LOYALIST LEVEE
Tuesday, 1 January 2008, 1-4 pm, Shelburne Community Centre
Ring in the new year and mark the start of the 2008 celebrations in fine Loyalist style! This event will be an amalgamation and expansion of the annual New Year’s Levees of the Town of Shelburne and the Municipality of the District of Shelburne. The Levee will officially launch the LL08 Society's A Celebration to Remember, and will include a cake cutting, lots of period and Loyalist-themed entertainment featuring the local talents of The Melansons, Pat DeMolitor, the Smith Family, the New Jersey Volunteers and the Prince of Wales Dancers. As always, there will be plenty of food and refreshments on hand and everyone is encouraged to wear Loyalist dress. The afternoon will be a wonderful opportunity to greet family, friends and neighbours as the community embarks on an exciting year!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Monday, 4 February 2008 5:30 - 8:30pm, Birchtown Community Centre
February is Black History Month and the Black Loyalist Heritage Society will commemorate the occasion by hosting a pasta and a movie night featuring the film premiere of the docu-drama Rough Crossings. The film, based on the book “Rough Crossings: Britain, the Slaves and the American Revolution” by Simon Schama, intertwines American, British, Canadian and African history and chronicles the exodus of Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia after the US gained its independence, and how the life they came to was in many cases no better than the life they left. In 1792, almost 1,200 former slaves boarded ships in Halifax harbour to make the last of the "rough crossings" to Sierra Leone, Africa, where they would form a new society of equals. Interspersed with the story of the British abolitionists, Rough Crossings tracks the hard path of the former slaves who kept faith with the Crown. It follows them, and their stalwart British backers, through the hopes, hardships and betrayals of an epic journey out of the new slave owners' Republic, into a harsh Nova Scotian wilderness settlement, and then, astonishingly, back over the Atlantic to the "free and virtuous black society" built in Sierra Leone under the heroic, if not neurotic, eyes of the visionary first Governor, John Clarkson, the younger brother of Thomas Clarkson, who fought, and managed to abolish, the slave trade.
LOYALISTS ON ICE
Sunday, 2 March 2008, 2-4 pm, Shelburne Arena
Shelburne County Figure Skating Club Year-End Carnival
This will be a must-see innovative performance titled "Loyalists On Ice" that will incorporate 18th century music, dancing and costumes. Lending a hand will be the Prince of Wales Historic Dancers and the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society Crier. Tickets will be available at the door - $3 for adults (including parents of skaters), $2 for students and seniors, free for age 5 and under and the skaters. Closing books will be available for $4 each. Fudge and flowers will also be for sale.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008, 2-4 pm, Shelburne Arena
Free Family Skate
Here's something for the whole family to do during March Break! And if you really want to get into the spirit of the 225th anniversary celebrations, you're invited to dress Loyalist style! Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available, and the arena canteen will be open.
Cancelled, Shelburne Curling Club & Barrington Curling Club
National Level Curling Bonspiel
Sorry but due to lack of entrants this event has been cancelled
SPRING FLING Poster Here
Sunday, 27 April 2008, 2-4 pm, Shelburne Regional High School, Woodlawn Drive
Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra Concert The Loyalist Landing 2008 Society and the Osprey Arts Centre, in cooperation with SRHS Community Use, invite you to an afternoon concert by the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra. The NSYO is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1977, and for some 30 years has provided students with educational opportunities not available at any university, public school, or conservatory in the province. The Orchestra has been described by renowned professional conductors and musicians as the finest youth orchestra in Canada. The concert will feature 65 musicians and a spirited programme that will include Bethoven's Fifth and Bolero! Tickets will go on sale at The Whirligig in Shelburne on 24 March. Prices will be $10 for adults, $5 for students.
LOYALIST LANDING CELEBRATION Poster Here
Sunday, 4 May 2008 Shelburne Historic District and Shelburne Lions Club Think back, way back, into Shelburne’s history - back to 1783. It's Sunday, May 4th to be precise. Picture in your mind a fleet of “upwards of 30 sail in all” flying the British flag into Port Roseway harbour with some 3,000 people aboard. They are refugees arriving from New York, escaping tyranny in the United States and the ravages of the Revolutionary War. These are the first Loyalist settlers, loyal to the King all, arriving in what would become the Town of Shelburne in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Now, think ahead to 2008. It's Sunday, May 4th to be precise, and a year-long celebration to mark the 225th anniversary of this first Loyalist landing in 1783 is underway. It's A Celebration to Remember.
