Rush to Your Computer and Vote for The Bay of Fundy! We Can Make The Difference

Every so often a person is given the chance to make something special happen. We have been given that opportunity this summer. We can make a part of Nova Scotia stand out and be counted among the best in the world. The reasons why the Bay of Fundy should be chosen for the New Wonders of Nature are that it has registered the highest tides in the world, it has marine ecology comparable to the Amazon Rainforest, it is known around the world for its dinosaurs and fossil discoveries,it is the home to over 12 species of rare and endangered whales, and it is noted as the best site for green tidal energy,it is home to two UNESCO Biosphere Reserves, it is a world heritage site and a geopark. Knowing all this do not let this chance slip away. But time is limited so we are going to have to make the move now. Get friends and family involved so we can see the votes start to rise. Below you will find the information on how we can help make the Bay of Fundy one of the new 7 Wonders of Nature.

Nova Scotia is working in partnership with the Tourism Industry
Association of Nova Scotia to declare July 1st our industry’s official
Vote My Fundy Day! As you know, the Bay of Fundy is Canada’s finalist in the global
New7Wonders of Nature campaign.
The Bay of Fundy is in hopes of becoming the newest member of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. This remarkable area deserves to receive recognition and prestige that would place it among locations such as the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef,
Cape Town’s Table Mountain, and the Dead Sea. And you can help give it that recognition. All you have to do is vote! simple as that, but time is running out on the competition.The tourism industry would like to declare Canada Day the industry's Vote My Fundy Day, and have the Bay of Fundy declared an official New 7 Wonders of Nature on November 11, 2011.
A win for the are would have big spinoffs for the entire province, as it would set Nova Scotia on a global scale, making it one of the best known destinations in the world. And in turn increase tourism through out the province. Other locations who have achieved recognition such as Machu Picchu in Peru has seen increases in it's visitation by 70%. We could definitely use a little of that.
Go to votemyfundy.com and cast your vote, or text Fundy to 77077 for just .25 cents per vote.

The link below gives you some information.
Let’s see how many votes we can get over the course of the summer!
http://www.votemyfundy.com/promotethevote/

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Thursday, June 30th

All day-Twlight golf Special at the Dundee Resort & Golf Club at 2750 West Bay Highway, Dundee

Every Tuesday and Thursday any time of the day during the season, golfers can enjoy a round of Golf with the use of a power card for 35.95 plus tax.

9:30am to 4:30pm - music demonstrations every half hour during day & tours [11am to 1pm-lunch hour ceilidhs] daily weekday music demonstrations & tours ; @ $ 12 + hst [$13.80]
Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:

11:30am to 12:50pm - weekday Lunchtime Ceilidhs--FREE; Bus Tour Ceilidh times: 1pm to 2pm
Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:

12:30pm - #28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival,at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre Arena Grounds
Open to (types of dance/music): Step Dancing, Clogging, Ballet, Modern, Fiddlers, Piano Players, Soloists, etc. Interested participants should email: chesticodays@hotmail.com or call Genna @ 631 5801. Music provided by Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton and Hosted by The Hawk's Bob MacEachern; @ $5 Under 13 get in free.
The28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival: 902-787-2083:

1pm to 3pm & 8pm to 10pm - Daily Ceilidh's in the Glenora Pub-Free
Glenora Inn & Distillery: Route # 19 Ceilidh Trail: 902-258-2662:

4pm to 10pm - #5th annual Student Art Exhibit 2011
Civic Centre-J. Franklin Wright Gallery: 606 Reeves St.: 902-625-7891:

5-10pm Steak night at L’Auberge Acadienne Inn, Arichat

6-9pm- Jason Williams entertains at the Dundee Resort & Golf Club
2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee

6pm to 9pm - Mike Hall & Andre LeBlanc
All Aboard Restaurant: Cheticamp - 902-224-2288:

6pm to 8pm - Doug Johnson
Wentworth Perk Coffeehouse: 697 George St.: 902-270-3355:

7pm - Thursday party night
Steel City Sports Bar: 252 Townsend St.: 902-562-4501:

7:30pm - Variety concert-Margaree Volunteer Firemen Fun Days
Cranton Cross Roads Community Centre: 902-248-2261 & 902-248-2009:

8pm to 10pm - 8pm to 10pm-Rachel Davis,
Nightly music around the fireside; Free.
The Normaway Inn -Living Room: 691 Egypt Rd.: 902-248-2987:

8:00 pm Janvrin’s Fest Dart Tournament
admission: $5.00, prizes awarded
Sponsored by Sports & Recreation held on Janvrin’s Island

8pm- Acoustic
Louisbourg Playhouse: 11 Aberdeen St. Louisbourg: 902-733-2996: B1C 1A2, 1-888-733-2787

8pm to 11pm - Talent Night, with Robert Deveau, Chester Delaney, Tommy Poirier, Claude Bourgeois
Doryman's tavern: 902-224-9909:

8:30pm - Deron Donovan
Glenghorm Beach Resort-Thirsty Hiker Pub: 36743 Cabot Trail: 902-285-2049

10pm - Ladies Night with DJ Douce & DJ M
Le Gabriel Lounge: 15424 Cabot Trail: 902-224-3685:

10pm to 1am - Square Dance with-Kinnon & Betty Beaton
adult square dances -10pm to 1am- every Thursday & long week-end Sundays]; @ $6, Children under 12 free. Canteen available at St Josephs Church Hall:

10pm to 1am - Wing Night: Aaron MacDonaldThe Red Shoe Pub: Main St.: 902-945-2996:
Roberts Brook Group Campground:

Cape Breton Highlands is hosting a free tenting event that includes a night of tent camping at Robert Brook Group Campground (Chéticamp) and entry to the park for the evening of June 30th and on Canada Day, July 1st. A wonderful evening of campfire, stories, music and slumber awaits you. Local vendors will be on site with coffee and baked goods in the morning. If you are new to camping, we'll help you set up your tent and show you how to build a campfire. Bring your camping supplies and provisions for meals. A choice of morning guided hikes will be offered at 10:00 a.m. to start off Canada Day on the right foot. Stay for Canada Day Celebrations, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for music, family activities and a BBQ. Hosted collaboratively by La Société Saint-Pierre and Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Call (902) 224-2306

Tourism in Richmond County

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

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

8:30am-6pm- Old Miller Trout Farm U Fish-Fish and keep only. Trout $5.00 per lb.
408 Doyles Road, Margaree Forks

9:30am to 4:30pm - music demonstrations every half hour during day & tours [11am to 1pm-lunch hour ceilidhs] daily weekday music demonstrations & tours ; @ $ 12 + hst [$13.80]
Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:

11am-2pm- Baddeck and Area Community Market Society
Main Street, Baddeck

11:30am to 12:50pm - weekday Lunchtime Ceilidhs--FREE; Bus Tour Ceilidh times: 1pm to 2pm
Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:

12:30pm - #28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival, Open to (types of dance/music): Step Dancing, Clogging, Ballet, Modern, Fiddlers, Piano Players, Soloists, etc Interested participants should email: chesticodays@hotmail.com or call Genna @ 631 5801. Music provided by Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton and Hosted by The Hawk's Bob MacEachern; @ $5 Under 13 get in free.
At the Al MacInnis Sports Centre Arena Grounds

1pm to 3pm & 8pm to 10pm - Daily Ceilidh's in the Glenora Pub-Free
Glenora Inn & Distillery: Route # 19 Ceilidh Trail: 902-258-2662:

4pm to 10pm - #5th annual Student Art Exhibit 2011
Civic Centre-J. Franklin Wright Gallery: 606 Reeves St.: 902-625-7891:

5-10pm - Wing Night at L’Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat

5-6pm - Souper et remise de diplomes de l’Ecole Beau-Port-La Picasse, Petit de Grat

5pm to 7pm – Supper time music: Admission Free
The Red Shoe Pub: Main St.: 902-945-2996:
[Mabou Taxi service available @ 902-258-7500]

6-9pm- Jason Williams entertains at the Dundee Resort & Golf Club.
At the Dundee Resort & Golf Club at 2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee.

6:30-8:30pm- Janvrin’s Festival Pre-teen Dance.
Janvrin’s Island.

7pm to 9pm - Acadian Music with Bruno Bourgeois & Maurice Poirier
Le Gabriel Lounge: 15424 Cabot Trail: 902-224-3685:

7pm - Kitchen Ceilidh [every other Wednesday]; admission by donations, lite lunch, proceeds going to the up-keep of the building sponsored by the Glendale Area Community Co-operative. [902-625-0898 or 625-1723 evenings]
Fr. John Angus Rankin Cultural Centre: #4248 Highway 105: 902-625-3441:

7pm to 9pm - Kick-off Ceildh with Kinnon Beaton, Shelly Campbell, Mike Hall, Betty Beaton, Allan Dewar, Cheryl Smith, Admission $6.
Celtic Music Centre-Wednesday Evening Ceilidh: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:

7:30pm- Johnstown Merchandise Bingo
At the Johnstown Parish Hall, Johnstown

8pm to 11pm - Douglas Cameron
Doryman's Tavern: 15528 Cabot Trail: 902-224-9909:

8pm - Louisbourg Playhouse Doug MacPhee & Dwayne Côté
Louisbourg Playhouse: 11 Aberdeen St.: 902-733-2996

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Tuesday, June 28th

All Day-Twlight Golf Special at the Dundee Resort & Golf Club
A round of Golf and use of a power cart for 35.95 plus tax. At The
Dundee Resort & Golf Club, 2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee

Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:
9:30am to 4:30pm - music demonstrations every half hour during day &
tours [11am to 1pm-lunch hour ceilidhs]
daily weekday music demonstrations & tours ; @ $ 12 + hst [$13.80]

11:30am to 12:50pm - weekday Lunchtime Ceilidhs--FREE; Bus Tour
Ceilidh times: 1pm to 2pm
Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:

12pm-3pm-Ceilidh and open mike
Governors Pub & Eatery, 233 Esplanade, Sydney

1pm to 3pm & 8pm to 10pm - Daily Ceilidh's in the Glenora Pub-Free
Glenora Inn & Distillery: Route # 19 Ceilidh Trail: 902-258-2662:

#28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival: 902-787-2083:
12:30pm - #28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival,at the Al
MacInnis Sports Centre Arena Grounds. Open to (types of dance/music):
Step Dancing, Clogging, Ballet, Modern, Fiddlers, Piano Players,
Soloists, etc
Interested participants should email: chesticodays@hotmail.com Music
provided by Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton and Hosted by The Hawk's Bob
MacEachern; @ $5 Under 13 get in free.

