Dumping day sendoff at Cape Forchu lighthouse on Saturday, Dec. 1

Tradition sees supporters sending fleet off with lights and prayers

Supporters of the lobster fishing industry gather at the Cape Forchu Lightstation each year on Dumping Day morning to send the fishing fleet off with lights and cheering. - Contributed

CAPE FORCHU - The annual dumping day event at the Yarmouth Lighthouse will take place on Saturday, Dec. 1. The event was originally scheduled for Nov. 26, the first day of the lobster season but was postponed due to weather.

Dumping day refers to the start of the LFA 33/34 season when lobster fishermen “dump” their traps.

The community event has become a popular way of showing support to the fishing industry, with participants bringing their flashlights to the lighthouse on the morning of dumping day. As the long parade of boats, loaded heavily with traps, depart Yarmouth Harbour, people wave their lights in support. Many of the captains toot their horns in return.

Hot drinks and muffins will be available for a donation to the Friends of the Yarmouth Light, starting at 5 a.m.

Memberships to the Friends of the Yarmouth Lighthouse society and items from the gift shop will be available on a cash purchase basis.

At 5:45 a.m., a blessing of the fleet will be delivered on VHS radio channel 68 and the broadcast is also heard over Y95 CJLS radio. Depending on the weather, part of the event may be visible on a live webcam at www.novascotiawebcams.com

At 6 a.m. the boats begin to sail by the lighthouse heading out to sea. It will take at least half an hour for the Yarmouth Harbour lobster fishing fleet (approximately 115) to leave for the fishing grounds.

READ OUR COLLECTION OF 2018 LOBSTER OUTLOOK STORIES:

• Largest lobster fishing season opens in southwestern Nova Scotia next week

• Op-ed: Fishing safety must always be at the forefront

• SAR resources will be in place for lobster season opening in southwestern N.S.

• Barrington’s lobster pot tree celebrates the season and tells the story of the sea

• Estimated that $1 million was raised for charity during the Live Well Challenge

• TINA COMEAU: Families on shore and at sea – the personal side of the industry

• Plastic lobster traps boost longevity, says Yarmouth developer

• Study documents lobster fishermen’s concerns with finfish aquaculture

• Southwestern N.S. lobster fishermen asked: ‘Are you ready?’ as focus is on safety heading into the season

• A.F. Theriault and Son Ltd. Has diversified its products but lobster boats remain at the core of the business

• Smooth sailing, rough weather and you’re paying what? A look at past season starts in southwestern NS