As part of the Loyalist Landing celebrations, the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society has planned a day-long remembrance of the arrival of the first Loyalists. The day will begin at 11 am with an ecumenical worship service at the Shelburne Community Centre that will feature guest speaker Reverend Dr. Lionel Moriah, past minister of the Lockeport Baptist Church and the historic Cornwallis Street Baptist Church in Halifax, and now a teacher at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville.
A blessing and ceremony commemorating the safe arrival of the Loyalists will be held on Shelburne’s historic waterfront starting at 2 pm. Then the waterfront will take on a distinct 1783 atmosphere as re-enactors, soldiers and sailors in period dress gather for the christening and launching of the first of two replica 18th century wooden longboats.
A “Bonfire & Rations” event will also be held to recall the rations of pork and flour doled out to the Loyalists soon after they arrived. The supplies were stored in three large warehouses on Commissary Island and were expected to last until summer harvests produced fresh vegetables and fattened livestock, and new shipments of provisions arrived from England. The Shelburne Lions Club will host the “rations” at their club house on Elliott Street at 5 pm, although the menu of turkey vegetable soup, fresh rolls and biscuits, and bread pudding promises to be much tastier than the pork and flour handed out 225 years ago. The cost of the supper is $7, payable at the door, with all proceeds going to the Lions Club. Following the “rations”, the “bonfire” will be held on Town property across from the Club, starting at 7 pm.
SPRING INTO SHELBURNE! Poster Here
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale 8 am - 2 pm, In and around the Town of Shelburne
Nothing announces the arrival of summer like a yard sale! That familiar, Saturday morning, summertime tradition where the old saying “one person's trash is another person's treasure” becomes a mantra for dedicated bargain seekers. As a rule, the “treasure” consists of unwanted items from the household holding the yard sale, and the items can be new, nearly new, barely new and downright barely usable. But it's all part of the exciting treasure hunt and no self-respecting yard sale bargain hunter would have it any other way! The Town of Shelburne will be full of activity today as nearly 100 merchants, service organizations, local clubs and households participate in the Second Annual Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale. The fun starts at 8 am and will feature not only yard sales, but sidewalk sales, sidewalk cafés, BBQs, hot dog stands, coffee stands, and anything else that might entice you out of bed on a Saturday morning. There are no fees to participate and lots of fun to be had!
Waterfront Auction 2 - 5 pm Cox Warehouse, Shelburne Historic District
If you didn't get enough shopping at the town-wide yard & sidewalk sale, you can pick up more deals, and perhaps a few antiques, at the B&W Auction in the Cox Warehouse on the waterfront. Bob & Wanda Guay will guide you through the many treasures, collectibles and interesting items on the auction block. The gavel goes down at 2 pm!
The Jimmy Flynn Show - Showtime at 8 pm, doors open at 7 pm Bowood Calestone Centre, 455 Sandy Point Road
Jimmy Flynn remains Canada's "Ambassador of Good Cheer." Dressed in his trademark red checkered shirt, yellow sou'wester and rubber boots, Jimmy takes the stage, glances over the audience and erupts into volcanic comedy that melts the audience. The bottom line: this guy is hilarious!
Over the past 30 years, Jimmy Flynn has become a musical comedy powerhouse. His list of credits is astounding. He has performed with The Dixie Chicks at Massey Hall in Toronto, he has toured with The Man in Black - Johnny Cash, Tommy James and the Shondells, Charlie Pride, The Everley Brothers and performed with Cheech and Chong's Last Tour. He has produced over 400 radio shows, 49 television episodes, 4 best selling comedy videos, 6 best selling comedy CD's, and 2 joke books. Jimmy has raised millions of dollars for Canadian charities and community groups. Tickets will be $25 and available in Shelburne at The Beandock and The Wreck Room on Dock St. and the Ideal Discount Store at the Shelburne Mall, and in Lockeport at the Pharmachoice on Beech St.
