Lobster trap tree being built in Tignish

Lights, lobster traps donated for memorial project

A special Christmas display in memory of all fishermen from P.E.I. who died at sea will take shape in Tignish this week. Tignish Recreation Director Tina Richard said lobster traps will be piled approximately 20 feet high, in the shape of a Christmas tree, in front of St. Simon and St. Jude Church. Richard said she’s consulted with lobster trap tree-builders from Cape Breton and Newfoundland on how to shape the pile.

She figures the “tree” will be 18 rows high. Many volunteers will be needed Thursday to build the display, she said.

Once the pile is complete, about 100 sets of Christmas lights will be strung throughout, and spruce boughs and red lob- ster buoys will be added. Richard said Tignish Co-op Hardware arranged a special purchase of lights for the tree and, over the course of a week, all 100 sets of lights were sponsored by area residents.

“It kind of took on a life of its own,” Richard said of the interest in the fishermen tree project. She acknowledged the tragic loss of two Tignish fishermen, Moe Getson and Glen DesRoches, at sea in September is very much in the forefront of everyone’s minds in the area. A special plaque in memory of all fishermen who lost their lives at sea will be on display.

Tignish is hosting its kick-off to Christmas event this weekend, starting Nov. 23. One of the featured activities is a youth talent show at the parish centre on Sunday at 7 p.m. The lighting of the Fishermen Tree will take place in the churchyard immediately following the talent show.