News release

Stronger Than Steel Celebration Comes to Sydney

Sydney Tar Ponds Agency

Nova Scotians can look forward to a Mi'kmaq cultural village, performances from some of Nova Scotia's finest musicians, dancers and more as part of the Stronger than Steel celebration in Sydney on Labor Day weekend.

Details of the event were announced today, July 25. It will mark the official opening of the Open Hearth Park and the successful completion of the Sydney Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens cleanup project.

"This project reflects the strength of Cape Breton communities and the many people who have worked hard to revitalize this area in the heart of Sydney." said Deputy Premier Frank Corbett. "It's time to celebrate what's been achieved over the years with the cleanup and to showcase what this new park has to offer. This is definitely an event you don't want to miss."

The celebration will kick off on Friday, Aug. 30 with the official opening of Heart of Steel, and a screening of the short documentary Are You From the Pier, Dear? The weekend will have activities for the whole family, including a multicultural festival, and on Saturday morning, everyone is invited to join in on a drum circle. Delicious food from Right Some Good will be available. They will also present the Garland Canada Master Chef Face Off where eight international chefs will showcase their talent in an exciting competition on Sunday.

"This event has been many decades in the making and we are excited to be presenting a celebration that is inclusive and touches on all aspects of the community's rich history," said Andree Gracie, president of Grey-Sea Artist and Event Management Inc.

Saturday night will feature a musical production, taking the audience on a historical journey ending with fireworks. Musical performers include the Barra MacNeils, Lennie Gallant, Men of the Deeps, Kyle Mischiek, Sons of Membertou and Maynard Morrison and Bette MacDonald.

"The community celebration event will showcase Sydney as a great and green place to live, work and do business," said Keith MacDonald, president and CEO, Cape Breton Partnership. "It will further encourage various forms of local economic development, ranging from tourism opportunities to commercial development."

For more information, visit www.StrongerThanSteel.ca