $40.00 including taxes and thirty Thursday play a round of golf and cart for $30.00 including taxes.
The Dundee Resort has entertainment scheduled for every night this summer. Sunday through Thursday Jason Williams will entertain at the MacRae’s Dining Room starting at 6pm and Friday and Saturday evenings the entertainment continues at Chanter’s Pub.
The wait is over the very popular weekly Ceilidhs at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn have begun. This year the Ceilidhs on Wednesday and Thursday nights will be open to all ages and run from 7-9pm. Admission for adults is $8.00, senior and youth $5.00 and children under 5 free.
The Festival on the Lake in Sampsonville is underway and will run until July 18th, with lots of fun filled events scheduled, stop in at the St. Peter’s VIC for a full list of events.
Every Monday there will be an old time square dance held at the St. Peter’s United Church Hall. Dance starts at 6:30pm, for more information on any of these events stop in at the St. Peter’s Visitors Information Center at 10259 Hwy 4, across from the Natural Resources Office.
The Kitchen Rackets will be taking place throughout the summer on Sundays from 2-5pm at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, in St. Peter’s.
For the fiddle lovers traveling through our area, Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative’s Cape Breton Heritage Coast Music Program entertainer Kala Bona will be at the St. Peter’s VIC on July 10th from 1:30-5pm, July 17th from 1:30-5pm, July 19th from 1:30-5pm, July 24th from 2-5pm, July 26th from 1:30-5pm, and July 31st from 9am-12pm. Janelle Boudreau will perform at the Lennox Passage Kiosk on July 9th, July 16th, July23rd, August 6th, August 13th and August 27th, from 9am-12pm each day. Stop in at the St. Peter’s VIC or at the Kiosk and hear some great music.
If you would like to check out the hot spots around Cape Breton Island and see what has been happening in the tourism world go to my new blog tourismspotlight.blogspot.com.
Until next week have fun.

2 Dining Experiences

Here is a dining special visitors must hear about! The ALL ABOARD RESTAURANT in Cheticamp has a super special on its menu for the month of July. Its menu offers seafood, steak, ribs, pasta and homemade desserts. But for the Month of July it features fresh lobster at 2 dinners for the price of 1 at $29.99 plus tax, and for the single guest lobster dinner for 1 is $18.99. The price is right if you are in the market for lobster while in Cheticamp. Check it out. They also have a special on fresh mussels at 2 dinners for the price of 1. Both these items are caught locally on the shores of Cape Breton.
The All Aboard Restaurant is located in Cheticamp and their hours are from 11am to 8pm. To make a reservation call 1-902-224-2288.

For those traveling on the Cape Breton Heritage Coast, MacRae's Dining Room at the Dundee Resort in Dundee is featuring "Taste of Italy" on July 16th. For a great dining experience for the whole family try it out.

Brian and Edie Murray of Nova Scotia are part of the Coast to Coast 2010


Kayla Bona played a couple of lively tunes for the Murrays before they headed out to meet up with the rest of the Coast to Coast 2010 group at North Sydney.


Members of Coast to Coast 2010 Antique Car tour stopped in at the St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre Saturday to get some information on the area.
Folks couldn't help but to slow down and admire the beautiful 1948 Mercury parked in the Centre's yard. While at the VIC the Murrays were treated to some Celtic fiddle music by the Cape Breton Heritage Coast's roving fiddler Kayla Bona, who was entertaining guests at the Centre. On sunday many of the Coast to Coast group stopped in at the VIC and to take a look around the village before heading on to Sherbrooke. It was a treat to see over a hundred antique cars pass through the village.

Sea-faring News from Richmond

For all the sea faring folks out there, this notice just came to me from Greg Silvers and he would like me to pass it along. Should be lots of fun!

Hello Members and Friends

Please join us for our first flotilla cruise of this summer, next weekend July 17 & 18, to Marble Mountain. A few skippers have confirmed they are coming - all power and sail boats (and anything that floats) are invited. You do not need to be a club member to come along, everyone is welcome. Bring your own food and refreshments and plan for a great overnight anchorage in one of the Bras d'Or's most pleasant and protected coves.

