By Tina Comeau
THE VANGUARD
NovaNewsNow.com
There are many goals to the Yarmouth 250th year-long celebrations in 2011, among them being not only to bring people together but also to bring people here.
“We want to make this a destination,” committee co-chair Ken Langille said in a presentation to members of Argyle Municipal Council.
Yarmouth 250th marks the anniversary of the arrival of English settlers in Yarmouth County, although the Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultures will also be showcased throughout the year.
It is hoped the 250th celebrations in Yarmouth – and the entire county is included in this – will create enthusiasm among residents and develop pride in the area’s history, culture and events. And also that it will bring visitors to the region.
While there will be new events organized specifically to mark the 250th, other events are existing ones that will have the 250th branding attached to them. And some events will be expanded on or reintroduced. For instance, the play The Baltimore by Andre Haines – staged at Th’YARC over a decade ago – will be brought back for the 250th celebrations.
There are also plans to create legacy projects throughout the year. One includes a lost at the sea memorial. Another is a book of remembrance pertaining to the names of veterans on the town cenotaph.
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Committee co-chair Heather MacDonald says while in the Municipality of Yarmouth they’ve met with groups to talk to them about ways they can introduce the 250th celebrations into their own events, “We don’t want to tell people what they’re going to host. We want them to have freedom.”
But, she says, the committee can offer guidance.
One major event she noted that is being tied into the 250th celebrations is a 4-H reunion. The event has the potential to be a huge event as thousands of people have gone through the 4-H movement over the decades.
Another strong emphasis during the year will be placed on the homecoming concept. People from Yarmouth who now live outside the boundaries will be encouraged to come home to visit. A big push will be placed on this during the month of July.
Yarmouth has also asked the organizers of Nova Scotia Music Week to consider bringing the event back to Yarmouth for a third consecutive year next year. The event was held here last year and it is taking place again in November.
