Halifax comes alive every August during the Halifax International Busker Festival, when street performers from all over the world come to town for this 11 day event. Enjoy music, magic and fun along the waterfront. www.buskers.ca
From August 17-20, Nova Scotia will be participating in the Milwaukee Irish Fest to promote the province as a tourism destination through its music and culture to the over130,000 visitors to this festival.
In partnership with the festival organizers, Nova Scotia musicians including: The Cottars, Mary Jane Lamond, Beolach, Jerry Holland, Dave Gunning, JP Cormier, and Buddy MacDonald will perform all weekend at the Nova Scotia Celtic Roots tent and other festival stages. Staff from the Tourism Division will be on site to provide travel counselling in the Nova Scotia village along with other participants from both our culture and tourism sectors, including: Celtic Colours, the Gaelic College, Music Nova Scotia, Atlantic Craft Trade Show, Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo, the Highland Village Museum, the Celtic Music Interpretative Centre, and two artisans who specialize in Celtic crafts, handmade in Nova Scotia.
As part of the week end celebration, the Canadian Consulate in Chicago, Irish Fest organizers and the Department of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism are hosting a client reception on Friday, August 18th, to promote Nova Scotia to travel and culture media, festival organizers, and travel trade guests.
Renovations have begun on the former Keddy’s/Howard Johnson’s property on St. Margarets Bay Road in Halifax which is scheduled to re-open in fall 2006 as a Super 8 Motel. The lakefront property will feature 140 rooms, upgraded banquet facilities and a restaurant.
Halifax’s newest event venue opened on the waterfront in June. The Cunard Centre, located on Pier 23, has been completely renovated into a large, year-round, multipurpose centre. The 53,000 square-foot column-free facility can handle banquets for up to 2,500 people and receptions for 4,000 plus trade and consumer shows, concerts and more. The space can also be divided for smaller gatherings. www.cunardcentre.ca
As part of the Canada-New England cruise itinerary, Nova Scotia’s National Parks and National Historic Sites offer a unique variety of “enhanced” programs. These special experiential programs offer a more in-depth visit, can be customized and are more exclusive. For example, after-hours tours and dinners, Scotch tasting programs at the Halifax Citadel or behind-the-scenes tours at Fortress of Louisbourg. If you are looking for unique experiences which will give your clients “bragging rights,” contact Parks Canada today to learn more. Elizabeth MacDonald, pc.gc.ca, 902-426-2566.
The recently opened centre showcases and interprets the native Mi’kmaw culture of the region including an innovative audio visual presentation, exhibits, artifacts, a gift shop and visitor information centre. www.glooscapheritagecentre.com
Construction will begin this year on a new state-of-the-art facility to interpret and promote the Joggins Fossil Cliffs. Anticipated opening is for 2007.
Nova Scotia representative(s) will be attending these upcoming marketplaces/trade shows:
- Student & Youth Travel Association Conference, September 8-12, 2006, Boston, Massachusetts
- Atlantic Canada Showcase, October 3-5, 2006, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
- Bienvenue Quebec Marketplace, October 24-25, 2006, Laval, Quebec
- National Tour Association Annual Convention, November 3-7, 2006, Salt Lake City, Utah
- Ontario Motorcoach Association Marketplace, November 11-15, 2006, Toronto, Ontario