Fortress of Louisbourg Update on Hours during its Off season

 

Tourism season has now entered it's off season scheduling and visitors coming to Cape Breton Island should check the off season listings and rates and hours of admission to sites  in their Nova Scotia Doers and Dreamers Travel Guide when travelling in the province.  I have received this update on the hours for the Fortress of Louisbourg and I am passing it along to visitors planning to come to the island between now and May of 2013. Please not that when visiting the Fortress during its off season that you will go to Gate 2 and access the Fortress by car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hello, Bonjour,

Please be advised that we are now in the Off-season at the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. We are open Monday to Friday, from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM, excluding holidays. Off-season entrance fees apply. Shoulder Season will resume on Victoria Day in May.

Veuillez noter que c’est maintenant la basse saison au Lieu historique national de la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg. Nous sommes ouverts du lundi au vendredi, de 9 h 30 à 16 h, sauf les jours fériés. Les droits d’entrée de basse saison s’appliquent. La saison intermédiaire reprendra le jour de la fête de la Reine en mai.

Monique Cantin

Product Development Officer/Agente de développement des produits

Fortress of Louisbourg NHS/LHN de la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg

259, chemin Park Service Road

Louisbourg, N.S./ N-É B1C 2L2

monique.cantin@pc.gc.ca

Tel/Tél: (902) 733-3545

Fax/Télécopieur: (902) 733-3543

Government of Canada/Gouvernement du Canada

Metal Petals Garden Art Takes Its Treasures To Market at The Harvest Moon Craft Show October 20th and 21st. In Port Hawkesbury

 

Metal Petals Garden Art will be at the Harvest Moon Craft Show at the Port Hawkesbury Fire Hall  in Port Hawkesbury on Oct. 20th and 21st. from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday and at the NSAC Craft Market in Truro on Nov. 17th & 18th.

James Chadwick is a metal artist originally from Falmouth, N.S, where he started his metal work several years ago; He currently reside in Richmond County, Cape Breton and continues to create mostly larger than life metal flowers, rock carving, and woodworking, but with a small twist...this very talented artist now design and create home decor as well. The pictures above show a sample of Jim's workmanship; all hand made from recycled metal and reclaimed wood. Every one of Jim's masterpieces is individually handcrafted, making each one truly unique. For more information on Metal Petals Garden Art go to his web site at www.metalpetalsgardenart.blogspot.com  

Crafters Take Note: So You Think You Can Craft Contest will be coming to St. Peter's on October 22nd.

 

 

Cape Breton Centre For Craft and Design 

 

 

 

 

So You Think You Can Craft Contest

AN ISLAND-WIDE SEARCH FOR CRAFT PRODUCERS IS ON!

The Cape Breton Centre for Craft and Design’s So You Think You Can Craft TEAM is on a mission. We’re looking for Craft Producers who are interested in reaching their goals and growing their businesses... Is it you we’re looking for?

The deadline to have your So You Think You Can Craft application in is Thursday, October 18th.

Prizes :

You will have the chance to win a Business Skills Development Workshop Series Voucher and a professionally produced promotional video for your business.

So You Think You Can Craft is designed to find and provide business development support to 'unknown' craft producers, to help them take their craft production to the next level, to turn it into a viable business, to raise awareness of the professional/entrepreneurial programs and services the Centre offers to new, emerging & established craft producers, and to raise awareness of Cape Breton Craft. We want to help you grow your business? Are you up for it? Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design staff will be hitting the highways, byways and country roads of Cape Breton to find you! If you're interested in participating please fill out the So You Think You Can Craft application form and submit two weeks before the 'road show' to your area.