SHOWCASE EVENTS
Waterfront Weekend
Friday to Sunday 11 - 13 July 2008, Shelburne Historic District
This weekend, the first of our three July showcase weekends, will celebrate Shelburne’s rich maritime heritage and showcase Shelburne Harbour, the third best natural harbour in the world. The weekend will be geared for total family participation and enjoyment!
Click Here for more details. Waterfront Schedule Here.
Grand Re-enactment Weekend
Thursday to Sunday 17 - 20 July 2008 Shelburne Historic District
This event will celebrate the early history of the area. This will be truly an international event with re-enactors expected from across North America. The Brigade of the American Revolution, the pre-eminent Revolutionary War era organization with more than 120 regiments or units and hundreds of members, has announced that the Shelburne celebration will be a key “national” event for the organization in 2008. Hundreds of re-enactors are expected, including many from regiments in Nova Scotia and Canada. The colourful schedule will include a large encampment, cannon firings, parades, sunset colour ceremonies, a staged historical skirmish, formation and drill, a suttler’s village, period games and general revelry! The Provincial Town Crier Competition starts the weekend.
Click Here for more details. Reenactment Weekend Schedule Here.
Founders’ Days Weekend
Thursday to Sunday 24 - 27 July 2008 Shelburne Historic District
This event will be an expansion on the very successful annual July festival, complete with a Governor's landing, renaming ceremony and Governor's Ball. The weekend will combine the continuing celebration of history with a contemporary component and will feature the largest fireworks display on the South Shore as a fitting finale to this showcase extravaganza!
Click Here for more details. Founders' Weekend Schedule Here.
MARCH TO BIRCHTOWN WEEKEND Poster Here
Saturday, 2 August 2008 1-5 pm, Birchtown
In late August 1783, 500 free blacks who had fought for the British under the leadership of Colonel Stephan Blucke arrived in Shelburne. They were allocated land on the northwest side of the harbour that was originally considered but rejected by the first arrivals. Led by the Colonel, they marched to the site and founded Birchtown, named to honour Colonel Samuel Birch who, as Governor of New York, had provided them with certificates of freedom and who had strongly resisted American efforts to re-enslave them. By 1784, Birchtown had a population of about 2,500 people, making it the largest settlement of free blacks in North America.
On Saturday, 2 August 2008, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society will host a March to Birchtown in homage to the Black Loyalists who first made the journey. Celebrate and honour the strength and determination of the Black Loyalist forefathers - walk a mile in their footsteps! The walk will wind its way from Loyalist Plaza Parking Lot on Water Street in Shelburne to the BLHS office and site in Birchtown, and will be followed by a BBQ picnic of hot dogs, hamburgers, cold salads and drinks. Registration fee is $10 per person, which includes the BBQ. For the BBQ only, fee is $5 per person. Please contact the Black Loyalist Heritage Society at 875-1310 or 875-1606 to register.
Saturday, 2 August 2008, 8 pm, Bowood This historic day will end with an evening concert featuring Asia and Nu Gruv with special guest NeaveH. At the Calestone Centre, Bowood, 455 Sandy Point Road. Doors open at 7 pm, show time at 8 pm. Tickets are $22.60 per person. Visit www.bowood.biz for more info or contact the Black Loyalist Heritage Society at 875-1310 or 875-1606. Advance tickets available at the BLHS office and at Bowood.
Sunday, 3 August 2008, 7 pm, Osprey Arts Centre, Shelburne "A New Hope", a one-woman play written by Shelley Hamilton, is based on the historical accounts of John Clarkson's mission to America in 1791 to improve the conditions of the Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia and to promote the colonization of Sierra Leone in Africa. The storyteller, through the voices of those who made the journey to Nova Scotia, tells us of their hardships and hopes for a better life in this new land. Many found hope in the promises of John Clarkson, with the departure for some to Sierra Leone in 1792. The play also deals with the history of those who stayed and colonized the Black communities of Nova Scotia. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students. Advance tickets available at The Whirligig Bookshop in Shelburne. For more info, contact the Black Loyalist Heritage Society at 875-1310 or 875-1606. Click here for poster.