4pm to 10pm - #5th annual Student Art Exhibit 2011
Civic Centre-J. Franklin Wright Gallery: 606 Reeves St.: 902-625-7891:

5pm to 7pm - Suppertime music: TBA -$Free
The Red Shoe Pub: Main St.: 902-945-2996:
[ Mabou Taxi service available @ 902-258-7500]

6pm to 8pm - Greg and Jess Favaro
Wentworth Perk Coffeehouse: 697 George St.: 902-270-3355:


7pm - Buddy MacDonald
Keltic Lodge: 383 Keltic In Road, Middle Head Peninsula: 902-285-2880:

7:30pm to 9pm - ceilidh with Karen & Joey Beaton and guests-Doug Lamey
Community Parish Hall: 11538 Main St.:
June 14th to August 30th-7:30pm to 9pm-Night Ceilidhs @ $ 7 ;
'2011-Celebrating Our 16th~season'

7:30pm - Celtic Variety Concert-sponsored by the Cape Bretn Gaelic
Society; with Jo-Anne Rolls, all proceeds will support Gaelic Language
courses and workshops [Jim MacDonald 564-9757]
St. George’s Church Hall: 119 Charlotte St.& Napean St.:


8pm-Louisbourg Playhouse: 11 Aberdeen St.: 902-733-2996:
B1C 1A2, [1-888-733-2787 ]2010-17th-season -Michelle Leamon
- The Pub Boys

8pm to 10pm - Melody & Derrick Cameron
The Normaway Inn -Living Room: 691 Egypt Rd.: 902-248-2987:
Nightly music around the fireside; Free.

8pm - Tuesdays variety concerts @ 8pm
Club 55, 70 Prince St, Sydney

8pm - Summer Concert Series with the Men of the Deeps
C.B. Miners Museum Pit Theatre: 42 Birkley St.: 902-849-4522:


8 -11pm-Fiddling with Douglas Cameron at the Doryman Tavern
Cheticamp

8:30pm-6pm- Old Miller Trout Farm U Fish
Fish and keep, Trout $5.00 per pound.
Old Miller Trout Farm 408 Doyles Road, Margaree Fork

An Incredible line up of Talent for The Celtic Colours International Festival

For all those fans of the Celtic Colours International Festival, the line up for this year is incredible. The tickets will be going on sale on July 11th, so as soon as your decide which ones you plan on attending I would place my order. With the amount of talent that will be performing this year the tickets will be going fast.
Here is a line up of this years shows and performers.

Shows - Friday 07
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 MacIsaac |Sheila Kay Adams | Nic Gareiss

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival every year is the Festival Club. Located at the Gaelic College ...

Shows - Saturday 08

Celtic Couples

2:00 PM, St. Matthew's United Church, Inverness, Tickets: $25
•The couple that plays together... you know the rest. Five young couples share their songs, tunes and dances for an unforgettable Saturday afternoon in Inverness.
•Karine Polwart | Mattie Foulds | Gabrielle MacLellan & Tom Daniels | Dawn & Kyle Gillis | Lisa Cameron & Vern MacDougall | Helen MacDonald & Scott MacKenzie

A Taste of the Festival

7:30 PM, Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, Sydney, Tickets: $40/35/30
*From the Blazin' Fiddles of Scotland to songs of Ireland, Acadia, Louisiana and Cape Breton, this is a taste that will leave you hungry for more.
•Blazin' Fiddles | BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet | The Black Family | Ronald Bourgeois | Dwayne Côté | Hilda Chiasson-Cormier | Sylvia LeLievre

The Boys and their Ballads
7:30 PM, Boularderie School, Boularderie East, Tickets: $30/25
•Each of these "boys" is a balladeer of considerable renown. It's a rare opportunity to hear them all together on one stage. Bring your voices tonight.
•Dougie MacLean | James Keelaghan | Archie Fisher | Buddy MacDonald

Pickin' and Grinnin'

7:30 PM, Wagmatcook Culture and Heritage Centre, Wagmatcook,Tickets: $30/25
•Can you ever get enough guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle and dance in one show? We're guessing this night sets the bar pretty high. Okay we'll throw in some songs for safety.
•J.P. Cormier & The Elliott Brothers | Bruce Molsky & Jumpsteady Boys |Old Man Luedecke | Nic Gareiss

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival every year is the Festival Club. Located at the Gaelic College ..

Shows - Sunday 09

The Cape Breton Fiddlers
2:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $30/25
•We're not naming names for this show because they wouldn't all fit. "The Fiddlers" number from 60 to 90 and range in age from 10 to 85. They're the real deal.
•Cape Breton Fiddlers' Association

Step Into the Past

6:00 PM, Fortress of Louisbourg Chapel, Louisbourg, Tickets: $90
•This is our wee treasure of a candlelight concert set in the Chapel at Fortress Louisbourg. The 18th Century meal completes the unique experience.
•Anna Massie | Jenna Reid | Niamh Ní Charra | Buddy MacDonald | Rachel Davis | Ryan MacDonald

Legendary Celts

7:30 PM, Marion Bridge Recreation Centre, Marion Bridge, Tickets: $30/25
•What does it take to create a legend? Each of tonight's artists made the grade with Gaelic and Scots songs, fiddle, guitar and piano at their best.
•Archie Fisher | Carl MacKenzie | Patricia Chafe | Doug MacPhee | Dave MacIsaac | Iona Gaelic Singers

Whycocomagh Gathering

7:30 PM, Whycocomagh Education Centre, Whycocomagh, Tickets: $30/25
•Irish, Cajun, Appalachian, and Cape Breton... four Celtic cultures gather in Whycocomagh to explore their connections through amazing music
•The Black Family | BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet | Brenda Stubbert | Kimberley Fraser | Sheila Kay Adams

Back Together in Boisdale

7:30 PM, Boisdale Volunteer Fire Department, Boisdale, Tickets: $25
•Karine and James wrote songs together at Celtic Colours 2008. We thought they'd like to swap a few more. And the fiddle tunes will flow as well.
•Karine Polwart | James Keelaghan | Leanne Aucoin | Joel Chiasson |Kristen Shaw

Celtic Idol: Foolish Edition

7:30 PM, Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Sydney, Tickets: $35/30
•Whether we're Scottish or Cape Bretoners, we love to laugh at ourselves. Throw in a bunch of fiddlers and some rivalry and you have a crazy Celtic cabaret.
•Ashley MacIsaac | Max MacDonald | Allan Henderson | Iain MacFarlane |Bruce MacGregor | Wendy MacIsaac | Colin Grant | Andy Thorburn | Kelly Peck | Cathy Ann MacPhee| Patrick Gillis

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival every year is the Festival Club. Located at the Gaelic College ..

Shows - Monday 10

The Red Shoes: A Tribute to Dan R. MacDonald

7:30 PM, Judique Community Centre, Inverness, Tickets: $30/25
•Dan R.'s tunes are played all over the world. This tribute to a legendary Cape Breton composer reaches from Judique to the Highlands of Scotland.
•Blazin' Fiddles | Dave MacIsaac | Doug MacPhee | Winnie Chafe | Patricia Chafe | Troy MacGillivray | Karen & Joey Beaton | Barbara MacDonald Magone | Jackie Dunn MacIsaac | John Donald Cameron | Doug Lamey

Down the Road & Across the Sea

7:30 PM, North River Community Hall, North River, Tickets: $25
•Whether you are from down the road like Paul and Carmel or across the sea like Mícheál and Órla, the songs and the tunes bring us to one place.
•Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Órla Ni Cheallaigh | Paul Cranford | Mario Colosimo | Carmel Mikol | Rachel Davis

Collectively Celtic

7:30 PM, St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, Sydney Mines, Tickets: $25
•It would be tough to collect a more Celtic group of performers. Tim is back with his collective, Wendy and Mary Jane have a new sound and Archie is... well, he's just Archie.
•Mary Jane Lamond & Wendy MacIsaac | The Tim Edey Collective | Archie Fisher

There's a Land Somewhere

7:30 PM, Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, Sydney, Tickets: $40/35/30
•The songs of Scotland's finest, some Irish tunes, a taste of Appalachia, and Cape Breton's driving energy. Add the sounds of Jamaica and you could be anywhere.
•Dougie MacLean | Bruce Molsky & Jumpsteady Boys | Colin Grant Band |Niamh Ní Charra | Nic Gareiss | Pepeto Pinto

Friends and Family: Mo Chàirdean

7:30 PM, Union Presbyterian Church, Albert Bridge, Tickets: $25
•Two couples who play music together on pipes, piano, fiddle and guitar share the stage with two friends who sing in Gaelic. Music brings out the love in all of us.
•Tracey Dares MacNeil | Paul K. MacNeil | Kathleen MacInnes | Cathy Ann MacPhee | Derrick & Melody Cameron

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

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival every year is the Festival Club. Located at the Gaelic College ..