Road Show Date:

We're on the road and coming to a town near you!
•Thursday August 9th - St. David’s United Church Port Hastings: the Quilt Show-Celebrating Quilting at the Causeway, 10am & 12pm.
•Saturday July 21st, 12pm to 1pm Cheticamp Farmer's Market.
•Thursday July 12th - Port Hawkesbury Farmers Market, 2pm to 3pm.
•Wednesday July 4th - Baddeck Farmers Market.
•Monday October 22nd – St. Peters Firehall; 10am-12pm.
•Tuesday October 23rd – Inverness County Centre for the Arts; 10am-12pm.
•Wednesday October 24th– Baddeck Farmers Market; 11am-1pm.
•Friday October 26th – Sydney, Cape Breton Centre for Craft & Design; 10am-12pm. If you have any questions please contact Sara Salter at 539 7491 ext 114 or sara@capebretoncraft.com

For an application go to  http://www.capebretoncraft.com/so-you-think-you-can-craft/ready-enter.

 

Sounds and Supper ByThe Sea

 

 

                                                                
                                                            Lively Entertainment

   

 

Excellent turnout for a delicious supper

The Celtic Colour concerts are always a hit with visitors to the area but some may not realize what an important part the community events are not only to the festival but also to the community organizations that host these events. Communities hosts use these events as fundraisers for their organizations giving them the much needed money to keep operating etc. I am happy to say that is was not surprising to see the very popular Songs by the Sea and Lobster Supper sell out it's event on Tuesday evening, the organization always does a marvelious job at presenting its guests with the best possible experience. As part of the tourism industry it gives us a sence of pride that visitors coming to our area can expect to have an amazing time when they attend the events held at our communities centers and halls around the island, this is part of what keeps our visitors coming back time and time again. Here are some pictures from the Lobster's R Us Songs and Supper of The Sea taken last night. Our festival keeps getting better and better every year. As they say a picture is worth a thousand works.  

Kitchen Rackets is Back At The Bras d'Or Lakes Inn For Celtic Colours 2012

I received this information on some super events taking place in conjunction with the Celtic Colours International Festival in St. Peter's. St. Peter's is well known by visitors as a top spot for Jam sessions, Ceilidhs and Outdoor concerts through- out the tourism season as well as offering top notch events during the Celtic Colours Festival.  I am happy to share the information with my followers.

Kitchen Rackets is back for Celtic Colours

Friday October 5 through Friday October 12 in St. Peter's

Once again we are delighted to offer our Kitchen Rackets program during Celtic Colours in St. Peter's. In the past five years we've had the good fortune to meet hundreds of travelling musicians here for the incredible Celtic Colours concerts. Many have become regular participants in our late-night jam sessions, and at our day time music workshops. We look forward to seeing our old friends and meeting new ones.

Late night jam sessions at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn.

Join us any night or all of them, Friday October 5 through Friday October 12, from 10 pm to 1 am at the Bras d'Or Lakes Inn, Grenville St., St. Peter's. Each night a local musical host will kick off the jam, all players, singers and dancers are welcome to join the circle. This is basically an accoustic jam session - electric basses and keyboards allowed. We also have a sound system and mikes for vocalists. Admission is free for participating musicians. $5 at the door; only $3 if you bring your ticket stub for that evening's concert. Restricted to patrons 19 yrs age and older.

Jam Session Hosts
Friday Oct. 5: Darren Carter & Friends
Saturday Oct. 6: Robert Boomer MacDonald and Ross Ferguson
Sunday Oct. 7: MacKayla MacNeil
Monday Oct. 8: Krysta MacKinnon & Jay Luddington
Tuesday Oct. 9: Hank Middleton & Friends
Wednesday Oct. 10: Diasporado Band
Thursday Oct. 11: Bill Quimby
Friday Oct. 12: Leona Burkey

 

Daytime Music Workshops with some of Cape Breton's finest instructors

Dwayne Côté Fiddle and Guitar Workshops

Advanced Fiddle Classes
Mon/Tues/Wed (Oct 8 - 10): 2 - 3 pm
Multi-award winning renowned fiddler Dwayne Côté offers this class to advanced fiddle players who wish to learn more difficult techniques and sets of Cape Breton Fiddle tunes.