The plan is loose, we will depart the Lions Marina at everyone's leisure - alone or in flotilla - Saturday morning or mid-day. If you're coming from anywhere else, plan to leave early enough to get to Clarke Cove, at Marble Mountain - by around 3 or 4 pm so we can have some fun aboard and ashore before its time for cocktails and supper. The best anchorage in Marble Mountain is at Clarke Cove is in a small, almost landlocked cove to the northeast of the wharf behind the sand bar. We'll see how many boats show up and work out anchorages with enough swing room foreveryone as we assemble there. Some boats may opt to raft together. We'll break anchor and head home, or wherever you want to go, on Sunday at everyone's leisure.

Clarke Cove is about 18 nautical miles from the Lions Marina in St. Peter's.

We will have our first annual WMYC Washer Toss Championships (a game also known as 'Flush') on the sandbar. Assistance will be available for any newbies that want some help or instruction with anchoring, and there is also the notion that people might want some practice with bringing a 'man overboard' onto their boats - to get some experience with any lifting tackle and rescue gear you have on board (especially gear which may have never been tried before). We'll be looking for volunteers to go overboard, or we might have the Washer Toss Champ enjoy that honour.

Everyone who plays a musical instrument is encouraged to bring it along - maybe we'll have some tunes and a bonfire, and maybe a group supper ashore.

If you have a dinghy, please bring it along so you can get ashore and visit other boats at anchor. For those of you that don't have a dinghy, a water-taxi service will be provided by those who do.

If you're planning to come, or if you have any questions or suggestions, please don't hesitate to contact me by email or by phone (see my contact info at end of this message). And please spread the word around to your fellow boaters. All are welcome and we are looking forward to this first club cruise of 2010.

Hope to see a bunch of you out there!

Fair winds,
Greg Silver, Past Commodore
SV Misty Cat

Gregory Silver, B Des, FGDC
Communication Design Group
A Division of CDG Management Inc.

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


Office 902 535 3990
Cel: 902 631 5050


gsilver@cdg.ns.ca

Louisbourg providing lots of colorful events for the visitors

Marlene Wallace and part of the beautification of Louisbourg


Sandy MacDonald , Program Manager for the Fortress Louisbourg Association, Jamie MacDonald and town residents show off part of the beautification program

Sandra MacDonald, Program Manager of The Fortress of Louisbourg Association has pulled out all the stops to provide visitors to the area a vacation experience they will remember for a life time. The community of Louisbourg has completed quite a makeover to the main street, hanging the 18th century flower arraignments, new signage and with the paint the town red campaign where shopkeepers and operators placed red accents around town and red chairs on the front steps welcoming the visitors. The Town Hall is a location that visitors will definitely want to stop at, not only is it the location of our Visitor Information Centre for Louisbourg where the capable staff are only to happy to assist you, but this year visitors can also view local artisan’s work. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase hand crafted items from a basket maker, jewellery crafters, quilt makers etc., you can even purchase some delicious home made fudge during your visit.

Visitors coming to the Fortress can now plan events that will fill their evenings as well. What better way to extent the experience but to take in some of the evening events planned at the Fortress. Here is a schedule of events that will take place at the Fortress during the summer. A Murder Mystery Tour “The Evil Thereof” by Sandy Anthony will take place Thursday Nights from July 1st to August 26th, the performance is in English.

Start time is 7:30 and visitors will meet at Gate 2, tickets for this very entertaining event is $24.90 and can be purchased on line or at Louisbourg’s Town Hall box office.

Visitors can also enjoy an excellent Dinner Theatre production “"For Love or Money", by Lindsay Thompson, which runs on Wednesday Nights from July 7th to September 1st at 6pm. Tickets are $45.00 for this lively and interactive show with a cast of unforgettable characters from the 18th Century. The show is in English.

On July 30th, Storm the Fortress will take place. Storm the Fortress is part of the 2010 Bikefest where motorcycles will take part in this popular event. Registration is $40.00 for two riders and one bike. The event runs from July 30th to August 2nd.

For all those traveling in Cape Breton who are lovers of art work, Louisbourg will definitely be the destination for you at Under the Arch Plein Air takes place in Louisbourg. The event runs from July 31st. to August 1st. Artists will be painting out in the open air around the town of Louisbourg as well as at the Fortress. Visitors will be able to view artists at work and have the opportunity to purchase the finished art work at the event silent auction which will take place at the Fortress of Louisbourg Visitor Centre. Artists interested in taking part in this event can go to www.pleinairevent.com.

