1. Now in its 11th year, the Scotiabank Blue Nose Marathon has become the largest participatory event in Atlantic Canada. Blue Nose welcomed 14,000 participants in 2013. In addition to walking and running events that include the 5k, 10k, Half and Full Marathon, the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run has become a flagship family activity and one of the largest youth events in Canada.

Get out there and give’r!

2. Want to see how a sheep’s wool was sheared by hand? How about how it was traditionally processed or spun to make yarn? This weekend join Ross Farm Museum for their annual “Wooly Weekend” event where you can see it all take place!  There will be demonstrations in sheep shearing, washing & spinning wool. Learn about the importance of sheep to early settlers and about the work involved to produce yarn and how woolen yarn was used to make material for the clothing necessary for the cold winter days.

3. The Atlantic Canada Aviation Museum is Atlantic Canada’s only museum devoted to preserving all aspects of Atlantic Canada’s aviation heritage and it opens for the season this weekend! It is owned and operated by local volunteers since its inception in 1977. Both civilian and military aviation history is depicted in the extensive displays found within their facility. Included are hundreds of artifacts, large and small, from books, badges and uniforms to engines and aircraft. Designed to be informative, from a heritage standpoint, visitors will leave with a greater knowledge of aviation.

4. Nova Scotians who want to see Their Royal Highnesses, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, in person will have an opportunity to attend a number of public events Monday, May 19, in Halifax Regional Municipality and Pictou. Governor General David Johnston, Premier Stephen McNeil and other dignitaries will officially welcome Their Royal Highnesses at Grand Parade in Halifax at 10 a.m. There will be a 21-gun-salute, a guard of honour from the Canadian Armed Forces, an aboriginal blessing, a band and a choir performance. The official party and The Prince of Wales will give remarks, then the couple will lay a wreath at the cenotaph and sign guest books before a walkabout. This will be the only time His Royal Highness will give remarks during his stay in the province.

5. Join the team at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to celebrate the 12th birthday of their fine feathered friend, Merlin Macaw. There will be crafts and colouring sheets in the Small Craft Gallery between 1:00 and 3:00, after which, we’ll gather at Merlin’s enclosure for a bath (for Merlin!) and we’ll give him his presents. At 3:30, we’ll be serving cake in the Museum foyer. All of the activities are included with Museum admission. If you can’t make it in person, tune in to Merlin’s webcam at 3:00 AST for the bath and presents.

6. Opening Day at Cole Harbour Heritage Farm Museum is this weekend and guess who has arrived just in time! A little doe kid was born this week at the Farm, to their new Toggenburg goat. They have named her Currant. Mother and baby are doing well. Come and meet them!