News release

July Events, Tourist Experiences

Tourism, Culture and Heritage (Dec. 2003 - Jan. 2011)

Tourists will experience a slice of Nova Scotia life at July's signature events featuring living history, Acadian feasts, Highland games, rum-running races, and an eclectic mix of music from jazz to bluegrass.

"As our busiest tourism months get underway, communities across Nova Scotia are hopping with festivals and events, and welcoming tourists to experience our culture and heritage," said Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Len Goucher. "The multitude of tourism experiences includes eight signature events, such as the Changing of the Guard, which will draw living history enthusiasts from across North America and Britain."

The Changing of the Guard is a new event this year. More than 1,000 re-enactors will bring history to life from July 18 to 23 at the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to mark the 100th anniversary of the last British forces leaving North America. During the event, a series of tented communities arranged by time period will be on display. Re-enactment units will operate the garrison with flag raising and lowering, changing of the guard and sentry, and drill and weapons demonstrations.

Military heritage will also be celebrated along with civilian performances in the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo from July 1 to 8 at the Halifax Metro Centre. The show recently received the designation royal from Queen Elizabeth II on her 80th birthday. Acts from Estonia, Switzerland, Oman and Germany will join the familiar pipes and drums, regimental bands and the popular gun run in this 27th production of the tattoo.

Bagpipes are a staple at the Antigonish Highland Games which have been held every year since 1863. From July 14 to 16, tourists can take in concerts, ceilidhs, a parade, piping, drumming and Highland dancing competitions, and ancient heavyweight events such as the popular caber toss.

Music takes centre stage at two of Nova Scotia's signature attractions. The Stan Rogers Folk Festival runs from June 30 to July 2 in Canso. It pays tribute to the singer-songwriter with folk, jazz, Celtic, gospel and bluegrass performances. At the TD Canada Trust Atlantic Jazz Festival in Halifax, musicians come from near and far to jam with each other and share their urban groove, blues, jazz and world beat rhythms with locals and tourists. The jazz festival runs from July 14 to 23.

Nova Scotia's seafaring heritage inspires two signature events. The Pictou Lobster Carnival provides three days of tempting seafood treats, parades, buskers and yacht races from July 6 to 9. Yarmouth Seafest features dory and rum-running races, open air concerts, a giant sidewalk sale and the Great Nova Scotia Fishfeast July 12-16.

Beginning July 29 and running until Aug. 14, Festival Acadien de Clare is Canada's largest and oldest annual Acadian festival. There are numerous Acadian feasts with musical entertainment, socials, concerts, numerous children's activities and a boat parade.

Nova Scotia's festivals and events -- including signature events -- are listed in the annual Festival and Events Guide produced by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, and online at www.novascotia.com, under what to do.

Offering experiences to visitors through festivals, events and more is part of the 2006 tourism plan which is developed by the joint industry-government Tourism Partnership Council. The plan is based on extensive research and designed to expand the tourism industry in Nova Scotia. It is available at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc .

Tourism is a $1.29-billion industry in Nova Scotia employing 33,000 people.