Shows - Tuesday 11

Close to the Floor

7:30 PM, Strathspey Place, Mabou, Tickets: $35/30/25
•This show is a perennial favourite. Dance is the root of our culture and drives the rhythmic style of music found not only here but also with our Appalachian cousins from the south!
•Andrea Beaton | Tracey Dares MacNeil | April Verch Trio | Bruce Molsky |Nic Gareiss |Melody Cameron | Amélie Larade & Christopher Poirier

We Are All Cousins: On est tous cousins

7:30 PM, La Place des arts Pére Anselme-Chiasson, Cheticamp, Tickets: $30/25
•The Cajuns are our close cousins, linked through Acadian families since the Expulsion. Tonight the family is back together for a reunion and it's quite a party.
•Ronald Bourgeois | BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet | Les Zorvenants | Pepeto Pinto | Joel Chiasson

A Touch of the Irish

7:30 PM, Riverdale Community Center, Cleveland, Rich. Co., 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.
•Alan Kelly Quartet | Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Órla Ni Cheallaigh | Cyril MacPhee | Haley MacPhee

Piano Summit

7:30 PM, Our Lady of Fatima Church, Sydney River, Tickets: $30/25
•Nothing spurs on a fiddler like a fantastic pianist. Tonight from near and far they hold court with no need of fiddles. There are 88 reasons to attend this show!
•Doug MacPhee | Mac Morin | Troy MacGillivray | Kimberley Fraser | Andy Thorburn | Barbara MacDonald Magone

Close to Home

7:30 PM, Christmas Island Fire Hall, Christmas Island, Tickets: $25
•Three brothers will be close to home tonight along with friends from down the road. Gaelic songs from Scotland and Cape Breton will round out the ceilidh.
•Shawn MacDonald | Paul MacDonald | Dan MacDonald | Joanne MacIntyre| Kathleen MacInnes | Boisdale Trio

Cow Bay Ceilidh

7:30 PM, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 055, Port Morien, Tickets: $30/25
•Last year we dubbed these guys the "rat pack" for their full harmony male vocals. We'll throw in some lively tunes from the gals tonight and watch the sparks fly
•Anna Massie & Mairearad Green | John Ferguson | Roger Stone | Darrell Keigan | Wally MacAulay | Chrissy Crowley | Jason Roach

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival
Shows - Wednesday 12

The Song and the Songsmith

7:30 PM, Strathspey Place, Mabou, Tickets: $35/30/25
•Songsmiths take great pains to mold lyrics and notes into a carefully crafted beautiful blend of art. Tonight's craftsmen represent a variety of backgrounds and geography.
•Ron Hynes | Old Man Luedecke | Ronald Bourgeois | Lewis MacKinnon |Cyril MacPhee

Foot Stompin' Fun

7:30 PM, North Highlands Elementary , Aspy Bay, Tickets: $30/25
•When Metis square dancers meet up with Jennifer Roland you can be sure the feet are gonna be flying. You won't be able to keep still so why even try.
•Jennifer Roland Band | Asham Stompers | Marc Boudreau | Douglas Cameron | Maybelle Chisholm McQueen | Darrell Keigan

Gaelic in the Glen: Gàidhlig anns a' Ghleann

7:30 PM, Glendale Parish Hall (St. Mary's), Glendale, Tickets: $25
•Whether it be Scottish or Irish Gaelic, or the Gaelic in the fiddle and pipes, Glendale and this historic hall will be sure to transport you back to another era.
•MacKenzie Brothers | Goiridh Dòmhnallach | Michael Hall | Allan Dewar |Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin & Órla Ni Cheallaigh

Louisbourg Crossroads

7:30 PM, Louisbourg Playhouse , Louisbourg, Tickets: $35/30/25
•Tonight's artists have long-term musical relationships but they don't always get to play together. Tonight they meet at the crossroads and the sparks will fly as they reconnect.
•Troy MacGillivray & Friends | The Tim Edey Collective | Les Zorvenants

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 | Gillian Head | Anna Massie |Mairearad Green | Niamh Ní Charra | Crowdis Bridge

Women of Song

7:30 PM, St. Andrew's United Church, Sydney, Tickets: $30/25
•Women singers from several different traditions will collaborate for a concert that is far more than the already ample sum of its parts. The harmonies will feed the soul.
•Karine Polwart | Mary Jane Lamond | Emily Smith | Sheila Kay Adams |Cathy Ann MacPhee | Kathleen MacInnes | Fiona MacGillivray | Sylvia LeLievre

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival

Shows - Thursday 13

Guitar Summit

7:30 PM, Judique Community Centre, Inverness, Tickets: $30/25
•A festival favourite since the start, this year's Guitar Summit will showcase another exceptional lineup of guitar prowess. Prepare for some hot guitar licks!
•J.P. Cormier & The Elliott Brothers | Tim Edey | Anna Massie | Scott Macmillan | Brian Doyle

Leave it to the Ladies

7:30 PM, Highland Village Church, Iona, Tickets: $25
•When in doubt, leave it to the Ladies! It will be an all-star line-up as these women of song, pipes, fiddle and piano take to the stage.
•Cathy Ann MacPhee | Kathleen MacInnes | Ryan MacDonald | Mairearad Green | Anita MacDonald | Susan MacLean

The Hills Are Alive

7:30 PM, St. Peter's Church, Ingonish Beach, Tickets: $25
•From the hills we look across the strait to Newfoundland and across the sea to Ireland. Here at home, two young fiddlers welcome their guests from afar.
•Ron Hynes | Alan Kelly Quartet | Gillian Boucher | Rosie MacKenzie

My Old True Love: The Songs that Bind

7:30 PM, Greenwood United Church , Baddeck, Tickets: $25
•Many of the songs of Appalachia came over from Scotland as did our songs and tunes. In an intimate circle, Scottish and Appalachian singers share that journey through song.
•Karine Polwart | Bruce Molsky | Emily Smith | Sheila Kay Adams

Devilish Duos

7:30 PM, Cape Breton Highlands Academy, Tickets: $30/25
•Whether at a dance, a concert, or in the kitchen, these duos work well together. They are so in tune that the connection is magic and truly devilish.
•Kinnon Beaton | Betty Lou Beaton | Dwayne Côté | Duane Andrews | Fiona & Ciarán MacGillivray | Maxim Cormier | Gervais Cormier

Kickin' Up a Storm

7:30 PM, United Protestant Church of Sydney River, Sydney River, Tickets: $30/25
•Hold on to your hats for this one. Two high energy fiddle styles, the dancing to match, and a multi-instrumentalist who's stepping into the spotlight. Not for the faint of heart.
•The Beaton Sisters Band | April Verch Trio | Darren McMullen

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival

Shows - Friday 14

Now that the Work is Done

7:30 PM, Savoy Theatre, Glace Bay, Tickets: $35/30/25
•As the week winds down, the singing miners take an evening to share their songs with Irish and Old Time musicians. There's a lot of heart here. Enjoy!
•The Men of the Deeps | Alan Kelly Quartet | April Verch Trio | Bruce Molsky| Nic Gareiss

A Ceilidh for Alice

7:30 PM, Inverness Academy, Inverness, Tickets: $30/25
•For 20 years, Alice Freeman has given a stage to the youth of Inverness County. Tonight they come together to show Alice their appreciation.
•Ashley MacIsaac | Barbara MacDonald Magone | Rodney MacDonald |Glenn Graham | Dawn & Margie Beaton | Andrea Beaton | Gillian Boucher |Ian MacDougall | Joanne MacIntyre | Douglas Cameron | Lawrence Cameron | Isaac Fraser | Ronald MacKenzie

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

Orangedale Whistle

7:30 PM, Orangedale United Church , Orangedale, Tickets: $25
•The village church is the setting for songs and lively tunes from Scotland and Cape Breton. The train whistle may be a thing of the past but the music carries on.
•Shelly Campbell | Allan Dewar | Donnie Campbell | Anna Massie |Mairearad Green | Donna-Marie DeWolfe

On These Rocky Shores

7:30 PM, Immaculate Conception Parish, Main-a-Dieu, Tickets: $30/25
•The first sight our settlers witnessed coming to the New Country was our rocky shores. They would have loved the old Scottish songs and lively tunes on the shore tonight.
•Paul MacDonald | Dan MacDonald | Lloyd MacDonald | Emily Smith |Rocky Shore

Celtic Pub

9:00 PM, Baddeck Volunteer Fire Department Community Centre,Baddeck, Tickets: $25
•The week is drawing to an end. Time to let your hair down and kick back with a wee dram, some songs, some pipes, a couple of banjos and some good craic.
•Old Man Luedecke | MacKenzie Brothers | Crowdis Bridge

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival

Shows - Saturday 15

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

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

Pipers Ceilidh

2:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $30/25
•You'll be hard pressed to not tap your toes in this lively bunch of pipers. Whether it's a stirring lament or a dandy strathspey, you'll imagine the Scottish fog over the Highlands.
•MacKenzie Brothers | Ryan MacDonald | Scott Long | Paul K. MacNeil |Tracey Dares MacNeil

The Barra MacNeil's Celtic Roots & Branches

7:30 PM, Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, Sydney, Tickets: $40/35/30
•The Barra MacNeils have been in the studio all week with a host of artists from all over the Celtic world. Some of them have stayed to join them on stage tonight.
•Barra MacNeils | Ron Hynes | Old Man Luedecke | Ronald Bourgeois | Matt Minglewood | Tim Edey | Cathy Ann MacPhee | Fiona & Ciarán MacGillivray

Festival Club
11:00 PM, Gaelic College, St. Ann's, Tickets: $20 / $10 with ticket stub from show that day
•One of the most popular features of the Celtic Colours International Festival

Free Tenting in Highlands Park

This just came to my attention from the Cape Breton Highlands Park and it is such a great deal for campers I just couldn't wait to pass it along. If you enjoy tenting and would like to go camping in the Highlands for the holiday, this is definitely for you.


