ADEDA News

While regional tourism operators are reporting positive indications of increased traffic from visitors arriving by the traditional land based routes, especially from the United States, there’s been perhaps even busier business from visitors arriving by sea. The major media outlets have been featuring stories recently on the economic boom being provided to the tourism industry from cruise ship traffic to Atlantic Canada. The traditional destinations in Nova Scotia such as Halifax and Sydney are as popular as always, but the Bay of Fundy is also becoming an exceptionally well-liked choice for the cruise industry.

One of the recent signs of our growing attractiveness was the visit to Digby of the cruise ship MV Balmoral, which brought 1200 visitors and contributed dramatically the local economy during its one day visit last fall. We here at the Annapolis Digby Economic Development Agency (ADEDA) have been working closely with the local Cruise Fundy organization (www.cruisefundy.com) to revive the cruise ship and international yachting visitation program to the Annapolis Basin, with encouraging prospects.

And we are tremendously encouraged to note the success being experienced at the Port of Saint John, where officials claim that the Bay is becoming a major draw, with one official stating “the cruise industry has heavily endorsed the Bay of Fundy area in brochures and advertising campaigns distributed all over the world”.

That’s got to be a major plus as the tourism industry campaigners in our area aggressively approach the cruise market.

All For One
And the phenomenal tidal tug of the Fundy revealed its awesome strength in a more unusual fashion recently. In a rare show of political unanimity Canada’s provincial Premiers collectively endorsed the Bay of Fundy’s candidacy for being selected as one of the new seven wonders of nature competition (www.new7wonders.com). The Bay of Fundy is one of only 28 candidates still remaining for selection, and the only Canadian nominated site. As a matter fact, the only other North American site under consideration is the Grand Canyon. It’s always wonderful when our political leaders all come together in common cause, even if that harmony is precipitated by a single option.

Everything Old is New Again
There’s a new zest for some seasoned timbers in Bear River. While the community may have lost its iconic windmill to the ravages of age, the folks in Bear River are determined to save their museum. The Bear River Heritage Museum celebrates the area’s boat building, lumbering and social history. It’s operated by the Bear River Historical Society and its future was conserved at a recent community meeting.

Door to Door Through the Centuries
And speaking of seasoned timbers, there’s probably no better way to view our architectural heritage than by walking the beautiful tree lined streets of Annapolis Royal at this time of year. And this month the Annapolis Heritage Society and the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens are combining to offer everyone a chance to walk through the ages with a tour of selected heritage homes as well as view historic garden arrangements. A wonderful combination of material culture with agriculture – and all for a good cause.

Past and Present Pageantry
In Digby they’ve been strolling through the past in a more theatrical fashion. A dramatic performance depicting the town’s social history was premiered at the Digby Community Theatre by the Digby Area Theatre Society. Written and directed by the very prolific Hal Theriault, along with the talented Paul Saulnier, and performed by an enthusiastic amateur cast, “Pages From Our Story” received a warm review over its two day presentation. While in a pageant of different kind, but received with equally great community zeal, congratulations are extended to Syndee LeBlanc of North Range who was chosen this year’s Queen of the town’s annual Scallop Festival, succeeding Josie Zakhour of Digby.

Do You Want “Wings” with That Lunch?
Sure enough we’re justifiably proud of our historical accomplishments, heritage buildings, “wooden ships and iron men”, and all that stuff. And we do really want a part of that burgeoning cruise ship business. But the Annapolis Digby area today also offers contemporary ways to come and go. One of these is a modern community airport facility. The Municipality of Digby Airport is Nova Scotia’s highest airport at 499 feet above sea level and capable of accommodating medium, twin engine aircraft. Situated on 500 acres of land with a 3950 foot runway, the airport is equipped with AVGAS and ground phone services and is staffed 24 hours, 7 days a week. It’s going to get a new name shortly and to celebrate it’s hosting a Fly In Lunch and Open House. So plan to “drop in”, so to speak.

Artful Weekend Opportunities
If you’re looking to explore your sensitive side in Annapolis Digby this weekend, there’s a veritable palette of opportunities. You might want take in “Paint The Town” in Annapolis Royal where artists from all over participate and paint in this popular annual event on Saturday and Sunday. For a musical break Saturday night take a trip down the road to Margaretsville’s Evergreen Theatre, easy to find now with its spiffy new road signage. Featured this weekend is Papilo, listed on the playbill as “a neo-traditional band that captures the organic spirit and drive of traditional Celtic, folk, Nordic and world music”. Now, if that doesn’t seem to offer something for everybody, I’m challenged to know what could do it better.

Till next week;

Peter

Peter MacLellan
Annapolis Digby EDA
86 Atlantic Avenue
PO Box 271
Cornwallis, Nova Scotia