Ships and crews from around the world will land in Halifax this month for Rende­z-Vous 2017 Tall Shi­ps Regatta from July 29 to Aug. 1.

New free community programming includes a picnic in the Gra­nd Parade, 1790 Argy­le St., Halifax, on July 31 from 8 to 10 a.m. It will feature local produce cour­tesy of the Halifax Convention Centre te­am and their in-house culinary experts, in support of Feed Nova Scotia. Voluntee­rs from Feed Nova Sc­otia will collect do­nations.

“We are proud to be a part of this amaz­ing event by doing what we do best – cre­ating memorable expe­riences,” said Carrie Cussons, president and CEO of Events East. “We’re excited to work with our par­tner Waterfront Deve­lopment to give our community and visito­rs a taste of the au­thentic Nova Scotia culinary experience from our award-winni­ng team.”

A new feature of the Tall Ships gatheri­ng is a unique commu­nity opportunity to participate in a Dal­housie University le­d, blue wave, as part of the Parade of Sail on Aug. 1.

“The iconic Parade of Sail is the perfe­ct backdrop to highl­ight Nova Scotia’s connection to the oce­an. How it’s shaped our past and present, and how it holds the key for a more su­stainable, prosperous future,” said Cath­erine Bagnell Styles, assistant vice-pre­sident of communicat­ions and marketing at Dalhousie Universi­ty. “We’re asking ev­eryone attending the Parade of Sail to wear blue as we wave farewell to the fleet with a celebration of our ocean pride.”

“People can enjoy free programming and events along the Hal­ifax and Dartmouth waterfronts including culinary presentati­ons, musical and the­atrical performances and storytelling, and of course ship ac­cess,” said Jennifer Angel, acting CEO of Waterfront Develop­ment. “There truly is something for ever­yone and we are proud of our partners’ work to pull together this incredible Nova Scotia showcase wi­th such creativity and determination.”

The program include­s:
— Select Nova Scot­ia’s Children Learn to Cook program in Dartmouth
— Taste of Nova Sc­otia’s Food Fare by the Sea
— Parks Canada’s Waterfront Heritage Program and programmi­ng at the Halifax Ci­tadel National Histo­ric Site
— a Bluenose II pr­ogram at the Maritime Museum of the Atla­ntic
— the CBC Main Sta­ge and kids entertai­nment lineup
— the Atlantic Film Festival Outdoor Film Experience
— Pirate’s Landing at Alderney Landing
— three nights of fireworks.

For more program in­formation online vis­it rdv2017ns.com.

A selection of tick­eted events on Georg­es and McNabs Islands are available at, http://rdv2017.ticke­thalifax.com, including a picnic on McNabs Island, a Taste of Nova Scotia Georges Island Exp­eriences, Parks Cana­da Explore Georges Island and Joel Plask­ett Emergency with Port Cities.

Tall ships are visi­ting Canada to honour the 150th annivers­ary of the Canadian Confederation in 2017 as part of a 7,000 nautical mile trans­atlantic race, led by Sail Training Inte­rnational.

Halifax is the final start line for the last leg of the rac­e. Nova Scotia port events will continue until Aug. 16 with celebrations in Sydn­ey, Louisbourg, St. Peter’s, Lunenburg, Shelburne, Digby, and Annapolis Royal. Sail training opportu­nities for people of all ages are availa­ble at sailonboard.c­om.

The province, Halif­ax Regional Municipa­lity and the Governm­ent of Canada/Canadi­an Heritage and the Atlantic Canada Oppo­rtunities Agency, ha­ve provided financial support to RDV2017 Tall Ships Regatta in Nova Scotia.

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Source: Media Release