The Great ChétiCamp-out!
June 30 2011, Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands is hosting a free tenting event that includes a night of tent camping at Robert Brook Group Campground (Chéticamp) and entry to the park for the evening of June 30th and on Canada Day, July 1st.

A wonderful evening of campfire, stories, music and slumber awaits you.
Local vendors will be on site with coffee and baked goods in the morning.
If you are new to camping, we'll help you set up your tent and show you how to build a campfire. Bring your camping supplies and provisions for meals.
A choice of morning guided hikes will be offered at 10:00 a.m. to start off Canada Day on the right foot.
Stay for Canada Day Celebrations, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for music, family activities and a BBQ.
Hosted collaboratively by La Société Saint-Pierre and Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
Call (902) 224-2306 to register.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

8:30am - 6pm Old Miller Trout Farm U Fish
Where: Old Miller Trout Farm, 408 Doyles Road, Margaree Forks, NS

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique

5pm - 7pm Supper time Music
Where: Red Shoe Pub, Route 19, Mabou

6pm - 9pm Jason Williams entertains at the Dundee Resort
Where: The MacRae's Dining Room at the Dundee Resort 2750 West Bay Hwy Dundee

7:30pm - 9:30pm Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro)
Where: Inverness Raceway, Forest Street Inverness

8pm - 10pm 45 Card Play
Where: West Bay Community Hall

8pm - 11pm Bal de finissants de l’École Beau-Port - La Picasse
Where: Petit de Grat

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Breakfast Buffet, Duck Cove Inn, 10289 Cabot Trail, Margaree
Harbour, NS
Where: Duck Cove Inn, 10289 Cabot Trail, Margaree Harbour, NS

11am - 12pm Church Service at the United Church in St. Peter's
Where: United Church in St. Peter's

11:15am - 12:15pm - Sunday Mass at the Barra Head Immaculate Conception
Catholic Church
Where: The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Barra Head

11am to 2pm - Mabou Farmers Market with local produce, crafts, plants etc. live music; come Join us for lunch! Arena: 902-945-2378:

11am to 5pm - John Cabot Landing Celebrations; re-enact the 1497 landing
Highlands Community Museum & Cultural Centre: # 29263 Cabot Trail:


11:30am to 12:50pm - weekday Lunchtime Ceilidhs--FREE; Bus Tour Ceilidh times: 1pm to 2pm
Celtic Music Centre: 5471 Highway # 19: 902-787-2708:


2pm - Pastoral airs with Doug Lamey, Mike Hall, Mary Jane Lamond, Jim Watson, Shelly Campbell, Wally Ellison Gordon MacLean, John Donald Cameron, Pat Lamey, Heather Richards, Edna MacDonald, Allice Freeman & more. St. Mary of Angels Church:

12pm-#20th Annual Eskasoni Powwow; Noel R. Denny Memorial PowWow Grounds: 902-379-2269: Hand Drum Special Saturday evening! Prizes TBA: lee_jown@hotmail.com. Office: 902-379-2269 cell 902-578-9190 or (902) 577-4774

#28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival: 902-787-2083:
12:30pm - #28th Annual Chestico Days Dancing Festival,at the Al MacInnis Sports Centre Arena Grounds
Open to (types of dance/music): Step Dancing, Clogging, Ballet, Modern, Fiddlers, Piano Players, Soloists, etc. Interested participants should email: chesticodays@hotmail.com or call Genna @ 631 5801.
Music provided by Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton and Hosted by The Hawk's Bob MacEachern; @ $5 Under 13 get in free. Port Hawkesbury

1pm to 3pm & 8pm to 10pm - Daily Ceilidh's in the Glenora Pub-Free
Glenora Inn & Distillery: Route # 19 Ceilidh Trail: 902-258-2662: Glenville

1:30pm - 5pm Harness Racing
Where: Inverness Raceway

2pm - Theatre On The Hill presents; ‘On Golden Pond' by Ernest Thomson, Performed by Soul Gift Theatre Group of Margaree.
St. John’s Anglican Hall: 37890 Cabot Trail: 902-285-1018: Tickets - $12.00. http://www.theatreonthehill.net 902-929-2809

3pm - 6pm St. Peter's Area Bible Camp
Where: Lakeside Community Club in Sampsonville

3pm - 7pm Sunday Ceilidh
Where: Celtic Music Interpretive Center, Judique, Nova Scota

4pm to 7pm - Ceilidh: Dawn Beaton. Adm. $7.00
The Red Shoe Pub: Main St, Mabou: 902-945-2996:
[ Mabou Taxi service available @ 902-258-7500]

4pm to 10pm - #5th annual Student Art Exhibit 2011
Civic Centre-J. Franklin Wright Gallery
606 Reeves St.: 902-625-7891: Port Hawkesbury

6pm - 9pm Entertainment at the Dundee Resort and Golf Club
Where: The Dundee Resort's MacRae's Dining Room in Dundee

6pm - 9pm Guest Entertainerentertains at the Dundee Resort
Where: The MacRae's Dining Room at the Dundee Resort 2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee

7pm to 9pm - Acadian Music with Bruno Bourgeois & Maurice Poirier
Le Gabriel Lounge: 15424 Cabot Trail: 902-224-3685: Cheticamp

7pm - Buddy MacDonald - at the Keltic Lodge: 383 Keltic In Road, Middle Head Peninsula: 902-285-2880: Ingohish

8pm to 10pm - Kelly & Kristen Shaw. The Normaway Inn -Living Room: 691 Egypt Rd.: 902-248-2987 Margaree Valley

8:30am - 6pm - Old Miller Trout Farm U Fish, 408 Doyles Road, Margaree Forks,NS
Catch and Keep only. Spec. and Rainbow Trout $5.00 lb.
Where: Old Miller Trout Farm, 408 Doyles Road, Margaree Forks, NS

Higher Gas Prices in U.S. Causing Americans to Drive Less

A week or so ago I wrote a post saying fewer American visitors were coming through the doors at the Visitor Information Centre. Well a story by Alexandra Koken in the Detroit News says that American travel has been declining for the past two months as a result of high gas prices. Although in April Americans drove 250.5 billion miles, travel was still down 2.4 percent.

For the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend, AAA is predicting a decline in travel by 2.5 percent as well. AAA director for the company’s Travel Services, Glen MacDonell comments “AAA is projecting a slight decline in the number of Independence Day travelers mainly due to fuel prices being approximately one dollar per gallon higher than last year… Increased fuel costs are also responsible for a shift in the demographics of the typical Independence Day traveler as higher prices impact lower income households more significantly.”

The first four months of the year shows travel numbers down about 7.1 billion miles. As for April, the North-Central region, consisting of 12 states, have travel numbers that fell a total of 3.5 percent, down to 55.9 billion.

Although travel was up January and February, nationwide March saw a decline of 1.4 percent.

Gas prices may have fallen recently, but the Energy Information Agency says the national average is up $0.91 from last year. AAA predicts the average to hold somewhere around $3.65 per gallon for Independence Day weekend.

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

8:30am - 1pm Cape Breton Farmer's Market - Coxheath
Where: 340 Keltic Drive, Coxheath, NS

9:30am-7th Annual Englishtown Mussel Festival. Starts with 5km Race-11am guest speaker Dr. Jim St. Clair, 12noon-6pm lobster and mussel dinners & BBQ, 4pm tug of war, music all day, 10pm adult dance
Where: Englishtown Community Hall St. Ann’s Bay, Victoria Co.,

10am - 2pm Village Market
Where: Inverness Cottage Workshop, 46 Lower Railway Street

11am-5pm- Re-enact the 1497 landing John Cabot Landing Celebrations
Where: The Highlands Community Museum & Cultural Centre at 29263 Cabot Trail

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Music Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

2-5pm - Saturday Celtic Ceilidh at Rollie’s
Where: Rollie’sWharf, 411 Purves St, North Sydney

2pm-6pm-Dawn & Margie Beaton at the Doryman Tavern
Where: 15528 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp

3pm - 6pm Afternoon Ceilidh
Where: Governor's Pub, 233 Esplanade, Sydney

4:30pm-6pm The Annual Lobster Supper and entertainment by Dwayne Cote & Guest
Where: The Community Center & Museum, 3160 Bay St. Lawrence Rd, Bay St. Lawrence

7pm - 10pm - Tunes, Songs and Laughs- In Concert
Where: The St. Georges Channel Community Hall in St. Georges Channel.

7pm - 9pm Live Music
Where: Shindigs Pub Granville St Port Hawkesbury

7pm- The 20th Annual Eskasoni Pow Wow
Where: The Noel R. Denny Memorial Pow Wow Grounds, Eskasoni

8pm- Theatre On The Hill’s Production of “On Golden Pond”.
Where: St. John’s Anglican Hall, Ingonish, 37890 Cabot Trail

8pm - 10pm Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro
The Inverness Raceway, Forest St, Inverness

8:30pm - 12am - Howie MacDonald, Jillian Head and Friends will be playing for the Round and Square Dance
Where: Cedar’s Hall, Sydney,

9 pm to 1 am - Savanna at the Doryman Tavern, Cheticamp
Where: 15528 Cabot Trail, Cheticamp

10pm - 12am Adult Dance with the music by Celtic Country-Michael McNamara
Where: The Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River

10pm - 12am - Family Square Dance with Mike Hall & Mary Elizabeth MacInnis
Where: 2399 West Mabou Road, Mabou

Rate of the Day for the Point of View Suites in Louisbourg. Oceanview unit with breakfast and dinner included for 2 people is $199.00 plus tax, or non oceanview room with breakfast and dinner included for $179.00 plus tax. (Dinner can include a lobster dinner or other dinner items from the menu)
Where: The Point of View Suites in Louisbourg.