Beginner/Intermediate Fiddle Classes
Mon/Tues/Wed/Thurs (Oct 8 - 11): 1 - 2 pm
Further your Celtic fiddle skills. This class is tailored for beginner to intermediate players and will focus on Cape Breton fiddle techniques and tunes.

Celtic Guitar Chording ClassesMon/Tues/Wed (Oct 8 - 10): 3 - 4 pm
Learn how to accompany Celtic musicians (fiddlers, etc.) on your guitar and utilize chording techniques.
All Dwayne's workshops are $35 per person per class. Register by email anna_lisawhite@hotmail.com or phone Lisa at (902) 849-6400

JP Cormier Guitar Workshop
One session only:
Friday, October 12: 2 - 3:30 pm
A 90 minute journey through the musical mind and repertoire of J.P. Cormier. The maestro will discuss, demonstrate and perform from all styles of guitar, including flat picking and fingerstyle, and through the various genres of each style. History of the music and instrument will also be discussed.

$35 per person. Register for JP's workshop by email info@kitchenrackets.org or phone Greg at (902) 535-3990.

Roger Stone Banjo Workshops
Two morning sessions
Wed/Thurs (Oct 10-11): 10:30 am - noon
On Wednesday, Roger introduces the history of the banjo, and introduces bluegrass techniques made popular by the late Earl Scruggs. The style is based on arpeggiated, or broken down chords, played with picks or fingers. This will be of great interest to beginner banjo players or those now playing finger style guitar. On Thursday, Roger will introduce Clawhammer style and basic frailing and drop thumb techniques. These are great for the person who wants to back up a song while performing. Students in both workshops will pick up a few basic tunes to continue practicing these new techniques at home.
$35 per person per class. Register for Roger's workshop by email info@kitchenrackets.org or phone Greg at (902) 535-3990.

Paul Davis Beginner Tinwhistle Workshops
Two afternoon sessions
Mon Oct 8 & Wed Oct 10: 2 - 3 pm
Paul Davis instructs this workshop that includes an introduction and brief history, basic scales, and music suitable for whistles. Paul will provide a list of relevant resources, website, etc. and will give participants a CD of demo tunes at regular speed and slowed down to an easy pace. Maximum 15 participants, so be sure to book your spot.
$15 per person per class. Register by email paul@themusicofireland.com or phone Paul at (902) 227-5207

Johannes Sturm Luthier Workshop
One session only
Thurs Oct 11: 2 - 4 pm
Professional luthier Johannes Sturm will tailor this workshop based on participants’ interests, discussing violin making and repair; and maintenance including evaluation and minor adjustments to most stringed instruments. Bring your instrument!

$20 per person. Register by email aims@ns.sympatico.ca or phone Johannes at (902) 345-2883.

Square Dance Workshop with Roddie's Square Dancing Society
One session only
Monday Oct 8: 1:30 - 4 pm
Participants will be taught the four figfures of Roddie's Square Dance - three jigs and a reel. Join some of the regular dancers to learn this traditional St. Peter's and area set. Dancers at all levels from pure novice are welcome.
$7 per person. Register by email rslandry@hotmail.com or call Shirley Landry at (902) 535-2093

Thanks to our sponsors for ongoing and generous support!

The East Coast Music Community Is Again Coping With The Sudden Death of John Ferguson

John Ferguson Dies Suddenly Friday .









The East Coast Music community is again coping with a death of one of their very talented entertainers.
Singer-Songwriter, John Ferguson died suddenly at his home in Dartmouth on Friday.  John was born in Cape Breton and gained popularity as a member of the Irish influenced band McGinty. John also had a very successful solo career.  Just this past Spring he released his latest recording, "Songs, Tunes and Stories". John was scheduled to perform at the Celtic Colours Concert "Across the Sea To Ireland" in D'Escousse on Monday, he will be greatly missed by the entertainment community and his many fans in Cape Breton Island and all of Nova Scotia. 

