Bluenose II Kicks Off Canada Day in Pictou

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Nova Scotians can celebrate Canada Day this weekend with the province’s sailing ambassador, Bluenose II, in Pictou.

As part of Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta, Bluenose II will visit Pictou today, June 30. It will remain in Pictou through July 3.

The Bluenose will be open to the public in Pictou for deck visits as well as for harbor cruises on July 3 (weather pending). Information on the Bluenose’s schedule is available at https://www.facebook.com/sailbluenoseii/ and https://twitter.com/SailBluenoseII .

“Having the RDV 2017 Tall Ships Regatta in Pictou for the Canada Day weekend, and especially Canada 150, is a great honour. The fact that we are also able to host Bluenose II at our port is even more special,” said Darlene MacDonald, director for sector development at Tourism Nova Scotia. “As Pictou is home to Nova Scotia’s other tall ship, the Ship Hector, it is indeed a great pleasure to welcome all these vessels to our home port.

“Pictou has a rich seafaring tradition and this weekend will see that tradition come alive once more.”

For the full Pictou Canada Day weekend schedule, visit http://rdv2017ns.com/the-event-schedule/?port=pictou .

Canada Day will also mark the launch of the Bluenose II mobile exhibit. The exhibit, which contains artifacts and information panels, is an information centre for the ship. It will join the Bluenose II at each post she visits this summer.

Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta is a 7,000-nautical mile transatlantic race, led by Sail Training International. The Tall Ships will visit Nova Scotia ports until August 16. A full schedule is available at http://www.rdv2017.com/en/participating-cities/ . The province and the Government of Canada/Heritage Canada provided financial support to make RDV 2017 happen.

Other Canada Day celebrations supported through the Government of Nova Scotia’s 150 Forward Fund include the Chester Yacht Club Parade of Sail, the Canada 150 Literary Festival in Margaree Forks and the Stan Rogers Folk Festival. As part of the 150th anniversary of Confederation, funding was provided to about 170 community organizations to plan events that honour significant Nova Scotians or achievements, commemorate significant historical events, or celebrate the province’s cultural identity and ethnic diversity.

“The Government of Nova Scotia was pleased to provide over $6 million for Canada 150 projects throughout the province,” said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leo Glavine. “These events unite us as Nova Scotians and as Canadians. They help us celebrate our province’s rich cultural tapestry, our ethnic diversity, and our unique Nova Scotian identity.

“It’s a great weekend for all Nova Scotians to be out in our communities enjoying a multitude of festivals and special events. On behalf of the Government of Nova Scotia, I wish every Nova Scotian a happy Canada Day!”

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Source: Release