MacAskill, Photographer, Yachtsmen and St. Peter’s Distinguished Son

Few visitors traveling through the beautiful and scenic countryside of Richmond County realized that besides being know for our beauty that we are also know for some of our prestigous residents. St. Peter’s nestled along the St. Peter’s Canal is also the home of the renowned photographer Wallace Robinson MacAskill. Born in St Peter’s around 1887, he studied and graduated from the Wade School of Photography in New York in 1907. He opened his first photographic studio in St. Peters, and later a studio in Glace Bay before moving to Halifax in 1915. He is best know for his photo of the Bluenose which still graces the Canadian ten cent piece today. It is said that MacAskill would go out in all kinds of weather to get the best shots, the weather did not intimidate him in the least when it accomplishing his goal of capturing the most exciting images possible. MacAskill has also captured some amazing still as well one of my favorite is of the charming little boy walking down the road with his little pack of valuable tied securely to a pole carried over his shoulder and held tightly in his little hands. MacAskill’s family home, where he grew up has been turned into a museum in his honor. The 115 year old dwelling displays over 100 hand tinted photographs (which were tined by his wife and partner Elva Abriel who was also a professional photographer). There are also a number of artifacts on display dating back to the early days of photography. The museum is also a heritage house so visitors can see what a home from around the turn of the century was like. He got his start in photography at an early age, when he was given an old camera thus starting a very dynamic career. Besides being known for his photography he was also know for his love of sailing. He owned and raced his own yacht call the Highlander. He was so taken by thee Bluenose which was the fastest sailing ship, he had the same builders construct his Highlander and he would race his yacht and he never lost, but if the Bluenose entered the race he would never race against her out of respect for the noble craft. He captured the natural beauty of land and seascapes as well as the majestic sailing ships, and he had a deep love for the sea, placing MacAskill among the best marine photographers in the world, and one of St. Peter’s most distinguished sons.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Friday, June 24, 2011

11am- 5pm - re-enact the 1497 landing - John Cabot Landing Celebrations
Where: Highlands Community Museum & Cultural Centre at 29263 Cabot Landing

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

5pm - 9:30pm -Wing Night at l'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat
Where: L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat.

6pm - 9pm Friday After Work Party
Where: Governor's Pub, 233 Esplanade, Sydney

7-9pm-Family Square Dance with Janelle Boudreau
Where: The Rocky Bay Community Hall On Isle Madame

7pm- The 20th Annual Eskasoni Pow Wow
Where: The Noel R. Denny Memorial Pow Wow Grounds,, Eskasoni

7pm- Buddy MacDonald –Keltic Lodge
Where: The Keltic Lodge, 383 Keltic In Road, Middle Head Peninsula

7 pm to 9 pm - Free Acadian Music. Bruno Bourgeois & Maurice Poirier.
Where: Le Gabriel Lounge, 15424 Cabot Trail

7:30pm Blues Mills Friday bi-weekly Ceilidh and lunch. $5.00 admission
Where-Blue Mills Fire Hall

7:30pm - 9:30pm Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro
Where: Inverness Raceway, Forest Street Inverness

8pm - Theatre on The Hill’s “On Golden Pond”
Where: St. John’s Anglican Hall, Ingonish, 37890 Cabot Trail

8pm - Three Fiddler Concert-Normaway Inn & The Barn
Where: The Normaway Inn & The Barn, 691 Egypt Rd, Margaree Valley

9pm- Michael Hall & Friends at the Red Shoe Pub
Where: The Red Shoe Pub, Main St. Mabou

8:30pm - Cyril MacPhee at the Glenghorm Beach Resort
Where: The Thirsty Hiker Pub at the Glenghorm Beach Resort 36743 Cabot Trail

10:30pm - 12am Band-Tempted - Daniel's Lounge
Where: Daniel's Lounge, Sydney

Rate of the Day for the Point of View Suites in Louisbourg. Oceanview unit with breakfast and dinner included for 2 people is $199.00 plus tax, or non oceanview room with breakfast and dinner included for $179.00 plus tax. (Dinner can include a lobster dinner or other dinner items from the menu)
Where: The Point of View Suites in Louisbourg.

Theatre in Ingonish Tonight

If you enjoy theatre you will really enjoy this classic "On Golden Pond"; it was one of my favorite movies with Henry Honda and Katherine Hepburn. It should be an excellent production and it will run June 23, 24, 25 and 26th at the St. John's Hall in Ingonish. Curtain is at 8:15 Thursday through Saturday, with a Sunday afternoon matinee at 2pm. Tickets are $12.00. For information call 1-902-929-2809. Let me know how you enjoyed the show.

Saltscapes Does Cape Breton Proud

Did you get your copy of the Saltscapes Spring/Summer 2011 Magazine? Cape Breton Island definitely received some great publicity and rightly so. It makes me feel so good to see the island mentioned in these well read publications, to know that word about the island is spreading. In this segment of the magazine there are two articles one on our golf in “Great Golf”, Cape Breton is home to six fabulous courses by Dale Dunlop. It talks about the Highland Links, Bell Bay, The Dundee Golf Course, Le Portage and the two new additions The Lakes in Ben Eoin and the Cabot Links. In the article the Cabot’s course is described as the only true links course in North America. Cabot will open 10 holes on July 1st and have the final eight ready for next year.

In the second article by Sandra Phinney is “Our People are our Wealth” the riches of Richmond County, Cape Breton. The article mentions our Ceilidhs, our people and the communities River Bourgeois, Arichat and St. Peter's and our attractions. Phinney also spoke to Sharon Chilvers owner of Grandma's Bed and Breakfast in River Bourgeois, about her work on The River Roundup, a local newspaper which keeps residents as well as former residents up to date on the happenings of the area. Phinney also talked about Chilvers community volunteer work, of course that is not news to us, as Sharon is well known for her very active involvement in the local community organization and works very hard to promote the area. Great stuff, if you get a chance to pick up a copy I would recommend it.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Thu June 23, 2011


75th Birthday Open Houses! Cape Breton Highlands celebrates it's 75th birthday today! Join them for an open house and listen to the sounds of traditional music as you peruse our historic photo collection and exchange stories. 2 pm to 4 pm. For more info, call 285-3004 or 224-4225

The Point of View Suites-Rate of the Day
$199.00 Plus tax for a oceanview unit with breakfast and dinner included for 2 people. Or a non oceanview unit with breakfast and dinner included for $179.00 plus tax. ( Dinner can include a Lobster dinner or other dinner choices from the menu).
Where: the Point of View Suites in Louisbourg

Dundee Resort and Golf Club Twilight Golf Special.
Where: The Dundee Resort and Golf Club in Dundee

10pm-Governor's Pub Wing Night
Where: 233 Esplanade, Sydney, Nova Scotia

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

4-10pm 5th Annual Student Art Exhibit 2011
Where: The J. Franklin Wright Gallery, 606 Reeves St. Port Hawkesbury

5pm - 10pm -10pm-Steak Night at L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat
Where: L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat

6pm- Naomi Burkhard at Wentworth Perk Coffeehouse 697 George St, Sydney

6pm - 9pm-Jason Williams entertains at the Dundee Resort
Where: The Dundee Resort at 2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee

7pm- St. Peter's Campfire Series-Wilderness Knowledge
Where: Battery Provincial Park in St. Peter's

7:30pm - 8:30pm GARNET ROGERS - LIVE AT KIJU'S
Where: KIJU'S at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre, 50 Maillard St, Sydney


8pm - 10pm Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro
Where: Inverness

8pm - 11pm Talent Night at the Doryman Tavern
Where: the Doryman Tavern

8pm - 9pm Traditional Music & Ceilidh
Where: Rollie’s Wharf - North Sydney

8pm -Wing Night @ The Coal Miner's Cafe
Where: Coal Miner's Cafe

8pm - Wing Night @ The Hoff
Where: Hoff

8:30pm- Cyril MacPhee at the Glenghorm Beach Resort's Thirsty Hiker Pub
Where: 36743 Cabot Trail

1pm-3pm- Ceilidh-Glenora Inn & Distillery on 13727 #19, Ceilidh Trail

8pm On Golden Pond
Where: St. John's Hall in Ingonish
10pm-1am Wing Night and Tristan Legg at the Red Shoe Pub Main St. Mabou

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

7-9pm-Free Acadian Music. Bruno Bourgeois & Maurice Poirier. Starting
June13th every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

11am - 2pm Baddeck and Area Community Market Society.
Where: Main Street in Baddeck

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

5pm - 10pm -10pm-Wing Night at L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat
Where: L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat

5pm - 7pm Supper time Music
Where: Red Shoe Pub, Route 19, Mabou

6-9pm- Jason Williams entertains at the Dundee Resort
2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro
Where: Inverness Raceway, Forest Street Inverness

Dundee Resort & Golf Club-Rate of the Day Special
2750 West Bay Hwy, Dundee
$69.00 plus Tax for Standard Room

The Inverary Resort, Baddeck Rate of the Day!
$109.00 plus tax for a traditional room with full breadfast for two people
or stay for 2 nights for $198.00 plus tax.

