CBC/Radio Canada Celebrates Open House Tomorrow

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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

Textile Festival Opens October 7th

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

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

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

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

View of Richmond

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

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

Festival Celebrates Aquaculture Industry

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

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

Drum and Fife Winter Lessons Available at the Fortress of Louisbourg

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


The Fortress of Louisbourg Association Presents:

Drum and Fife Winter Lessons

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

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

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

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

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

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

PaddleFest Saturday Night

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

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

Cape Breton Paddlefest Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 16th:

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

Saturday, September 17th:

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

Sessions:

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

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

Sunday, September 18:
(Breakfast on your own)

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

Sessons:

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

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

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

Tourism in Richmond County

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

Attention All Cyclists - Velo To Do Biosphere Bike Ride

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

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

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

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

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

Friday October 7th, 2011
CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL EVENT:

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

COMMUNITY MEALS:

Friday, October 7th

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Friday, October 7th

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Friday, October 7th

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Friday, October 7th

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

OCTOBER 8TH. EVENTS:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Saturday, October 8th.

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Saturday, October 8th

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

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Saturday, October 8th

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

OCTOBER 9TH EVENTS:

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Sunday, October 9th

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Sunday, October 9th

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Sunday, October 9th

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

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

-From the Bayou to d’Escousse: D’Escousse fais do do
7:30 PM, D'Escousse Civic Improvement Hall, D'Escousse, Tickets: $30/25
An Acadian community welcomes home her Cajun cousins from the Bayou. The songs will flow in both official languages along with tunes from here and there.
Ronald Bourgeois | BeauSoleil Quartet avec Michael Doucet | James Keelaghan | Mckayla MacNeil | Kayla Bona | Clifford (Ciffie) Carter

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Monday, October 10th

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Monday, October 10th

-Day of Celebration: Historic Cathedral Tour
Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM ($5)

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

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

-Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)

-Beginner Tin Whistle Workshop
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($15)

-Square Dancing Workshop: Roddie's Set
St. Peter's United Church Hall, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 5:15 PM ($10)

-Day of Celebration with Friends of Notre Dame de l'Assomption Cathedral: Musical Afternoon at Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($12)

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

-Day of Celebration: Historic Cathedral Tour
Notre Dame de l'Assomption Parish, Arichat - 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM ($5)

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Monday, October 10th

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

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


CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT:
Tuesday, October 11th

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

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Tuesday, October 11th

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Tuesday, October 11th

-Isle Madame Lights: Experiential Tour and Chowder Lunch
Lennox Passage Provincial Park, Lennox Passage - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($30 (includes lunch))

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

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

-Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Tuesday, October 11th

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

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Tuesday, October 11th

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

CELTIC COLOURS INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL EVENT:
Wednesday, October 12th

-CEILIDH ON THE CANAL:
7:30 PM, St. Peter's Lions Club, St. Peter's, Tickets: $30/25
This ceilidh is a real "visit"--Scottish, Irish, Cape Breton and a twist of Bluegrass. You just never know what may transpire on stage.
Howie MacDonald | Brenda Stubbert | Anna Massie | Mairearad Green |Niamh Ní Charra | Crowdis Bridge | Gillian Head

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Wednesday, October 12th

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Wednesday, October 12th

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

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

-Scottish Country Dancing Workshop & Tea
L'Ardoise Community Centre, L'Ardoise - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM ($15)

-Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)

-Beginner Tin Whistle Workshop
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($15)

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Wednesday, October 12th

-Celtic Colours en Plein Air: Richmond County Paint Out
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM

-Beyond the Colour Wheel
Gallery Ruairicroft, St. George's Channel - 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM ($10)

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Wednesday, October 12th

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

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Thursday, October 13th

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

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Thursday, October 13th

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENTS:
Thursday, October 13th

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

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

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

COMMUNITY MEALS:
Friday, October 14th

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

OUTDOOR EVENTS:
Friday, October 14th

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

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:
Friday, October 14th

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

-Model Shipbuilding and Storytelling
Port Hastings Museum, Port Hastings - 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (Donations accepted)

-Advanced Fiddle Class
Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, St. Peter's - 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ($35)

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

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Friday, October 14th

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

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

PARTICIPATORY EVENT:
Friday, October 14th

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

SATURDAY,OCTOBER 15TH

VISUAL ART SERIES:
Saturday, October 15th

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

Come Celebrate With Us

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

View of Richmond

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

Tourism in Richmond County

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

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

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

A Mix of Culture and Fine Dining

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

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

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

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

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

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

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