Living up to its claim to fame
25th anniversary of the Municipality of Barrington's Lobster Capital of Canada trademark
The Lobster Capital of Canada is a title the Municipality of Barrington wears proudly.
This year has marked the 25th anniversary of the trademark Lobster Capital of Canada, which was granted to the Municipality of Barrington in 1998 by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
“The Lobster Capital of Canada title helps to set the Municipality of Barrington apart from other destinations, emphasizing our strong connection to lobster fishing and the seafood industry and helping to create a great marketing tool for us to use to market us as a destination,” says Suzy Atwood, director of Marketing and Tourism Development for the Municipality of Barrington.
“We have visitors tell us at the Visitor Information Centre that they are here because they saw either through a marketing campaign we've done or from the signage on the highway we are the Lobster Capital of Canada and they wanted to visit."
‘A STRONG BRAND’
Over time, the brand has been very important to the municipality, which does all it can to capitalize on it.
“The Lobster Capital of Canada title provides us with a strong brand identity and a clear focus that can be used to market the municipality and attract a wide range of visitors, from seafood lovers and foodies to visitors interested in unique cultural and culinary experiences,” says Atwood.
“Our Lobster Capital of Canada swag/apparel sells very well not only to visitors, but to our residents as well, who wear them proudly all around the world. The title has provided us with a significant driver for economic growth and community pride over the past 25 years and we hope to build upon that into the future.”
In celebration of the 25th anniversary, the municipality rolled out a limited-edition coin during the 2023 Lobster Crawl in February.
“There were limited edition coins, only 25 of them made, with the Lobster Crawl logo and the Lobster Capital of Canada logo on them. They could only be won through
various contests during Lobster Crawl,” says Atwood. “We then created a commemorative coin that could be purchased.”
The coins are available at the municipal building/ administrative office for $20 each. They come in a display case as well.
“We have also added a lot more Lobster Capital of Canada apparel this year, including hats, toques, and long-sleeve shirts to go along with our regular T-shirts, hoodies and crew neck sweatshirts,” Atwood says.
The municipality did have plans for anniversary celebrations during this year's Shelburne County Lobster Festival, but the June festival had to be cancelled due to the Barrington Lake wildfire.
One big recognition of the area's ties to the lobster industry is the annual Lobster Trap Tree that stands proudly on the North East Point waterfront on Cape Sable Island. This year it is shining for its 14th season. A community tradition started in 2009, buoys are displayed on the ‘tree' in memory of those lost at sea, fishermen who have passed on and in recognition of those who are still fishing on the water now.
The buoys adorning the tree tell the story of a seafaring heritage and culture. The
tree location is also part of the Nova Scotia webcam system's Cape Sable Island site.
FUTURE PLANS
Atwood says the municipality has also been having a new fiberglass lobster sculpture mould made so they can produce more lobster sculptures.
Years ago, the scenery in the Municipality of Barrington got a boost with the installation of 10, two-metretall (six feet) artistically decorated lobster sculptures that were commissioned as part of the Canada 150 Heritage project. Different groups and individuals painted the sculptures that were placed in key areas throughout the municipality.
“The first 10 we had made for Canada's 150th have been very popular, but a new mould was required before we are able to make any more,” Atwood says. “We aim to have more sculptures added throughout the coming years throughout the municipality.”
Having the designation of the Lobster Capital of Canada has led to some good-natured bantering and an alliance with the Lobster Capital of the World – that being Shediac, New Brunswick.
“We did travel to Shediac, the Lobster Capital of the World, during their Lobster Festival in July. This was a valuable collaboration, as we were able to promote our area and chat with and educate people between the two designations,” says Atwood.
“We will continue to partner with Shediac and you will likely see them attend our Lobster Festival next year," she says. "The camaraderie between the two capitals has been a lot of fun. We like to poke fun at each other, of course, but in the end, we share a common theme and goal and if we can help each other promote our areas and what we both have to offer then we both win.”
A lobster tartan was also designed and launched by the Cape Sable Historical Society during the 2023 Lobster Crawl in February.
“This is a great addition to what can be found when you visit us. The new tartan emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of lobster fishing in the Municipality of Barrington and beyond,” says Atwood. “Our local museums do a wonderful job showcasing the local heritage the lobster industry has played in our municipality and region.”