The Rate of the Day at the Point of View Suites in Louisbourg
$199.00 plus tax for a oceanview unit with breakfast and dinner included for 2 people. Or an non oceanview unit with breakfast and dinner for 2 people included. (Dinner can include a lobster dinner or any dinner items from the menu.)

Rita a True Ambassador for Cape Breton Tourism

One of Cape Breton Islands best ambassadors is singer Rita MacNeil. Rita comes from the tiny community of Big Pond, nestled along the beautiful Bras d'Or Lakes. Here is where she grew up and attended the tiny one room school which is now the popular Rita's Tea Room, located at 8077 Highway #4, Cape Breton County. Every summer visitors travel from all over Canada and the US to visit Rita's Tea Room, with hopes of getting a glimpse of Rita. During the summer, Rita has set aside a number of days where she spends a couple of hours to spend at the Tea Room, just sitting and visiting with her guests. While on tour Rita talks fondly of her Cape Breton home and invites visitors to come and visit the island of her birth.
Rita will be performing at three concerts in her home town this summer. They will be held at the Big Pond Community Centre on July 24th, August 21st and on September 25th. This series of concerts are titled the "Home I'll Be Concert Series.
The concerts will feature Rita and her band performing songs from her vast library, as well as songs from her recent CD "Songs My Mother Loved". Single tickets are available as well as a limited number of dinner package tickets, which include a seafood chowder meal at Rita’s Tea Room and Gift Shop as well as VIP seating to the performance. Dinner includes her delicious seafood chowder which is always a hit with visitors and my favorite, also includes warm baked home-style biscuit, fresh spinach salad, dessert and tea or coffee. Tickets are available at the following locations, now on-line in the gift shop or in person at Rita's Tea Room and Gift Shop, Tastes of Cape Breton Shop at the Marine Terminal located at 60 Esplanade in Sydney, on days when cruise ships are docked at the Terminal and also at the Cape Breton Fudge Co. at 15 Prince Street, Sydney or by calling 1-902-539-0833 or 1-902-828-2667.
Rita's schedule for Meet and Greet's at the Tea Room are as follows, she will be at there between the hours of 1 and 2pm (subject to change) on June 26th, July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st and on August 7th, 14th, 28th, and September 4th, 11th and 18th.
The gift shop and display area will be open from June 27th to October 15th from 10am until 5pm seven days a week. Off season by appointment, group booking or chance. This unique gift shop features a number of gift items from all over the Maritimes and beyond. It also features exclusively Rita's Tea Room China, clothing and souvenirs.

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Tue Jun 21, 2011

AMAC Amateur Musical Circle, Kinsmen Hall, Belle Marche
Where: Kinsmen Hall, Belle Marche

Dundee Resort and Golf Club Twilight Golf Special.
Where: The Dundee Resort and Golf Club in Dundee

8 pm to 11 pm - Kinnon & Betty Lou Beaton at the Doryman Tavern.

10am - 12pm Tuesday Morning Relaxed Ride
Where: Membertou Convention Center

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

12pm - 3pm Ceilidh and open night
Where: Governors Pub & Eatery

5pm - 7pm Supper time Music
Where: Red Shoe Pub, Route 19, Mabou

6pm - 8pm Entertainment-John Kirby (Birlington ,Ontario) Fronted the band
"FirstTime Fallen"
Where: Wentworth Perk - Sydney

6pm - 8pm Live Entertainment
Where: Island Sunset Resort & Spa

6:30pm - 9:30pm Gaelic Society presents an Evening of Celtic Music
Where: St. George's Church - Sydney

Battery Park Campfire Series Set For The Summer

Just one day until the start of summer, and I am happy to say we are starting to get more seasonal weather. I have just received this information on the St. Peter's Campfire Series from a lovely young lady from the Battery Provincial Park. So I am passing it along, the events planned look to be very interesting.

PARKS EVENTS
NOVA SCOTIA PROVINCIAL PARKS-DISCOVER OUR NATURE
THE ST. PETER’S BATTERY CAMPFIRE SERIES.

JOIN US IN BATTERY PROVINCIAL PARK AT OUR CAMPFIRE EVERY THURSDAY EVENING THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER- ALL ARE WELCOME! THE TIME FOR THE CAMPFIRE EVENTS IS 7PM. THERE IS NO ADMISSION CHARGE.

THURSDAY, JUNE 23, 2011
Wilderness Knowledge: How to survive in the wild. Learn all about survival skills, how to feed yourself, build a shelter and ask as many questions as you like.

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2011
Wilderness Knowledge: How to survive in the wild. Learn all about survival skills, How to feed yourself, build a shelter and ask as many questions as you like.

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2011
Nicolas Denys Museum-Welcome the Nicolas Denys Museum and learn the Rich History of the St. Peter's Area.

THURSDAY, JULY 21
Search and Rescue: Search and Rescue of N.S. will answer your questions on how not to get lost and how to be found.

THURSDAY, JULY 28
Bras d'Or Lake Biosphere: Learn about the beauty and importance of out watershed for a healthy economy, environment, society and culture.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 4, 2011
Nature Walk- Come and join in on an evening nature walk, experience nature and learn about the different tree species surrounding us.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 11, 2011
Aboriginal Cultural Evening: Experience Mi'kmaq culture by participating in a smudging ceremony, listening to stories and learning about cultural items.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011
St. Peter's Canal National Historic Site - Welcome the St. Peter's Canal Historic Site. Learn about the history of the St. Peter's area, the swing bridge and the impressive lock system.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 25, 2011
Fishing for Fun: Always trying for the big catch and not getting anything. That can change, learn about the traditional fishing in our area from one of our experts. Some fishing rods will be provided, but feel free to bring your own if you have one.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2011
Nature Walk: Walk our park under experienced guidance and learn about trees, wildlife and how everything connects to each other and keeps our environment in balance. Appropriate clothing and insect repellent is recommended! For information call 535-3094 or 631-1143.

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Monday, June 20th

Free Acadian Music. Bruno Bourgeois & Maurice Poirier. Starting
June13,every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 7 pm to 9 pm

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

5pm - 7pm Supper time Music
Where: Red Shoe Pub, Route 19, Mabou

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro
Where: Inverness Raceway, Forest Street Inverness

Happy Father's Day

What's Happening In Cape Breton Today

Sunday, June 19, 2011
Country Breakfast - The St. George's Channel Community Hall - 9am
Introduction to Cycling Skills - Joan Harris Pavillion (Big Fiddle) - Sydney - 9am
CB Island Hoppers Guided Walk through the Village of Baddeck - 9:30am
Annual Father's Day Pork Chop BBQ - Washabuck Community Centre - 11am
Mabou Farmers Market - Mabou Arena - 11am
St. Francis Assisi CWL Annual Lobster Supper - Smelt Brook - 12pm
CB Island Hoppers Guided Walk - Uisge Ban Falls - 1:30pm
Riverdale Jamboree - Riverdale Community Centre - Lower River - 2pm
Memorial Hymn Sing - The Calvin Presbyterian Church - Loch Lomond - 3pm
Sunday Ceilidh - Celtic Music Interpretive Center - Judique - 3pm
Kitchen Ceilidh - Holy Cross Church Hall - Seaview Street, Glace Bay - 7pm
Variety Concert at the Lakeside Community Centre - Sampsonville - 7:30pm
Cash Karaoke - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 8pm
Open Pool Tournament with Karaoke - Main Event - Glace Bay - 8pm
Cash Karaoke - Daniel's - Sydney - 9pm
Guided Group Walk - Telegraph House - Baddeck - 9:30pm

Father's Day at the Dundee Resort and Golf Club

The Dundee Resort and Golf Club is the place to take Father on his special day.
Treat dad to a great dining experience, then sit back and enjoy the entertainment at Chanter's Pub in the evening starting at 6pm.

Father's Day Dining Special:
12pm until 3pm

Father's Day Surf & Turf Buffet
A free Draught for dad.
Mussels with Garlic Butter
Clam Chowder
Garden Salad with Assorted Dressing
Bruschetta Salad
or Roast Hip of Beef with Au Jus
Country Fried Chicken
Coconut Shrimp
Fresh Atlantic Salmon with Lobster Sauce
Mashed and Baked Potato
Vegetable Medley
Desserts
Chocolate Cappuccino Cake
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie
Carrot Cake & more
Adults-$24.95, children- $13.95 & Seniors-$16.95 Plus Tax
Served from 12pm until 3pm Reservations by calling 1-902-345-2649

Special Rates Await You at The Point of View Suites

If a visit to the historic Fortress of Louisbourg is in your vacation plans and you are planning to stay overnight in the beautiful community of Louisbourg, there is an excellent special being offered right now. Here is the special being offered at the Point of View Suites. The Point of View set on the coast line of Louisbourg has a excellent view of the Fortress. The food is superb, the service excellent and the experience unforgettable.
Special Room Rates at the Point of View for the Month of June.
OCEAN VIEW ROOMS - $199.00 Plus Tax-for 2 people
NON OCEAN VIEW ROOMS - $179.99 Plus Tax-for 2 people
BREAKFAST and DINNER for two ( dinner includes your choice of Lobster or other menu items) included in price.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Saturday, June 18, 2011
Annual Father's Day Breakfast - St. Columba Church Hall - Marion Bridge - 8am
Cape Breton Farmer's Market - Coxheath - 8:30am
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast - Royal Canadian Legion - Port Morien - 8:30am
Downtown Sydney Farmers Market - St. Andrew's Hall - Sydney - 1pm
Velo Cape Breton Free Bike Clinic - Downtown Sydney Farmer's Market - 1pm
Rhubarb Dessert and Art Show - Grand River Fire Hall - 2pm
Mike Hall & Mary Elizabeth MacMaster-MacInnis - Doryman Tavern - Cheticamp - 2pm
Afternoon Ceilidh - Governor's Pub - 233 Esplanade, Sydney - 3pm - 6pm
Fresh Ground Open Mic - Wentworth Perk - Sydney - 6pm
Live Music - Shindigs Pub - Port Hawkesbury - 7pm
Wine and Food Pairing - Bras d'Or Lakes Inn - St. Peter's - 7pm
Phantoms - Doryman Tavern - Cheticamp - 9pm
Family Square Dance - West Mabou Hall - 10pm
Laurel Martell - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 10:30pm

