News release

Select Nova Scotia Sponsors Picnic in the Past on Georges Island

Agriculture

This summer, Nova Scotians can reconnect with Halifax's historic past and enjoy local fare at a community picnic on Georges Island.

The inaugural Picnic in the Past will be held on Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21. This family-friendly picnic is sponsored by Select Nova Scotia, the province's successful Buy Local marketing campaign, and organized by Sports and Entertainment Atlantic, a local events company.

"Partnering with Sports and Entertainment Atlantic to create an exciting new Buy Local event is a great way for Select Nova Scotia to support our farmers and the local economy," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "Buying local is good for Nova Scotians and good for farmers. It's a win win."

Picnic-goers can explore Georges Island and visit its tunnels with Parks Canada interpreters. Other highlights include an 1812 encampment, children's entertainment and a variety of delicious local food products by Select Nova Scotia members.

"Any opportunity to showcase agriculture to Nova Scotians is good for farmers," said Dennis Boudreau, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "We are pleased that buying local is a focal point of this inaugural event."

More than 400 businesses across Nova Scotia belong to Select Nova Scotia, which helps Nova Scotians find, choose and support local. Picnic in the Past is the first of 16 Select Nova Scotia-sponsored community picnics as part of this summer's IncrEDIBLE picnic program.

Visitors can pre-order a Select Nova Scotia picnic basket for their Georges Island adventure, filled with a family lunch made with local food and ingredients.

Georges Island will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with transportation from the wharf in front of the Bicycle Thief restaurant at Bishop's Landing.

Visit www.selectnovascotia.ca for information on local products, where to buy local, recipes, events and attractions featuring local products, as well as the benefits of eating and buying local.

For information about Picnic in the Past and to buy tickets, visit www.picnicinthepast.ca .