Another visitors are always interested in attending is Wine Pairings and this year there will be two of these delightful events taking place at the Fortress. August 21 and September 4th. Visitors will enjoy a taste of history as they join sommeliers Philip and Rosalind Belitsky for an evening of 18th Century food, drink, and history and enjoyment. Tickets for this event are $65.00.

Thursday September 2nd. To September 30th, join Louisbourg for “Tragic Tales: The haunted of Louisbourg” as part of Tour by Lantern Light. Tickets are $24.90 and tickets must be purchased in advance for this event. Performances are in English and are of Mature Topic.

Time for this event is 6:30pm and rendezvous at Gate 2.

Tickets for all these events can be purchased at the Louisbourg Town Hall Box Office and on line.

And last but not least October 10, 2010 the Celtic Colours International Festival Concert will take place at the Fortress, followed by a traditional 18th. Century meal. Tickets for this event can be purchased on the Celtic Colours web site (http://www.celtic-colours.com. Tickets for this very popular event go very fast so purchase your tickets early.

Richmond's Roving Fiddler

Kayla Bona entertained guests at the St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre today. Kayla was very busy today, playing at our VIC, the Dundee Marina and the Dundee Resort before ending the day with the Concert By The Sea in St. Peter`s.

Exciting New Music Program Hit with Visitors

This summer Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative has Kayla Bona and Janelle Boudreau two student musicians from Richmond employed to participate in the Music on The Cape Breton Heritage Coast Program. Kayla who sings and plays the fiddle and Janelle who plays the fiddle will be entertaining visitors at venues throughout the County this summer. The program enables the musicians to interact with the visitor to create a lasting experience for visitors to the Richmond area. Visitors can hear our traditional music, ask questions of our entertainers and interact with the locals who have come out to take part in the entertainment.

The girls will be performing at venues including: the Dundee Resort, the Concerts by the Sea series, local festivals, the Kitchen Rackets and weekly Ceilidhs at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn, The Dundee Marina, Nicholas Denys Museum, Lennox Passage Kiosk and the St. Peter’s and Port Hastings Visitors Information Centers. The full line up of times when Kayla and Janelle will be performing at the Visitors Centers are as follows: Kayla at the Port Hastings VIC on Fridays July 9th,23rd,30th, August 6th, 13th, 20th and 27th; At the St. Peter’s VIC on July 10th from 1:30-5pm, July 17th, from 1:30-5pm, July 19th, from 1:30-5pm, July 24th from 2-5pm, July 26th, from 1:30-5pm, and July 31st, from 9am-12pm. Janelle will perform at the Lennox Passage Kiosk on July 9th, July 16th, July23rd, August 6th, August 13th and August 27th, from 9am-12pm each day. Janelle will perform at the Port Hastings VIC on July16th, from 1:30-5pm, July 14th, 21st, August 4th, 11th, and 25th, from 9am-12pm. Drop in at the VICs on any of these dates and let these very talented young ladies entertain you.

Operators who hold a full membership or friends of tourism membership of Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative are now able to book lively entertainment for customers to enjoy and will enhance the experience of the visitors at your museums, community functions, shops, and festivals and events free of charge.
The program will also provide the musicians with a chance to live and work in their own community while developing their performances skills and provide the experience of working in a professional setting. The ability to move around the county and take part in the numerous style events while welcoming the visitors give the young entertainers the opportunity to convey their love of traditional Cape Breton music and their knowledge of Cape Breton life style to the visitors on the Cape Breton Heritage Coast.

This exciting new promotional venture spearheaded by Charlene Marshall, Partnership Co-ordinator for Destination Richmond Tourism Cooperative, is remarkable and includes communities, organizations, and musicians, all striving in the goal of highlighting our talent, culture and hospitality to visitors to create an experience that surpasses visitor’s expectations.

Official Opening in Louisbourg

The Beggars Banquet is a unique 18th century Dining experience for the entire family, that is a new feature in Louisbourg. The Banquet runs from 6-8pm and is great fun for guests of all ages. Dress in period costume and step back in time. Join Linda as she invites you to choose from the delicious selections on the menu including lobster, crab, halibut, roasted half chicken and Acadian meat pie, served with homemade potato salad and coleslaw, vegetable garnishes and freshly baked rolls. Enjoy a delectable slice of ginger cake topped with whipped cream to be savored with a spot of tea or coffee. To add to the experience your lobster or crab is cooked outdoors by Linda's husband Tom, and Linda is always on hand to give a demonstration as to how to crack open the lobster, for those who would like to know how.

