Annapolis Valley’s hosts international town crier competition
You can’t beat an outstanding crier.
Mark Molnar of St. Catherine’s, Ont. was named best crier at the conclusion of the Annapolis Valley International Town Criers Competition Sept. 17.
Paul Gough from England placed second after three distinct competitions and Daniel Richer dit Lafleche, who is the provincial crier for Ontario, came third.
Lafleche, who is the only fully bilingual and First Nations crier in North America, received the best dressed award. His partner, Julie Dudley, was chosen as best dressed consort.
A bus loaded with 19 town criers from across the country and around the world started their tour Sept. 12 and made a number of stops in communities across the Valley.
They competed in Windsor on Sept. 14, Annapolis Royal on Sept. 16 and the Grand Pre National Historic Site on Sept. 17. The awards dinner for the criers took place in Berwick on Sept. 17.
Annapolis Valley International Town Criers Competition coordinator Gary Long said he was pleased with how the event rolled out.
Long, Windsor crier Lloyd Smith and Annapolis Royal town crier Peter Davies received a standing ovation from the other competitors in Berwick.
The tour was linked to Canada 150 celebrations and supported by the province’s Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.