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Good times!
Well Worth the Drive New Brunswick July 10-16
Richibucto
Scallop Festival
Head to the public wharf and celebrate this succulent food from the sea! Shuck some scallops or take in the illuminated fishing boat parade. Also: music, fireworks and a bazaar on Main Street. Information: (506) 523-7870 or kim.guimond@richibucto.org.
July 15
St. Andrews
Summer Garden Tour
Tour the gardens of stately heritage homes, charming cottages and seaside gems in historic St. Andrews, all in support of the first dementia care unit in Charlotte County, at Passamaquoddy Lodge. The self-guided tour takes place from 12 to 5 p.m. Bonus: reduced admission fees to the 27-acre Kingsbrae Garden. Hosted by By-the-Sea Garden Club. Information: (506) 529-5246 or karen.lord@nb.aibn.ca.
July 15-16
Bayfield
Osprey Festival
Along with the chance to try out those new binoculars and see one of the largest birds of prey in North America, the majestic osprey, there are demonstrations, hands-on activities, walks and video screenings at this celebration of wildlife and conservation. Cape Jourimain Nature Centre. Information: 1-866-538-2220 or ramsey.hart@capejourimain.org.
August 4-7
Lower Cape
Quilt Show and Sale
This annual quilt show and sale has been keeping Atlantic Canadians warm with handmade works of art for more than 20 years. Includes a quilting demonstration and a display of a variety of sewing crafts; held at the Lower Cape Community Hall. Information: (506) 734-2515 or quilter@nbnet.nb.ca.
August 11-13
Moncton
Arts & Crafts Fair
Support local artisans while finding a unique gift or something for your home. Held at Victoria Park, this 26th annual fair will feature arts and crafts for sale, craft demonstrations, food and music. Information: (506) 386-1200, oscar@nb.aibn.com or www.victoriapark-crafts.com.
August 11-13
Rusagonis
Gospel Music Festival
Aching for some heartfelt, good ol' gospel music? With more than 20 performers from across the Maritimes presenting both contemporary and country gospel music on an outdoor stage, you're sure to get into the spirit of things. Rough camping available; country suppers provided on Saturday and Sunday. Held at the Rusagonis Baptist Church. Information: (506) 459-7419 or www.NBGMF.com. Nova Scotia June 30-July 2
Canso
Stan Rogers Folk Festival
From international artists to homegrown favourites, Stan Fest has an incredible line-up that includes folk, country, jazz, aboriginal, swing, blues, gospel, pop, rock, bluegrass and world music. Hear beat poet and songwriter Annie Gallup, Australian alt-country band The Audreys, Juno-nominated performer James Keelaghan, Canadian folk mainstay Paul Mills and, from our very own region, the talented Bruce Guthro, Charlie A'Court, J.P. Cormier, Ron Hynes, George Canyon-among others. This three-day musical extravaganza, marking its 10th anniversary, pays tribute to one of Canada's most revered songwriters, Stan Rogers. Information: 1-888-554-7826 or www.stanfest.com.
July 15-16
River John
Victorian Lavender Festival
Inhale the sweet scent of the season's first lavender blossoms in the serenity of a Victorian-era garden party. Event includes lavender history displays, samples, classical music, a variety of potted perennials and herbs for sale and locally-made garden decor. Beach Lane Lavender Farm, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: (902) 351-2601 or www.lavendercanada.com.
July 22
River John
Seventh Annual Read by the Sea
Bring a lawn chair and sun hat and head to the River John Canadian Legion Hall for this one-day literary event. In the morning it's all about kids during the WordPlay Extravaganza, with readings from award-winning publications, a workshop, snacks and an open mic. At 2 p.m. the main event begins as authors read in an open-air setting; the pork chop barbecue at 5 p.m. is followed by an open mic for eight new writers. Information: www.readbythesea.ca.