While you partake in the feast, Linda and her 18th century musicians will entertain and enlighten you with tales from love to woes and mischievious happenings of the 1700 Fortress life, through lyrics, stories and tunes. Dinner is served at 6pm and reservations are requested by 5pm. For families attending a childrens menu is available.

The Beggars Banquet is the perfect companion to a day at the Fortress. But the evening doesn’t have to end here. Stay after dinner and enjoy a sing song or take a stroll and enjoy the smell of the sea air. Or it is only a short distance to the Louisbourg Playhouse where, at 8pm, visitors can enjoy some great entertainment and at intermission sample a cup of tea and the traditional Cape Breton Oatcake.

The Beggars Banquet is the perfect completion to your day at the Fortress. An experience that takes you from the Fortress of the 18th century to the modern day entertainment at the Playhouse, with an 18th century feast in between, truly an experience you don’t want to miss.

Definately one of the best interactive experiences visitors can enjoy this summer. I give it a 5 out of 5 star rating!

Grand Opening in St. Peter's

The Official Grand Opening was held yesterday July 2nd, for Mac’s Celtic Gift Shop and It’s Only Natural General Nutrition Health Food Store located at 10042 Grenville Street in St. Peter’s. 101.5 The Hawk was on hand to celebrate the event from 11am and through the afternoon. Pink Positive, a cancer charity, held a BBQ throughout the afternoon as well.
At the Celtic Gift Shop you can fine Celtic Clan Tartans, beautifully designed Celtic jewellery, books, country furniture, classware, music, clothing and custom items are available. If you are looking for something Celtic this is definitely a place to stop while traveling on the Cape Breton Heritage Coast.
It’s Only Natural offers a complete line of nutritional products for your healthy everyday living. You will be able to find vitamins-supplements, gluten free products, flax, organic juices, hair and skin care, hemp hearts, child and baby lotions, calming oils, soaps, books, meditation and healing aromics, pendulums, Himilayan salt lamps, speciality teas, incense and oils.
These two great shops are an added addition to the Village of St. Peter’s with a great selection of item available.

View of Richmond

There are all kinds of exciting events planned for Cape Breton Island this summer and one of these events is Velo's Across the Highland MTB Challenge. The 7th Edition of the race will take place in St. Peter’s on July 17th and 18th.
This unique event has a 60km marathon suited for more advanced riders and the 25km adventure ride suited more for the moderate to easy circuit cyclist. Riders 16 to 18 years of age who intend to enter the challenge must be accompanied by a parent at all times. Riders can choose between a 25km or 60 km course through the beautiful Pringle's and Sporting Mountain areas. The event head quarters will be located at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall, and riders are recommended to be on site at least 1 hour before start time. They can then pick up their ride kit containing their map, cue sheet and bike plaque.
Saturday, at 9:30am the group will begin with a 2.5km warm up ride around the beautiful Village of St. Peter’s before they head out to do a gradual climb of nearly 200 meters to the top of Pringle’s Mountain. At this point the groups will divide up for the short and longer km challenge. Divisions will enjoy four to six hours of spectacular landscapes and lots of fun on trails which will test their ability and levels of skill. The routes are well signed and there will be regular pit stops where workers will be on hand with food and refreshments and as well patrollers will be stationed at strategic locations to direct group members and provide emergency help if needed.
The climb to the top of Pringle's Mountain, the thrilling descent and unforgettable ride along the amazing Bras d’Or Lakes is breath taking, and the assent to the peak of Sporting Mountain are the highlights of this years challenge.
On Sunday there are activities and rides scheduled for riders of all ages, sound like fun and something you might enjoy well stop in at our Visitor Information Centre and pick up a list of all activities and registration form. The July 11th deadline to register is quickly approaching, so register soon. Challenge fee is $60.00, which includes your ride kit, food, refreshments, post ride BBQ and insurance coverage.

Canada Day celebrations in St. Peter's

The St. Peter's Visitor Information Center was decked out to celebrate Canada Day as we greeted visitors from all around the world.

The Brown family including 12 month old Oscar from Australia took time out from their cross Canada tour to Celebrate Canada's birthday in St. Peter's.

Judy Madden changed hats at the Canada Day festivities from museum curator to BBQ chef as she waited on the crouds in Battery Park.

Clair Rankin cut the Canada Day Cake at the band stand as folks lined up to celebrate.