Annapolis Royal packed for Canada 150 celebrations

Rain doesn’t dampen spirits as hundreds crowd the town for food and fun

Heavy rains early on July 1 didn’t dampen spirits for Canada Day activities in Annapolis Royal.

The Canada 150 celebrations drew large crowds all day long with the official opening just before noon at town hall, which included representation from Annapolis Royal’s twin city of Royan, France.

There was a flag exchange between the two cities and along with O Canada, many in the crowd also sang the French national anthem.

After the proclamation by town crier Peter Davies that it was Canada Day, the large crowd that had swelled out into the street paraded behind Davies to Fort Anne where lots of activities were planned, including a cake cutting, music by the Annapolis Basin Community Band, and games.

There was a play by the Young Company at the new amphitheatre, plus musical entertainment there in the afternoon.

That was followed by free lobster rolls at the wharf at 4:30 p.m. There was a lineup of people on the sidewalk well past King’s Theatre, but once Mayor Bill Macdonald started handing out the free food, the line moved quickly and all who had waited were served – almost 500 people.

Early that morning two bagpipers piped from a hill in front of Fort Anne near the Garrison Graveyard where later a monument to one of Annapolis Royal’s favourite daughters, Rose Fortune, was unveiled. Numerous other activities took place throughout the day.

LAWRENCE POWELL Hundreds of people packed Annapolis Royal for Canada 150 celebrations that ran all day in the province’s tiniest town. From farm market fun, a monument dedication and unveiling, official opening at town hall, fun at Fort Anne, and free lobster on the wharf, it was a full day that attracted hundreds of people despite the rain early in the morning. Red and white was the colour of the day, and red maple leafs were everywhere.