WHIRLIGIG & WEATHERVANE FESTIVAL
Saturday 20th through Sunday 21st September, Dock Street
Named Best Community Festival in Nova Scotia in 2007. Come join the fun at the 9th annual festival. For more info, visit www.whirligigfestival.com
Duck Calling contest
Theatre Performance and musical entertainment
More to Come
Shelburne Whirligig and Weathervane Festival Website.
ABORIGINAL MONTH
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October 2008. Full Schedule Here
As part of Aboriginal Month events, the Native Council of Nova Scotia, Zone 13 is sponsoring a full schedule of events commemorating the native heritage of Nova Scotia.
A LOYALIST CHRISTMAS
Sunday, 30th November 2008 3pm, Osprey Arts Centre Shelburne
The LL08 Society is pleased to partner with the Osprey Arts Centre to bring you "A Loyalist Christmas". This event will feature seasonal music by Nova Brilliante, featuring Patricia Creighton (principal flutist with Symphony Nova Scotia) and Karen Rokos on harp. Nova Brilliante was the 2007 ECMA Classical Album of the Year Finalist. The concert will also be the Osprey's last classical music event of the season. There will be free snacks during the intermission as well as a draw for a door prize, both courtesy of the LL08 Society. Tickets are $20 at The Whirligig Book Shop. Guests are invited to wear their Loyalist attire one last time!
Also see www.ospreyartscentre.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL
Wednesday, 31 December 2008 9pm-1am, Osprey Arts Centre Shelburne
Revellers are invited to bid a fond farewell to 2008 at a modern, semi-formal ball featuring ballroom and latin music performed by The Smith Family. There will be nibbles, champagne, a midnight balloon drop, spot prizes and a door prize. Tickets are $16 per person - advance tickets only. For more details and tickets, contact Suzanne at 875-2968 or info@loyalistsatshelburne.com
Tuesday, 1 January 2008, 1-4 pm, Shelburne Community Centre
Ring in the new year and mark the start of the 2008 celebrations in fine Loyalist style! This event will be an amalgamation and expansion of the annual New Year’s Levees of the Town of Shelburne and the Municipality of the District of Shelburne. The Levee will officially launch the LL08 Society's A Celebration to Remember, and will include a cake cutting, lots of period and Loyalist-themed entertainment featuring the local talents of The Melansons, Pat DeMolitor, the Smith Family, the New Jersey Volunteers and the Prince of Wales Dancers. As always, there will be plenty of food and refreshments on hand and everyone is encouraged to wear Loyalist dress. The afternoon will be a wonderful opportunity to greet family, friends and neighbours as the community embarks on an exciting year!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Monday, 4 February 2008 5:30 - 8:30pm, Birchtown Community Centre
February is Black History Month and the Black Loyalist Heritage Society will commemorate the occasion by hosting a pasta and a movie night featuring the film premiere of the docu-drama Rough Crossings. The film, based on the book “Rough Crossings: Britain, the Slaves and the American Revolution” by Simon Schama, intertwines American, British, Canadian and African history and chronicles the exodus of Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia after the US gained its independence, and how the life they came to was in many cases no better than the life they left. In 1792, almost 1,200 former slaves boarded ships in Halifax harbour to make the last of the "rough crossings" to Sierra Leone, Africa, where they would form a new society of equals. Interspersed with the story of the British abolitionists, Rough Crossings tracks the hard path of the former slaves who kept faith with the Crown. It follows them, and their stalwart British backers, through the hopes, hardships and betrayals of an epic journey out of the new slave owners' Republic, into a harsh Nova Scotian wilderness settlement, and then, astonishingly, back over the Atlantic to the "free and virtuous black society" built in Sierra Leone under the heroic, if not neurotic, eyes of the visionary first Governor, John Clarkson, the younger brother of Thomas Clarkson, who fought, and managed to abolish, the slave trade.
LOYALISTS ON ICE
Sunday, 2 March 2008, 2-4 pm, Shelburne Arena
Shelburne County Figure Skating Club Year-End Carnival
This will be a must-see innovative performance titled "Loyalists On Ice" that will incorporate 18th century music, dancing and costumes. Lending a hand will be the Prince of Wales Historic Dancers and the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society Crier. Tickets will be available at the door - $3 for adults (including parents of skaters), $2 for students and seniors, free for age 5 and under and the skaters. Closing books will be available for $4 each. Fudge and flowers will also be for sale.
