Dock St. Days celebrating firefighters
Volunteer firefighters will be celebrated and honoured at the second annual Dock St. Days festival in Shelburne on Aug. 4 and 5.
“The decision was made by the Shelburne events committee to shift the focus of the festival this year to celebrate the amazing volunteer firefighters,” says Robin Smith, committee member and Community Development Coordinator for the Municipality of Shelburne.
Volunteer firefighters from throughout Nova Scotia were an integral part of the resources that helped battle the Barrington Lake wildfire that tore through Shelburne County in late May and early June.
Dock St. Days' activities will start to ramp up around 5 p.m. on Aug. 4. The opening ceremonies includes a firefighter appreciation ceremony starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Guild Hall. Presentations will be made to all of the departments, as well as many random prize draws for all Shelburne County volunteer fire departments, says Smith. “The entire fireworks budget was allocated to purchase prizes and gift certificates. There will also be a $2,500 trip voucher (or cash value) drawn for a local firefighter.”
A parade of lights in Shelburne Harbour with a firefighter's theme will follow, while on land the Guild Hall will be rocking' with One Meter Up – one of the musical groups performing during Dock Street Days – not to mention the multitude of
other events happening on Shelburne's historic waterfront.
“The Parade of Lights this year will be our grand celebration dedicated to the local volunteer firefighters,” says Smith. “As a way to also recognize the impact the wildfires had on our fishing community and through generous
community donations, we are able to offer a random prize draw for a $2,500 trip voucher (or cash value) to all those that are participating. There will also be 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prizes based on this year's theme of 'Firefighters,' as well as various other random prize draws.”
A Loyalist encampment, a
Fun Run, bouncy inflatables, a children's parade, a pet show, a floral demonstration by Neville MacKay, a firefighters' fun competition, 3-on-3 basketball tourney, Indigenous dancing, a Drummers from Home performance, historical trivia, a book reading and new this year, barrel trawl tub races
and a cornhole tournament, will make up a lot of the fun.
Food and craft vendors, including a caricature artist, will also be on-site both days. Scavenger hunts and a beer tent round out the fun.
“The Shelburne Events Committee is very excited to be hosting Dock St. Days for the second year now and look forward to a wonderful weekend of cultural celebration, great musical entertainment and family fun,” says Smith.
“We want to recognize and celebrate our wonderful local volunteer firefighters as well. This is only a small way to show our token of appreciation. We are looking forward to encouraging residents and all those visiting to be able to enjoy the festivities taking place at the Black Loyalist Heritage Centre as well for Journey Back to Birchtown which is Aug. 5 and 6.”