Post by IAMCAPER on May 9, 2005 10:48:43 GMT -4
Port Hastings - Described as an engineering feat when it opened a half century ago, the Canso Causeway has since become a symbol of home for generations of Cape Bretoners.
That’s according to Bob MacEachern, chair of the Canso Causeway Anniversary Society, who unveiled details Friday, of the week-long celebration which will be held in August to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the link.
“It’s not just a roadway. There’s an emotional attachment to the causeway because it does represent home,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if you have a two-hour drive after you cross it, that causeway is home.”
MacEachern was joined by government officials, community representatives, volunteers and sponsors at the Canso Canal Friday, to officially kick off the 100-day countdown to the causeway’s anniversary.
In doing so he also detailed the many events which will take place at the causeway and in the surrounding communities Aug. 7-14, including ceilidhs, concerts, art and crafts exhibits, children’s activities and tours.
A major highlight of the week will be the re-enactment of the official opening which took place Aug. 13, 1955. Hundreds of pipers and dozens of antique cars are expected to take part and the Bluenose II will be visible in the Strait of Canso.
“So far, 375 pipers have registered for the re-enactment of marching across the causeway on Aug. 13. The causeway will literally be a sea of pipers. Cape Breton and the mainland will be joined not only by rocks and cement but by pipes and quilts,” said MacEachern.
The gala concert will also take place Aug. 13 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and will feature an all-star lineup of Cape Breton entertainment including Raylene Rankin, Bruce Guthro, the Barra MacNeils, Beolach, The Cottars, Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison.
Tickets for the gala concert and all other causeway anniversary events will go on sale June 1 at the Civic Centre.
Rodney MacDonald, minister of tourism, heritage and culture and Inverness MLA, attended the countdown kick off and said he’s personally looking forward to the celebrations.
“To say I’m excited would be an understatement. It is obvious what this will mean for this area, all of Cape Breton Island and the province of Nova Scotia,” he said, noting both area residents and visitors will descend on the area to take part in what he described as a “not-to-be-missed” event.
D.A. Landry, a spokesperson with Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., offered his congratulations to event organizers and volunteers and said ECBC is proud to be a sponsor for such a momentous occasion.
“The causeway is an engineering marvel and has shaped the island over the past 50 years and will continue to do so,” he said.
Port Hawkesbury Mayor Billy Joe MacLean and Mulgrave Mayor Leonard MacDonald were also on hand Friday.
MacLean said the anniversary promises to be a great week-long celebration, noting the influx of visitors will be great for local restaurants, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and other area businesses.
That’s according to Bob MacEachern, chair of the Canso Causeway Anniversary Society, who unveiled details Friday, of the week-long celebration which will be held in August to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the link.
“It’s not just a roadway. There’s an emotional attachment to the causeway because it does represent home,” he said.
“It doesn’t matter if you have a two-hour drive after you cross it, that causeway is home.”
MacEachern was joined by government officials, community representatives, volunteers and sponsors at the Canso Canal Friday, to officially kick off the 100-day countdown to the causeway’s anniversary.
In doing so he also detailed the many events which will take place at the causeway and in the surrounding communities Aug. 7-14, including ceilidhs, concerts, art and crafts exhibits, children’s activities and tours.
A major highlight of the week will be the re-enactment of the official opening which took place Aug. 13, 1955. Hundreds of pipers and dozens of antique cars are expected to take part and the Bluenose II will be visible in the Strait of Canso.
“So far, 375 pipers have registered for the re-enactment of marching across the causeway on Aug. 13. The causeway will literally be a sea of pipers. Cape Breton and the mainland will be joined not only by rocks and cement but by pipes and quilts,” said MacEachern.
The gala concert will also take place Aug. 13 at the Port Hawkesbury Civic Centre and will feature an all-star lineup of Cape Breton entertainment including Raylene Rankin, Bruce Guthro, the Barra MacNeils, Beolach, The Cottars, Bette MacDonald and Maynard Morrison.
Tickets for the gala concert and all other causeway anniversary events will go on sale June 1 at the Civic Centre.
Rodney MacDonald, minister of tourism, heritage and culture and Inverness MLA, attended the countdown kick off and said he’s personally looking forward to the celebrations.
“To say I’m excited would be an understatement. It is obvious what this will mean for this area, all of Cape Breton Island and the province of Nova Scotia,” he said, noting both area residents and visitors will descend on the area to take part in what he described as a “not-to-be-missed” event.
D.A. Landry, a spokesperson with Enterprise Cape Breton Corp., offered his congratulations to event organizers and volunteers and said ECBC is proud to be a sponsor for such a momentous occasion.
“The causeway is an engineering marvel and has shaped the island over the past 50 years and will continue to do so,” he said.
Port Hawkesbury Mayor Billy Joe MacLean and Mulgrave Mayor Leonard MacDonald were also on hand Friday.
MacLean said the anniversary promises to be a great week-long celebration, noting the influx of visitors will be great for local restaurants, hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and other area businesses.