Wednesday, 12 March 2008, 2-4 pm, Shelburne Arena
Free Family Skate
Here's something for the whole family to do during March Break! And if you really want to get into the spirit of the 225th anniversary celebrations, you're invited to dress Loyalist style! Free hot chocolate and cookies will be available, and the arena canteen will be open.
Cancelled, Shelburne Curling Club & Barrington Curling Club
National Level Curling Bonspiel
Sorry but due to lack of entrants this event has been cancelled
SPRING FLING Poster Here
Sunday, 27 April 2008, 2-4 pm, Shelburne Regional High School, Woodlawn Drive
Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra Concert The Loyalist Landing 2008 Society and the Osprey Arts Centre, in cooperation with SRHS Community Use, invite you to an afternoon concert by the Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra. The NSYO is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1977, and for some 30 years has provided students with educational opportunities not available at any university, public school, or conservatory in the province. The Orchestra has been described by renowned professional conductors and musicians as the finest youth orchestra in Canada. The concert will feature 65 musicians and a spirited programme that will include Bethoven's Fifth and Bolero! Tickets will go on sale at The Whirligig in Shelburne on 24 March. Prices will be $10 for adults, $5 for students.
LOYALIST LANDING CELEBRATION Poster Here
Sunday, 4 May 2008 Shelburne Historic District and Shelburne Lions Club Think back, way back, into Shelburne’s history - back to 1783. It's Sunday, May 4th to be precise. Picture in your mind a fleet of “upwards of 30 sail in all” flying the British flag into Port Roseway harbour with some 3,000 people aboard. They are refugees arriving from New York, escaping tyranny in the United States and the ravages of the Revolutionary War. These are the first Loyalist settlers, loyal to the King all, arriving in what would become the Town of Shelburne in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Now, think ahead to 2008. It's Sunday, May 4th to be precise, and a year-long celebration to mark the 225th anniversary of this first Loyalist landing in 1783 is underway. It's A Celebration to Remember.
As part of the Loyalist Landing celebrations, the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society has planned a day-long remembrance of the arrival of the first Loyalists. The day will begin at 11 am with an ecumenical worship service at the Shelburne Community Centre that will feature guest speaker Reverend Dr. Lionel Moriah, past minister of the Lockeport Baptist Church and the historic Cornwallis Street Baptist Church in Halifax, and now a teacher at Acadia Divinity College in Wolfville.
A blessing and ceremony commemorating the safe arrival of the Loyalists will be held on Shelburne’s historic waterfront starting at 2 pm. Then the waterfront will take on a distinct 1783 atmosphere as re-enactors, soldiers and sailors in period dress gather for the christening and launching of the first of two replica 18th century wooden longboats.
A “Bonfire & Rations” event will also be held to recall the rations of pork and flour doled out to the Loyalists soon after they arrived. The supplies were stored in three large warehouses on Commissary Island and were expected to last until summer harvests produced fresh vegetables and fattened livestock, and new shipments of provisions arrived from England. The Shelburne Lions Club will host the “rations” at their club house on Elliott Street at 5 pm, although the menu of turkey vegetable soup, fresh rolls and biscuits, and bread pudding promises to be much tastier than the pork and flour handed out 225 years ago. The cost of the supper is $7, payable at the door, with all proceeds going to the Lions Club. Following the “rations”, the “bonfire” will be held on Town property across from the Club, starting at 7 pm.
SPRING INTO SHELBURNE! Poster Here
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale 8 am - 2 pm, In and around the Town of Shelburne
Nothing announces the arrival of summer like a yard sale! That familiar, Saturday morning, summertime tradition where the old saying “one person's trash is another person's treasure” becomes a mantra for dedicated bargain seekers. As a rule, the “treasure” consists of unwanted items from the household holding the yard sale, and the items can be new, nearly new, barely new and downright barely usable. But it's all part of the exciting treasure hunt and no self-respecting yard sale bargain hunter would have it any other way! The Town of Shelburne will be full of activity today as nearly 100 merchants, service organizations, local clubs and households participate in the Second Annual Town-Wide Yard & Sidewalk Sale. The fun starts at 8 am and will feature not only yard sales, but sidewalk sales, sidewalk cafés, BBQs, hot dog stands, coffee stands, and anything else that might entice you out of bed on a Saturday morning. There are no fees to participate and lots of fun to be had!
