Getting ready to party

Sydney Toronto reunion celebrations planned

Hundreds of current and former Whitney Pier residents are expected to celebrate the 30th anniversary Sydney Toronto Reunion this week.

African Nova Scotia Affairs Minister Tony Ince and other invited guests including Mayor Cecil Clarke and Coun. Jim MacLeod, Sydney Victoria MP Mark Eyking and Sydney-Whitney Pier MLA Derek Mombourquette are expected to attend the official opening this evening starting at 7 p.m. at Menelik Hall on Laurier Street.

The official meet and greet kicks off a week-long celebration that includes African and Mi’kmaq drumming and performances, socials, kids day, the Jonathan Skeet Memorial Fun Run, the St. Phillips Caribbean Day featuring traditional foods, free senior luncheon, community breakfasts, and baseball matches in memory of Sydney first Black policeman Campy Crawford and Whitney Pier resident Gloria Alleyne.

New this year includes a three-on-three basketball tournament on Wednesday as well as the Winnie Lucas Groove Award in honor a well-known dancer who graced many venues.

The Sydney Toronto Reunion began 30 years when expatriate Cape Bretoners who had moved to Toronto to seek employment found themselves longing to reconnect with people back home. An organizing committee began its work, vowing to host a reunion every five years for former and current residents to gather. Eveyone is invited to take part in the events next week. This year’s event is expected to receive expatriates from Toronto, Fort McMurray, Halifax and other locations in North America.