View Of Richmond

During the evening of June 13th, an Open House was held at the Visitor Information Centre in St. Peter’s. A gathering of business and accommodation owners as well as artisans turned out to see what was being planned for tourism this season. Approximately 30 representatives of the industry showed a great deal of interest as they listened to Destination Cape Breton Association’s Marketing Director Dan Coffin, as he updated them on the plans DCBA has taken with regards to the lure pieces to promote the island. They also watched a new marketing video, highlighting Cape Breton’s beauty and attractions. This new marketing piece will be played for visitors coming into Cape Breton VICs this summer, showing the magnificent adventures that await them at every turn of the road on this beautiful island. Three VICs around the island have been equipped with flat screens to be able to display this new marketing tool. Guests at the open house were also given a demonstration of how the DCBA Computer Event Calendar works to inform visitors and businesses alike as to the events happening all around the island. This feature was added to the centres last season and seemed to work very well at giving the most updated information on festivals and events taking place. More of the festival organizers and community groups are taking advantage of this advertising tool to promote their events to a much broader market, which is provided free of charge. The open house also gave members of the industry a chance to mingle and do some networking. Jeannette Arsenault owner of Richmond’s newest gift shop “Forget Me Not Gift Shop” located at 4155 West Bay Highway just minutes away from the Dundee Resort and Golf Club, had a chance to meet with fellow shop owners and to drop off brochures at the VIC. This exciting new gift shop offers 90% of its items made by local crafters.
On the entertainment scene, there is lots happening on June 18th. The Bras d’Or Lakes Inn will be hosting a Wine and Food Pairing with wine from Bishop’s Cellar, starting at 7pm. Reservations are required, for more information call 1-902-535-2200. There will also be a Rhubarb Dessert and Art Show held at the Grand River Fire Hall from 2pm until 4pm. And Friends of Leona Pink Positive Team will be holding a BBQ at the Green House Coop in St. Peter’s from 11am until 1pm.

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Bay St. Lawrence Fire Dept. Annual Fishing Derby and Crab festival
Where: Bay St. Lawrence Firehall, Bay St. Lawrence

Dundee Resort and Golf Club Rate of the Day
Where: Dundee Resort and Golf Club.

Inverary Resort Rate of the Day, Baddeck
Where: Inverary Resort in Baddeck

11:30am - 1pm Lunchtime Ceilidhs
Where: Celtic Interpretive Centre, Judique, Nova Scotia

5pm - 9:30pm 5pm-Wing Night at l'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat
Where: L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat.

8:30pm-1am Jason Williams at Chanter's Pub at the Dundee Resort
Where: The Dundee Resort and Golf Club in Dundee

6pm - 9pm FRIDAY AFTER WORK PARTY
Where: Governor's Pub, 233 Esplanade, Sydney

7:30pm - 10pm Cape Breton Chordsmen and Coro Cantabile
Where: Savoy Theatre, Glace Bay

7:30pm - 9:30pm SCOTTISH COUNTRY CEILIDH
Where: Hall of the Clans, The Gaelic College 51779 Cabot Trail, St. Ann's

7:30pm - 9:30pm
Simulcast Harness Racing (Woodbine, Meadowlands, Flamboro
Where: Inverness Raceway, Forest Street Inverness

9:30pm - 12am-Chris Ivany & Chris Babineau at the Doryman Pub & Grill @9h30
-1am- formore info- 224-9909
Where: The Doryman Pub, Cheticamp

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

All day-Dundee Resort and Golf Club Twilight golf Special-round of Golf & Card $35.95 + Taxes
Governor's Pub Wing Night Sydney
11:30am-1pm-Lunchtime Ceilidhs, Celtic Interpretive Centre-Judique
4-6pm Home Style Codfish Dinner-First United Church 105 Whitney Ave. Sydney
5-10pm Steak Night at L'Auberge Acadienne - Arichat
7-9pm Suas E!Concert-Highland Village-Iona
8-10pm- Simulcast Harness Racing Woodbine, Meadowlands Flamvoro
8-11pm- Talent Night at the Doryman Tavern cheticamp
8pm Wing Night at the Coal Miners Cafe Inverness
8pm Wing Night at the Hoff Pub and Grill Inverness

An Evening of Tunes-Songs & Laughs

St. Georges Channel Community Hall is the place to be on June 25th. The community and local entertainers are coming together to help a very worthy cause and we can help to. Come on out and have an evening of great entertainment and make a donate at the door and then sit back and relax.

In concert, together again by Public demand! An evening of Tunes-Songs-Laughts.
On Saturday, June 25th, at 7pm at the St. Georges Channel (Home of You Tube's "Breakfast at the Channel". This concert is being held to raise money for a great cause, so come on out and be entertained by these very popular entertainers. The line up will include Adam Cooke, Tim Le Borje, Patrick Lamey, Doug MacKinnon, Heather Richards, Jacob Sauve and Robert Woodley. Donations at the door-proceeds towards the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator. Come and do your heart some good. Phone 345-2996 or 345 0616 for details.

Granville Green 2011 Schedule

Tourism in Richmond County

The St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre is scheduled to open June 12th. Centre staff are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the area this summer. Hours of operation for the VIC will be from 8:30am until 6:30pm seven days a week. Again this summer the Visitor Information Centres operated by Destination Cape Breton will be equipped with a computer events calendar that will give the staff first hand information of events happening around the entire island. Community groups and event organizers are encouraged to send your happenings to the centre in your area and staff will make sure that these events are listed. Visitors coming into VICs will be able to obtain event agendas for the areas they will be travelling to, they will be able obtain a schedule for one day or several days, whichever suits their travel needs. With this new tool, tourists will now be aware of functions that just may have them extend their vacation plans for a longer time than they had first planned. This summer Destination Cape Breton's Visitor Centres will be having an open house which will invite operators and business representatives to come and see just how the Visitor Centres can be of help to the operators, a member of Parks Canada as well as Destination Cape Breton Association will also be on hand to fill everyone in on what is happening with them this summer. The date for the St. Peter's Visitors Centre's Open House will be June 13th, at 7pm. All Accommodation operators and business operators including members from service stations, restaurants, stores and pharmacys marinas and yacht clubs etc. are cordinually invited to attend. All these sectors of industry are ambassadors to tourism, as they may be the first contact that visitors have with an area. The information they receive from the from line staff of these operations can influence a visitor more than one thinks, sometimes keeping them in an area longer.

If you have not voted in the Pespi Refresh Everything contest there is still time. SANS, The Surfing Association of Nova Scotia, has entered a 2 part plan to be considered for the $25,000 prize and this may very well be of importance to our area, since Point Michaud has become a top location in the surfing industry in Nova Scotia. If SANS should win, the prize money would be divided as follows: $10,000 for ramps, stairs and boardwalks, $10,000 for specialized surfboards, wetsuits, beach wheel chair and mats and $5,000 for a staff member. Voters can vote once a day from May 1st to June 30th. There are still 25 days left to vote, so each person who votes once a day could add 25 votes for this worthy cause. Your votes are important so lets help make this happen for our surfing destination.
Local Events: There will be a Sunday Brunch (all home cooked dishes) held at the Tara Lynne Community Centre in River Bourgeois on June 12th, from 10:30am until 1pm.
On June 12 there will be a Hungry Man's Breakfast held at the D'Escousse Hall from 8am until 11am.
There will also be a Merchandise Bingo held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River starting at 2pm.
June 19th there will be a Variety Concert held at the Lakeside Community Centre in Sampsonville starting at 7:30pm.

Whats Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Victor Tomiczek - Wentworth Perk - Sydney - 6pm Guitar
Jam - Royal Canadian Legion - Cheticamp - 9pm
Open Mike Night with Mike Lelievre - Governor's Pub - Sydney - 9pm

I just received some interesting information from the Fortress of Louisbourg and I would like to pass it along to all of you.

Beginning June 18th, join us at the Fortress of Louisbourg for garden seminars! Spend time in our authentic 18th century French gardens with a costumed gardener. Learn about period herbal remedies; discover plants grown from heritage seed strains; find out why raised beds and hotbeds are best in certain climates and why companion planting works so well. Gain knowledge about our 18th century French colonial ‘potager’ and upper class ornamental gardens.

There will be four seminars throughout the summer, one each month with a different theme.

Saturday, June 18th: Preparing your garden
Join us for an introduction to the gardens of Louisbourg and learn what it is you need to do to prepare your garden. Learn about and use 18th century gardening tools and help our gardener lay out the garden at one of our military officer’s property.

Saturday, July 23rd: Thinning and pest control
This seminar focuses on thinning your garden and pest control. Learn how to get rid of pests in an eco friendly way. Over the fire place, prepare an 18th century pest control solution that you get to keep and use at home!

Saturday, August 20th: Drying herbs and herbal medicine
In our third seminar, learn about drying herbs and herbal medicine. Learn about the many uses of herbs including how to cure a tooth ache and soothe skin irritations. Participants will collect herbs to dry and make an herbal remedy!

