Tourism in Richmond County

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winners Claim Their Prize

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

View of Richmond

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

Tourism In Richmond County

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

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

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

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

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


MENU for The Ultimate Picnic:

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

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

Grilled CB Pork Loin with Fruit Chutney and Sweet Potato Puree

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

Gardening at the Fortress Louisbourg Today

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

1st Annual Cape Breton Paddlefest Only Weeks Away!

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


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


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

Sessions being held during the Paddlefest:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tourism in Richmond County

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

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

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

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

Come Out and Celebrate Canada's Fab Forts!

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

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

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

Tourism in Richmond County

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

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

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

Highland Village Information.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


La Boutique de La Picasse

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

Tourism in Richmond County

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

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

Bingo at the Savoy Theatre

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

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

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

The Curtain Rises on Theatre on The Hill

If you are planning on coming to Cape Breton this summer or one of our local residents and are looking for something traditional and interesting to take in, then this following schedule from the Theatre on the Hill may be of interest. Ian Green, Chair of the theatre group, has just sent out this update on their summer schedule.


Dear theatre lovers,
This week's performances of the comedy " A bench on the the Sun " are postponed .
Watch our web site for dates and venue. To Be Advised.
Sorry for last week's confusion.

'Fiddlers on the Hill' Ceilidh Concert Series
Saturdays, AUGUST:6,13,20,27. SEPTEMBER 3rd

Ceilidh concert series with Paul Cranford and friends

'A Year with Frog and Toad' Kids - musical
Mondays, August 1,8,15,22,29.
Hibernation! But it's summer you say! Join us to learn about the yearly cycle for many Park creatures ...

'Lucifer's Child' by William Luce
August 25th and 26th
Performed by Diana MacKinnon of Soul Gift theatre group.

Debut Atlantic Classical Music Recital by Chris Donnelly, Piano and Kornel Wolak, Clarinet.
September 17th

Hope to see you there ,thank you for your support for the performing arts,

Ian Green,
Chair ,
Theatre on the Hill Performing Arts Association.,
www.theatreonthehill.net,
902 929 2809