Tourism in Richmond County

The Saltscapes Travel Expo took place at Expedition Park in Halifax this past weekend. Staff from the St. Peter’s Visitor Information Centre were in attendance, as part of the Destination Cape Breton Association delegation, to promote the area. This was the 8th year for the Saltscapes Travel Expo and DCBA has been there every year to vie for the traveler’s attention. This year, DCBA passed out their new Visitor Experience and Events Booklet to showcase what our beautiful island destination has to offer this season. The Expo drew a lot of attention from people all over the Atlantic Provinces who were planning their upcoming vacations. From all indications many of the visitors we spoke to are no longer looking to travel long distances for their vacations, but are looking closer to home to find the perfect vacation spot. The Expo featured presenters from all the Atlantic Provinces, so it was important that Cape Breton made its presence felt as an important part of the Nova Scotia Tourism Industry. But it was not only the Atlantic Provinces that were in attendance. We also had tourism groups in attendance from the eastern seaboard of the US, as well as exotic foreign destinations. Cape Breton Island was a very sought after destination, due to all the accolades it has received of late; being named # 1 Island destination in North America and # 3 Island destination in the world, also given the most romantic destination designation, as well as the Cabot Trail being called the most scenic travel way by motorcycle riders, the Bras d’Or Lake receiving the designation as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, just to name a few. It is no wonder that we had so many visitors coming by our booths to pick up information on Cape Breton. Besides the travel section of the Expo, there were numerous displays and presenters offering information on many different topics from gardening to outdoor adventure equipment to photography and crafts and jewellery to food and beverage displays. This was definitely a show with something for everyone’s interest. The weather is getting more seasonal and with the nicer weather, we are able to get out and enjoy our outdoor activities. Richmond has some great hiking trails around the county, as well as great beaches to do some beachcombing on. If you would like to walk while staying in the village, you can check out the walking track located by the East Richmond Education Centre. For entertainment, there are lots of events taking place in Richmond for your enjoyment. Set aside the evening of May 3rd to take in the East Richmond Education Centre production of “A Quirky Look at Richmond County”, featuring a cast of students from grade 5-8 with presentations from grades primary–6 as well as special guests, which will include fiddlers Dara MacDonald, McKayla MacNiel, Emily and Kari Middleton, as well as Jason MacDonald and a special appearance by Alisdair Lanyon, and the pit band which includes Hank Middleton, Greg Middleton, Tyan O’Connell and Eric Middleton. The show is sure to be enjoyable with skits being presented on Richmond County, some historical based and some comedic. I am especially excited to see the antics that take place at the Visitor Information Centre which will include grade seven student Haley MacRae as a visitor to the area. Showtime is 6pm, admission $5.00 at the door. Come out and support the amazing work done by staff and students as well as volunteers who worked so hard to put this production together. Until next week, enjoy exploring Richmond and the great variety of entertainment it has to offer.