July 29-August 15
Southwest Nova Scotia
Festival Acadien de Clare
The Acadians of Saint Mary's Bay area are ready to celebrate again this year! Highlights of "the oldest Acadian festival in the world"-running since 1955-include the opening concert on July 29 (featuring La Virée, Blou and Hert LeBlanc); a parade and bazaar on July 30; the popular fais dodo, a concert during which Cajun dishes will be served, on August 5; and the August 15 celebrations marking National Acadian Day. Locations vary, from the Clare Social Club in Little Brook to Université Sainte-Anne in Church Point. Information: (902) 769-0832 or www.acadianfestivals.com.
July 30
Blandford
Artful Garden
Stroll through gardens while shopping at this annual fundraiser for the Bosom Buddies-a non-profit dragon boat paddling team of breast cancer survivors. Artful Garden showcases the work of Nova Scotia artisans in a garden setting. Enjoy blueberry shortcake, whipped cream and iced tea.
Held at Century House, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Information: 1-888-680-8808 or www.bosombuddies.ca.
August 4-6
Stewiacke
Centennial Town Days
Music, fireworks, celebrating in the street (otherwise known as a parade) and activities for children. Information: (902) 639-2231 (town hall) or sdorey@stewiacke.net.
August 5
Halifax
Daylily Daze
Plant sales, raffles, displays, presentations and workshops on daylilies and hybridizing-it's all at the Nova Scotia Daylily Society's annual bazaar. Held at the First United Baptist Church Hall, Hammonds Plains, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Information: (902) 835-7469 or www.geocities.com/tgpetite/.
August 6
Lunenburg
Nova Scotia Folk Art Festival
Folk art is alive and well in Nova Scotia! This 18th annual festival will feature more than 40 juried exhibitors and 1,500 new pieces of folk art for sale. The afternoon includes a country auction, good music and good food. At the Lunenburg Arena from 12 to 4 p.m. Information: (902) 766-4295 or www.nsfolkartfestival.com.
August 18-19
Bible Hill
Quilt/Hooked Rug Sale
Browse through displays of handcrafted items at St. David's Church's annual quilt and hooked rug sale; check out the artists' supplies swap and sale-also the church's 14 new stained-glass windows. From 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Information: (902) 893-4497 or rshilliard@eastlink.ca.
August 18-20
Kempt Shore
Bluegrass and Oldtime Music Festival
Pack your mandolin, banjo, guitar or bass-and your family-and head to the Minas Basin. This three-day event features the Maritimes' best bluegrass and oldtime bands (including Bluegrass Diamonds, A New Shade of Blue, Grassfire, the Spinney Brothers), workshops and an open mic.
Show runs from 5 p.m. on Friday to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday. Information: (902) 633-2535 or www.novascotiabluegrass.com.
August 19
Louisbourg
Race Through Time
Runners at this 12th annual event will start at the George D. Lewis School and run through the world-famous reconstructed fortified town of Louisbourg. This 13-kilometre race between two towns 200 years apart isn't just a run, it's a historic journey! Relax at the post-race reception that includes an awards presentation and spaghetti supper. The race starts at 6:30 p.m. Information: (902) 733-2351 or www.geocities.com/bfiander_ca/race. Newfoundland and Labrador July 21-23
Mount Pearl
City Days
Help Mount Pearl celebrate its birthday! A full weekend of entertainment and activities featuring outdoor concerts each day, games of chance, and food and beverage concessions. Events begin with the opening ceremonies, a family pig roast and comedy night on Friday. On Saturday enjoy the family breakfast, scavenger hunt, car and motorcycle show. On Sunday, it's the mega birthday blitz and concert. Held at St. David's Field. Information: (709) 748-1008 or www.mountpearl.ca.
July 21-23
Belleoram
Iron Skull Folk Festival
Named after the mountain across the harbour from Belleoram, this annual festival features three days of traditional Newfoundland music by a variety of local, provincial and regional performers. Information: (709) 881-3103 or maysteward@canada.com.
July 21-30
Holyrood
Squid Fest
Jig a squid! Or a least race one…Come celebrate the inshore squid fishery in Holyrood Harbour. Activities include a teddy bear picnic and a bicycle rodeo for children, relaxing afternoons listening to local folk talent, evenings with live entertainment and dancing at the beach party. Also: a car show, art exhibition-and meals. Information: (709) 229-7252 or www.townofholyrood.com/AnnualEvents SquidFest.htm.
