Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Nova Scotia, one of Canada’s major tourist destinations heralds the start of summer this week with festival preparations and other uniquely Nova Scotian summer traditions.
The Apple Blossom Festival in Kentville, in the Annapolis Valley on the Bay of Fundy is a spring staple to many tourists who enjoy the heritage celebration of this unique and picturesque region. Community involvement is key to the festival’s success and charm with local crafts and traditional activities playing a strong role. Preparation for the Apple Blossom festival alone requires organizing 300 volunteers to help out and take part over a several month period culminating in the Grand Street Parade, as well as several concerts, many social events, craft fairs, dances, barbecues, and children’s activities. The festival celebrates the apple-orchard and wine country region of the Annapolis Valley, May 27th to June 1st.
Also in the Annapolis Valley at this time of year, you could spot people in traditional Acadian costumes dating back to the 18th century. These people are actors/animators at the Grand Pré National Historic Site which features costumed guides, history tours, and traditional craft and gardening workshops to show visitors the real-life history of this former Acadian region. Summer visitors can experience a Traditional Picnic or see the troubadour style theatrical performance, both new programs launched this year running June 28 to August 30, 2009.
As a province deeply connected to its seafaring heritage, an important sign that summer is near in Nova Scotia are preparations being made for sailing the famous Bluenose II Schooner. Currently being outfitted in Lunenburg, crews are busy readying the sails, polishing the deck and a thousand other tasks. The famous vessel is being readied for sail training exercises at the end of May, and a summer that includes the International Tall Ships event – a major attraction to Halifax and other ports throughout Nova Scotia.
For more Nova Scotia festivals or to plan a 2009 Nova Scotia vacation, visit novascotia.com.
For more information, including interviews, please contact:
Randy Brooks
Tourism, Culture and Heritage
Phone: 902-424-4171
E-mail: rbrooks@gov.ns.ca
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