Waterfront Auction 2 - 5 pm Cox Warehouse, Shelburne Historic District
If you didn't get enough shopping at the town-wide yard & sidewalk sale, you can pick up more deals, and perhaps a few antiques, at the B&W Auction in the Cox Warehouse on the waterfront. Bob & Wanda Guay will guide you through the many treasures, collectibles and interesting items on the auction block. The gavel goes down at 2 pm!
The Jimmy Flynn Show - Showtime at 8 pm, doors open at 7 pm Bowood Calestone Centre, 455 Sandy Point Road
Jimmy Flynn remains Canada's "Ambassador of Good Cheer." Dressed in his trademark red checkered shirt, yellow sou'wester and rubber boots, Jimmy takes the stage, glances over the audience and erupts into volcanic comedy that melts the audience. The bottom line: this guy is hilarious!
Over the past 30 years, Jimmy Flynn has become a musical comedy powerhouse. His list of credits is astounding. He has performed with The Dixie Chicks at Massey Hall in Toronto, he has toured with The Man in Black - Johnny Cash, Tommy James and the Shondells, Charlie Pride, The Everley Brothers and performed with Cheech and Chong's Last Tour. He has produced over 400 radio shows, 49 television episodes, 4 best selling comedy videos, 6 best selling comedy CD's, and 2 joke books. Jimmy has raised millions of dollars for Canadian charities and community groups. Tickets will be $25 and available in Shelburne at The Beandock and The Wreck Room on Dock St. and the Ideal Discount Store at the Shelburne Mall, and in Lockeport at the Pharmachoice on Beech St.
SHOWCASE EVENTS
Waterfront Weekend
Friday to Sunday 11 - 13 July 2008, Shelburne Historic District
This weekend, the first of our three July showcase weekends, will celebrate Shelburne’s rich maritime heritage and showcase Shelburne Harbour, the third best natural harbour in the world. The weekend will be geared for total family participation and enjoyment!
Click Here for more details. Waterfront Schedule Here.
Grand Re-enactment Weekend
Thursday to Sunday 17 - 20 July 2008 Shelburne Historic District
This event will celebrate the early history of the area. This will be truly an international event with re-enactors expected from across North America. The Brigade of the American Revolution, the pre-eminent Revolutionary War era organization with more than 120 regiments or units and hundreds of members, has announced that the Shelburne celebration will be a key “national” event for the organization in 2008. Hundreds of re-enactors are expected, including many from regiments in Nova Scotia and Canada. The colourful schedule will include a large encampment, cannon firings, parades, sunset colour ceremonies, a staged historical skirmish, formation and drill, a suttler’s village, period games and general revelry! The Provincial Town Crier Competition starts the weekend.
Click Here for more details. Reenactment Weekend Schedule Here.
Founders’ Days Weekend
Thursday to Sunday 24 - 27 July 2008 Shelburne Historic District
This event will be an expansion on the very successful annual July festival, complete with a Governor's landing, renaming ceremony and Governor's Ball. The weekend will combine the continuing celebration of history with a contemporary component and will feature the largest fireworks display on the South Shore as a fitting finale to this showcase extravaganza!
Click Here for more details. Founders' Weekend Schedule Here.
MARCH TO BIRCHTOWN WEEKEND Poster Here
Saturday, 2 August 2008 1-5 pm, Birchtown
In late August 1783, 500 free blacks who had fought for the British under the leadership of Colonel Stephan Blucke arrived in Shelburne. They were allocated land on the northwest side of the harbour that was originally considered but rejected by the first arrivals. Led by the Colonel, they marched to the site and founded Birchtown, named to honour Colonel Samuel Birch who, as Governor of New York, had provided them with certificates of freedom and who had strongly resisted American efforts to re-enslave them. By 1784, Birchtown had a population of about 2,500 people, making it the largest settlement of free blacks in North America.