     

Celtic Colours Festival Comes To Richmond County

 

 

 

 

 

 

Celtic Colours International Festival

                       Comes to Richmond County

Visitors coming to Cape Breton Island are definitely in for a great time. Celtic Colour Concerts will take place in 4 Richmond County communities, starting in D’Escousse
with Across The Sea To Ireland on October 8^th taking place at the D’Escousse Civic Improvement Hall. Before the concert, enjoy a nearby supper of Meat Pie at Our Lady of Assumption Parish Hall from 4 to 6:30pm. A traditional Acadian meal of homemade meat pie, including dessert and tea or coffee. In nearby St. Peter’s during the day there will be Celtic Colours workshops taking place at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn for Beginner and Intermediate and Advanced Fiddle Class. Fee $35.00 per session- instructor Dwayne Cote.  A Beginner Tin Whistle Workshop Fee of $15.00 per session with instructor Paul Davis. A Celtic Guitar Chording with a fee of $35.00 per session with instructor Dwayne Cote. A Square Dance Workshop-Roddie's Set will be held at the St. Peter's United Church Hall in St. Peter's- Fee $7.00. Then following the concert there will be after hour events held from 10pm to 1am at  the Isle Madame Kitchen Party at L'Auberge Acadienne Inn in Arichat and the Kitchen Racket Jam Session at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. Admission at both these events is (tickets $5 or $2 with concert ticket stub.

The second concert will be held at the Riverdale Community Centre in Lower River with A Touch Of The Irish. Before the concert visitors can take in Sounds and Supper by the Sea at Lobsters R Us in L’Ardoise. Visitors can also enjoy more of the Learning Opportunities Workshops in Fiddle and Chording at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s. In the evening visitors can enjoy a Jam Session at the MacBouch Restaurant and Lounge from 7 to 9pm and then move the party over to the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn for the Kitchen Racket from 10pm until 1am.

The 3^rd Celtic Colours concert takes place at the St. Peter’s Lions Hall on October 10^th, with Ceilidh on The Canal. Before the concert visitors can take in some of those great learning opportunities workshops or take in the Arm of Gold Song Session and a delicious meal of Fishcakes and Beans at the St. Georges Channel Community Center in St. Georges Channel from 1-6:30pm. And end the evening at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn for the Kitchen Racket Jam Session.

And the Last concert in Richmond takes place at the L’Ardoise Community Centre with Still Brakin’ Tradition. Before the concert take in the Learning Opportunities workshop with Cape Breton entertainer JP Cormier for Celtic Guitar. Following the concert return for another evening of entertainment at the Kitchen Racket at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn.

What a festival, and while you are experiencing all this great entertainment, Make sure not to miss the great shopping opportunities the area has to offer. You will definitely want to take some time during your day to visit the beautiful gift shops in the Village of St. Peter’s. Here visitors will find Mac’s Celtic Shop known for its Irish and Scottish gift items, Lynn’s Flowers and Gifts a beautiful gift shop with Nova Scotia style items and last but not least Glad Tidings the Christmas Shoppe. One of the nicest Christmas gift shops in all ofNova Scotia.  In the St. Georges Channel area stop in at Forget Me Knots, a beautiful little gift shop offering 90% local crafters work. In Isle Madame stop in at La Picasse and visit their Acadian Gift Boutique for some beautiful acadian items. I hope you will enjoy the Festival and our beautiful County of Richmond steeped in history, culture and music.  

Come To The Fair- The Annual L'Ardoise Fall Fair October 6th. and 7th, at The L'Ardoise Community Centre

L'Ardoise Annual Fall Fair

October 6^th and 7^th, 2012

Breakfast 7am-10am

4-6pm Potluck Supper

Oct.7, 2012 : Annual Fall Fair - L'Ardoise

9am Bake Sale

11am-1pm Turkey Dinner

2pm Auction

Throughout the weekend you can purchase tickets on 6500 watt Ducan Generator. Tickets are sold $2 each or 3 for $5.