Saturday, September 10th: Harvesting
The last of the four seminars focuses on harvesting your garden. Learn neat tips on harvesting and how food was stored over the winter in the 18th century. Help harvest the vegetables and cook a meal over an 18th century fireplace!

Price: The first seminar is included with your entry fee to the site. For each additional seminar you wish to attend pay only $7.30. Seminars are free if you have a discovery pass.

Time : 10am -12pm, rain or shine

Don’t hesitate to sign up as there are a limited number of spaces. Registration is required. To pre-register or for more information phone 733-3552.

Be sure to dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes and bring your gardening gloves! See you there!




Ateliers de jardinage
Venez participer, à compter du samedi 18 juin, à une série d’ateliers sur le jardinage. Passez du temps dans nos jardins français authentiques du 18e siècle en compagnie d’un interprète- jardinier en costume. Découvrez des herbes médicinales de l’époque et des plantes cultivées à partir de semences du patrimoine. Apprenez pourquoi les platebandes surélevées et les couches chaudes sont préférables dans certains climats et pourquoi le compagnonnage fonctionne si bien. Approfondissez vos connaissances des potagers coloniaux français du 18e siècle et des jardins ornementaux de la haute classe.

Il y aura quatre ateliers mensuels pendant l’été, chacun présentant un thème différent.

Horaire des ateliers :

Le samedi 18 juin : Préparer son jardin
Joignez-vous à nous pour une introduction aux jardins de Louisbourg et apprenez ce qu’il vous faire pour préparer votre jardin. Découvrez les outils de jardinage en usage au 18e siècle et aidez le jardinier à ensemencer le jardin de la propriété d’un de nos officiers.

Le samedi 23 juillet : Éclaircir son jardin et faire la lutte aux pestes
Pendant cet atelier, on éclaircit et on fait la lutte aux pestes. Apprenez des méthodes écologiques d’enrayer les pestes. Tels les habitants du 18e siècle, sur un feu de cheminée, préparez un pesticide que vous pourrez apporter et utiliser à la maison.

Le samedi 20 août : Faire sécher des herbes et les remèdes par les plantes
Lors de notre 3e atelier, apprenez-en plus sur le séchage et la médecine des plantes. Découvrez les différents emplois des plantes comme par exemple pour soulager les maux de dents ou les irritations cutanées. Vous cueillerez des plantes pour les faire sécher et préparerez un remède à base de plantes médicinales.

Le samedi 10 septembre : Récolter
Pour ce dernier atelier de la série, on récolte ce qu’on a semé! Apprenez des trucs pour récolter et les techniques du 18e siècle pour entreposer et conserver les récoltes. Participez à la récolte de nos jardins et faites la cuisine dans l’âtre comme nos ancêtres.

Prix : Pour le premier atelier auquel vous participerez, payez les droits d’entrée habituels.
Pour chaque atelier suivant, vous ne payez que 7,30$ chacun.
Gratuit si vous avez une carte d’entrée « Découverte ».

Si vous planifiez assister aux quatre ateliers, informez-vous au sujet de notre laissez-passer annuel au bas prix de 35,20$

Horaire : 10 h à 12 h, qu’il fasse beau ou non.

N’attendez pas pour vous inscrire : le nombre de places est limité. Pour ce faire, téléphonez au 733-3552.

N’oubliez pas de portez des vêtements en plusieurs couches et des souliers confortables et d’apporter vos gants de jardinage. Au plaisir de vous y voir!



Kristy Martell
Acting Promotion Officer/Agente de promotion intérimaire
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site/Lieu Historique National de la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg
Parks Canada Agency/Agence Parcs Canada
259, chemin Park Service Road
Louisbourg, N.S./N-É B1C 2L2
kristy.martell@pc.gc.ca
Tel/Tél: (902)733-2280 ext/poste 3425
Fax/Télécopieur: (902) 733-3543
Government of Canada/Gouvernement du Canada

100 years, Come celebrate! / 100 ans, Soyez de la fête!

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Sunday, June 12, 2011
Hungryman's Breakfast - D'Escousse Hall - 8am
Going the Distance for Diabetes - Boulerderie - 9:30am
Brunch - Tara Lynne Community Centre - River Bourgeois - 10:30am
Mabou Farmers Market - Mabou Arena - 11am
Guided Group Walk - Beach & Trail System - West Mabou - 1:30pm
Merchandise Bingo - Riverdale Community Centre - Lower River - 2pm
Monthly Jam Session - Judique Community Centre - 2pm
Cash Karaoke - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 8pm
Open Pool Tournament with Karaoke - Main Event - Glace Bay - 8pm
Cash Karaoke - Daniel's - Sydney - 9pm

St. Peter's Visitor Information Centre to Open For Another Season

I am excited to tell you that the St. Peter's Visitor Centre will be opening it's doors for another season tomorrow. The hours at the Centre will be from 8:30am until 6:30pm; seven days a week. If you are planning a vacation getaway and need some visitor guides or assistance, please drop in and we will be happy to help you. This year again we have our online events calendar, if you would like to have us add you to our list of on-line clients who receive a schedule of events for the area, please contact me with your email address. Our events schedule is updated as soon as we receive an event announcement, this update is sent out to all our visitor Information Centres around the island as well as to the Port Hastings Provincial Visitor Information Centre. In this way when visitors come in to any of our VICs they can access an itenerary of events for any area on Cape Breton that they are planning to visit. As well we can offer this list of events to operators and businesses that would like them, so they can also pass on the information to their guests or clients. There is no charge for this service. If you are planning a community event and would like us to add it to our calendar, please send it to my email address.
All tourism operators and local businesses in Richmond are invited to drop in at the St. Peter's Visitor Centre at 10259 on Monday between 7 and 8:30pm for an Open House. Members of Destination Cape Breton Association will be on hand with information on their Marketing plans and we hope to have a representative from Parks Canada with us with information on what plans they have for events commemorating their Anniversary this year.
Tourism is a growing industry that we want to nourish and we can all play an intricate part in the process by promoting our local area as well as the rest of this beautiful island of ours. Whether we work in a Visitor Centre, a accommodation or at any of our local businesses, we can all make a difference. It is that first impression that can offen make the difference in a visitors travel plans, it can effect the experience that a visitor in an area takes away with them and the comments that they make about any area when they return home. A positive experience can have visitors return time and time again and a visitor's comments on their vacation experience packs a lot of influence on others planning to visit an area.

We look forward to assisting you with your needs and working with tourism operators and local businesses to make this the best tourism season ever.

Video from 37th Annual Port Hawkesbury Highland Dance Competition

These charming young highland dancers performed the Pas de Bas at the 37th Annual Port Hawkesbury Highland Dance Competition on June 11th.

The 37th Annual Port Hawkesbury Highland Dance Competition

Highland dancers Kara Campbell, Abigail Hatcher, and Sarah MacDonald

Highland dancers Grace Mombourquette, Kate Sampson, Madison Greek

Highland Dancers Will Campbell and Julia Lettice

Saturday, June 11th, I was on hand to take in the 37th Annual Port Hawkesbury Highland Dance Competition which took place at the SAERC Auditorium. Highland dancers came to Port Hawkesbury for the competition from as far away as New Brunswick and PEI, as well as from all over Nova Scotia. The competition was open to ages 5 and up, and groups were divided into Primary 5 years in Pas de Bas, Pas de Bas & High Cuts, Fling, and Sword, Primary 6 years in Pas de Bas, Pas de Bas & High Cuts, Fling and Sword, Beginner 7 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Beginner 8 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Beginner 9 & 10 years in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Beginner 11 years and over in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Novice 9 & Under in fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Lilt, Novice 10 & Over in Fling, Sword, Senn Truibhas and Lilt, Intermidiate 10 & Over in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 9 & Under in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 10 & 11 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 12 & 13 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas, Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 14 & 15 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 16 & 17 in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Strathspey & Highland Reel, Premier 18 & Over in Fling, Sword, Seann Truibhas and Strathspey & Highland Reel. The competition was stiff, with very talented young dancers taking part. I did not envy the judges their job of determining the winners in all the categories. The audience was filled with well wishers made up of teachers, parents, grandparents and other family members as well as those interested in this beautiful form of dance. The competition was a great boost for the community; bringing visitors into the area over Friday and Saturday. The SAERC Auditorium was an excellent location as well for vendors to come out and sell some of their Celtic product.
I would like to congratulate all those who competed. I would especially like to congratulate my granddaughter and the dancers from Richmond for their excellent performance.

Take a Bite Out of Downtown Sydney

Great news for those who enjoy getting out and taking in our culinary delights. This enformation has just come to me from Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design, and I thought I would pass it along.

Take-a-Bite out of Downtown Sydney!

Sample some of Downtown Sydney's Finest Cuisines
June 11th from 11:30am to 2pm - on Charlotte Street
Outdoor Food Court and Great Live Entertainment

What's Happening Around Cape Breton Today

Friday, June 10, 2011
ACAP Blue Water Day - Royal Bank - Sydney - All Day
Cape Breton Multicultural Roots and Food Festival - Centre 200 - Sydney
Bike Week Commuters' Breakfast - ACAP - Sydney - 7:30am
Seafood Chowder or Corn Chowder Supper - Holy Trinity Anglican Church - Port Hawkesbury - 4:30pm
Kelly's Brew - JT's Pub - New Waterford - 5pm
Yoga for Cyclists - YMCA - Sydney - 5pm
Andrew Doyle - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 5:30pm
Roots and Foods Diversity Concert - C200 - Sydney - 8pm
Ray Tulliver - Daniel's Lounge - Sydney - 10:30pm