‘We’re ready to go’
Bartown Festival kicks off 44th year this weekend in North Sydney
A highly anticipated summer festival on the Northside will begin this weekend.
Bartown Days will kick off its 44th anniversary when the festival begins on Saturday with three events, including the prince and princess tea party at the North Sydney Pensioners Club and the bar bash at Emera Centre Northside.
Planning for the weeklong festival began a few months ago and organizers are putting the finishing touches on the events prior to the weekend.
“It’s all starting to come together now,” said Sara McMahon, festival director for Bartown Days. “We have to start getting all the games set up and all the products bought — people are starting to register for all the different events, so we’re ready to go.”
The Bartown Festival started in 1974. It brings the community together in a celebration of history and culture.
The goal of the festival is to feature an array of events that appeal to individuals and families while also highlighting the vibrant aspects of North Sydney.
“It’s something to look forward to in the summer and it gives the young children something to do as well,” said McMahon. “Growing up I’ve always been involved and loved going to the events ... we want to make sure that we have as much going on as possible, not only for the children, but for adults as well.”
The annual festival was almost lost with amalgamation when North Sydney ceased to be a town in 1995. With a determined group of volunteers, who decided the festival was a big part of the community history and should be continued, the festival was saved in 1996.
This year’s festival will feature a lot of the same events as previous years including the annual parade and the seniors cruise at
Northern Yacht Club.
However, the organizing committee has added some new events for the 2018 edition.
The first annual Carmen Young 5-km Road Race will take place on Sunday, beginning at the Northern Yacht Club at 9 a.m.
Meanwhile, the first annual Bartown’s Amazing Race is set for July 28 at 11 a.m. at Indian Beach. A hotdog eating competition, sponsored by Commercial Street Deli, will be held on July 29 at 3 p.m. at Indian Beach.
“We’re hoping the new events will be pretty successful and popular among local residents,” said McMahon. “We’re hoping that the amazing race will be a main event for years to come.”
As part of the festival, a burger battle competition is also taking place, featuring local restaurants on the Northside.
The contest challenges local restaurants to create a specially made burger for its customers. It began on June 29 and will
wrap up on July 27.
Eight restaurants are competing in this year’s contest including Bianchini’s Pizzeria, Blue Mist Tavern, Carvella’s Take Out, Commercial Street Deli, Ebbie’s, Jane’s Restaurant, Kitchen 1409 and Mariner’s Galley.
Customers have an opportunity to vote for their favourite burger.
Voting takes place online at www.nsbartown.ca/burgerbattle. Votes will also be taken by phone by calling the Bartown Days office at 902-794-8589.
The winner of the burger battle will be unveiled during the Bartown Days closing concert and fireworks, scheduled for July 29, beginning at 6 p.m. at Indian Beach.
For more information about the Bartown Days Festival, visit www.nsbartown.ca.