Thank you for Supporting L'Ardoise Volunteer Fire Department!

Celtic Colours International Festival Concert Series Starts Tonight In Port Hawkesbury

 

 

The Celtic Colours International Festival Presents

“My Island Too”

Friday October 5th

Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre, Port Hawkesbury – 7:30 PM, Tickets: $60/50/40, Reserved Seating

Artists for this spectacular concert come from near and far: Cape Breton Super Star Natalie MacMaster, will be joined by a lively fiddlers group, Fiddlers' Bid, from Scotland,  Asham Stompers a dance group from Manitoba, Goiridh Dòmhnallach Gaelic singer and story teller from Cape Breton, St. Peter’s Native and well known Cape Breton entertainer Cyril MacPhee,  Rachel Aucoin & Sabin Jacques, talented young entertainers from Quebec, Pepeto Pinto is an entertainer from Jamaica who will keep the audience’s attention with his steel drums which he hand crafted himself, Jason Roach of Cape Breton and Darren McMullen of Nova Scotia. Concert goers will definitely be in for a night of enjoyment as they take their seats at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre. Here is a description of the show from Celtic Colours organizers.

“No one found it surprising when Natalie MacMaster called her latest album “Cape Breton Girl”. Tonight everyone’s favourite Cape Breton girl is home to open the festival and share her beloved island with friends from other islands and provinces…from Shetland the amazing fiddle band Fiddlers’ Bid, from Jamaica Pepito Pinto, Metis dancers the Asham Stompers from Manitoba and close buddies Rachel and Sabin from Quebec. Rachel is actually from Cheticamp, so she, along with Goiridh and Cyril will complete the Cape Breton musical welcoming committee. Be prepared for surprises!”

Before you attend the October 5^th My Island Too concert stop and enjoy a delicious meal at “Supper at the Causeway”, at 4pm. The meal will take place at Port Hastings Fire Hall– 15 Old Victoria Road, Port Hastings. Visitors can enjoy a traditional Cape Breton meal of homemade fishcakes and baked beans with brown bread, biscuits, dessert, and tea or coffee. Price: $10.00. For more information on this event please contact: Maxine Smith. At  em.smith@ns.sympatico.ca or call  (902) 625-1516

During Celtic Colours the music does not stop with the closing of the concert halls doors, visitors can continue to experience the Celtic music at the Kitchen Racket Jam Session at the Bras d’Or Lakes Inn in St. Peter’s – which will take place throughout the Celtic Colours Festival starting on Friday, October 5th at 10:00pm until 1am and run thru to October 12^th.  Musicians, players and singers of all skill levels as well as those who just enjoy great music are invited to join in our Kitchen Racket acoustic jam sessions. This is an excellent opportunity for visitors to play with local Cape Bretoners in a traditional jam. Price: $5 ($2 with a concert ticket stub) / Free for participating musicians. For more information on this event please contact:  St. Peter's Economic Development Organization at info@kitchenrackets.org or call  (902) 535-3990

October 4th, The Port Hawkesbury Community Market Comes To The Civic Centre

 

I love Community Markets, the variety of items is excellent and the flavor of the fresh grown vegetables and out of the oven baked bread cannot be beat. Brings back memories of when I was a kid, when everything came straight from the garden to the table and coming home from school to the smell of delicious home baked bread just out of the oven, waiting to be cut and served with butter and molasses for our snack. Come out to the Port Hawkesbury Community Market and start creating memories for your family. Support the Buy Local Program.

 

I received this information on the Market which will take place on October 4th from 2-6pm at the Civic Centre.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Port Hawkesbury Community Market

Hope everyone is ready for the next Market. October 4th at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre from  2-6pm. Yes, we have veggies! Yes, we have fresh lamb and pork! Yes, we have cheeses and breads! And Yes, we have Sausages! What a great combination - this could be the best one of the season!