On Saturday, 2 August 2008, the Black Loyalist Heritage Society will host a March to Birchtown in homage to the Black Loyalists who first made the journey. Celebrate and honour the strength and determination of the Black Loyalist forefathers - walk a mile in their footsteps! The walk will wind its way from Loyalist Plaza Parking Lot on Water Street in Shelburne to the BLHS office and site in Birchtown, and will be followed by a BBQ picnic of hot dogs, hamburgers, cold salads and drinks. Registration fee is $10 per person, which includes the BBQ. For the BBQ only, fee is $5 per person. Please contact the Black Loyalist Heritage Society at 875-1310 or 875-1606 to register.
Saturday, 2 August 2008, 8 pm, Bowood This historic day will end with an evening concert featuring Asia and Nu Gruv with special guest NeaveH. At the Calestone Centre, Bowood, 455 Sandy Point Road. Doors open at 7 pm, show time at 8 pm. Tickets are $22.60 per person. Visit www.bowood.biz for more info or contact the Black Loyalist Heritage Society at 875-1310 or 875-1606. Advance tickets available at the BLHS office and at Bowood.
Sunday, 3 August 2008, 7 pm, Osprey Arts Centre, Shelburne "A New Hope", a one-woman play written by Shelley Hamilton, is based on the historical accounts of John Clarkson's mission to America in 1791 to improve the conditions of the Black Loyalists in Nova Scotia and to promote the colonization of Sierra Leone in Africa. The storyteller, through the voices of those who made the journey to Nova Scotia, tells us of their hardships and hopes for a better life in this new land. Many found hope in the promises of John Clarkson, with the departure for some to Sierra Leone in 1792. The play also deals with the history of those who stayed and colonized the Black communities of Nova Scotia. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students. Advance tickets available at The Whirligig Bookshop in Shelburne. For more info, contact the Black Loyalist Heritage Society at 875-1310 or 875-1606. Click here for poster.
WHIRLIGIG & WEATHERVANE FESTIVAL
Saturday 20th through Sunday 21st September, Dock Street
Named Best Community Festival in Nova Scotia in 2007. Come join the fun at the 9th annual festival. For more info, visit www.whirligigfestival.com
Duck Calling contest
Theatre Performance and musical entertainment
More to Come
Shelburne Whirligig and Weathervane Festival Website.
ABORIGINAL MONTH
Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October 2008. Full Schedule Here
As part of Aboriginal Month events, the Native Council of Nova Scotia, Zone 13 is sponsoring a full schedule of events commemorating the native heritage of Nova Scotia.
A LOYALIST CHRISTMAS
Sunday, 30th November 2008 3pm, Osprey Arts Centre Shelburne
The LL08 Society is pleased to partner with the Osprey Arts Centre to bring you "A Loyalist Christmas". This event will feature seasonal music by Nova Brilliante, featuring Patricia Creighton (principal flutist with Symphony Nova Scotia) and Karen Rokos on harp. Nova Brilliante was the 2007 ECMA Classical Album of the Year Finalist. The concert will also be the Osprey's last classical music event of the season. There will be free snacks during the intermission as well as a draw for a door prize, both courtesy of the LL08 Society. Tickets are $20 at The Whirligig Book Shop. Guests are invited to wear their Loyalist attire one last time!
Also see www.ospreyartscentre.com
NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL
Wednesday, 31 December 2008 9pm-1am, Osprey Arts Centre Shelburne
Revellers are invited to bid a fond farewell to 2008 at a modern, semi-formal ball featuring ballroom and latin music performed by The Smith Family. There will be nibbles, champagne, a midnight balloon drop, spot prizes and a door prize. Tickets are $16 per person - advance tickets only. For more details and tickets, contact Suzanne at 875-2968 or info@loyalistsatshelburne.com
Signature Events
Choose your Month or just Scroll down.
| Jan 2008 | Loyalist Levee | July 2008 | Showcase Events |
| Feb 2008 | Black History Month | Aug 2008 | March to Birchtown |
| Mar 2008 | Loyalists on Ice | Sept 2008 | Whirligig & Weathervane Festival |
| Apr 2008 | Spring Fling | Oct 2008 | Aboriginal Month |
| May 2008 | Loyalist Landing | Nov 2008 | Loyalists' Christmas |
| Jun 2008 | Spring into Shelburne | Dec 2008 | New Year's Ball |
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©copyright 2007/2008 The Official website of the Loyalist Landing 2008 Society.
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