Tall Ships Return to Halifax in 2004

WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT CORP.--Tall Ships Return to Halifax in 2004

The fourth major visit of tall ships to Nova Scotia will take place in the summer of 2004, in time to celebrate the World Acadian Congress, organizers announced today, May 2. The theme of the event will be Tall Ships 2004 - A Salute to L'Acadie.

"We are delighted that up to 40 tall ships are expected to visit Halifax between July 29 and Aug. 2, 2004," said Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture. "By linking the Tall Ships and le Congrés Mondial du Acadiens, we are ensuring that we'll have a world-class event and a world-class party."

In addition to the vessels, which will be berthed along the Halifax waterfront, a number of entertainment venues will be established to feature Acadian, Cajun and French performers as well as arts and crafts by Acadian artists.

Robert Thibault, minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said the federal government looks forward to working with the event organizers.

"The theme is a natural fit during the celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Acadians in Nova Scotia," said Mr. Thibault. "This will truly be a cultural showcase to the world."

Economic Development Minister Cecil Clarke said the Nova Scotia government, through the Waterfront Development Corp., has signed an agreement with the American Sail Training Association (ASTA) to make the province the Canadian host of the 2004 Tall Ships Challenge.

"The last visit of the Tall Ships in 2000 generated $55 million in economic activity for the province," said Mr. Clarke. "We're looking forward to more economic benefits from next year's visit."

Mr. MacDonald said le Congrés Mondial is expected to draw 100,000 visitors to Nova Scotia and another 750,000 people are expected to come to Halifax to see the Tall Ships.

"The combined draw of these two events should make 2004 a spectacular year for Nova Scotia tourism," said the minister.

Halifax Regional Municipality Mayor Peter Kelly noted that this event is another win for Halifax and the province as a whole.

"I encourage everyone to make plans to be in Halifax during Tall Ships 2004 - A Salute to L'Acadie," said Mr. Kelly. "This city is going to be hopping."

More than 60 vessels took part in the first Tall Ships visit to Halifax in 1984. A smaller group of 25 vessels visited in 1995 and 82 vessels took part in the millennium Tall Ships 2000 event.