July 30-August 6
St. John's
Come-Home-Week
and Folk Festival
Summer vacation means a chance to come home! Festivities include a storytelling event, a reunion dinner, a folk night and a multicultural night. The 30th annual folk festival closes the week of activities, celebrating Newfoundland and Labrador's unique culture with music and interactive workshops where you can learn a traditional dance or tune. Information: 1-866-576-8505 or www.sjfac.nf.net.
August 8-12
Makkovik
Makkovik Trout Festival
Craving fish? One of the main events of the trout festival is the trout supper, which is trout served smoked, fried, stewed and brewed. (Chicken and caribou will also be available.) Events such as tournaments in beach volleyball and cribbage, a parade, an obstacle course, a teen dance and an adult dance help participants work up an appetite for more. Information: (709) 923-2123 or john_anderson3@hotmail.com.
August 17-20
Between Glenwood and Lewisporte
Annual Rug Camp and Display
Want to learn how to hook a rug? The annual rug camp-run by the Rug Hooking Guild of Newfoundland and Labrador-features workshops and training sessions from beginner level to advanced. Held at Twin Ponds Camp; runs from 6:30 p.m. on Thursday to noon on Sunday. On Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m. a display of rugs hooked by guild members is open to the public. Information: (709) 489-5303 or www.cornet.nf.ca/web/rhgnl/camp.htm. Prince Edward Island June 17-September 4
Charlottetown
Avonlea Concert
Polish those dancing shoes and head to Avonlea Village. Traditional step dancing and fiddling and accordion music are featured every day at 2 p.m. in the historic church. Information: (902) 963-3050 or anne@avonlea.ca or www.avonlea.ca.
July 12-September 3
Summerside
Anne & Gilbert
Ever wonder about Anne's life after she left Green Gables? The musical "Anne & Gilbert" can fill you in. Based on L.M. Montgomery's sequel novels to Anne of Green Gables, the show follows the uncertain romance between a young adult Anne Shirley and Gilbert Blythe. Last year its première sold out and this year the show moves to a larger venue, at the Harbourfront Jubilee Theatre. Information:
1-800-708-6505 or www.anneandgilbert.com.
July 14-16
South Rustico
British Car Days Across the Bridge
This is a jam-packed weekend of activities for participants who enter their vintage British vehicles in the annual show. Owners socialize, buy/sell and trade stories and technical knowledge. The general public can view and admire some of the best cars in the Atlantic Provinces and Northeastern US during the day-long show on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to
4 p.m. Information: (902) 964-3294 or www.bmapei.com.
July 25-August 13
Victoria by the Sea
Culture Shock
What happens when small town meets big city? Lorne Elliott's comedy follows the life of Hilyard Philpott who leaves his home in a Newfoundland outport and hits the road for Montreal, armed with only his wits. Hilyard's wits being what they are, he's in deep trouble. However: things are not always what they seem! Information: 1-800-925-2025 or www.victoriaplayhouse.com.
August 4-5
Crapaud
PEI Truck & Tractor Pull Championships
Competitors and fans of the truck and tractor pull have come from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Maine over the past 24 years to combine their love of the sport with a vacation. Held at the Crapaud Exhibition Grounds; activities start 4:30 p.m. on Friday and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. Information: (902) 658-2787 or annmerdon@pei.sympatico.ca.
August 31-September 3
Abram-Village
Evangeline Agricultural Exhibition & Acadian Festival
Chat with Mr. Mustang the talking horse, tie on a bib for the lobster-eating contest or sit back and enjoy some top-notch Acadian talent. Other activities include a strong-man competition, agricultural and craft competitions and demonstrations, horse
pull competition, woodsmen's competition,
a parade and a dance. Stay at the RV campground and make a trip of it! Information: (902) 854-3300 or
centreexpo-festival@pei.sympatico.ca.
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