Page 24, EXPLORER, 2017 Official Visitors Guide CRADLE OF ACADIE August 1-15 The spotlight is on theAcadian House at the Historic Gardens and 17th century life in the Annapolis Royal Area, once the Cradle of Acadie. www.historicgardens.com Acadian Heritage Tours are also offered by Alan Melanson, a 10th generation Acadian, at the Annapolis Royal Lighthouse every Tuesday and Friday at 2 p.m. www.TourAnnapolisRoyal.com www.annapolisroyal.com NATAL DAY WEEKEND August 4-7 Natal Day Weekend, an annual highlight, consists of four delightful days of fun including the Coronation of the Leader of the Royal Party, Fun Run, Farmers and Traders Market, 18th Century Military Encampment, 74th Crusaders Motorcycle Rally, Outdoor Concert, Art Shows, Sports Day and Legion’s BBQ open to all, Mobile Canteen, Beerfest, Fire Hall Pancake Breakfasts, Mini Golf, Grand Street Parade, Soap Box Derby, Horseshoe & Sports Tournament, Ecumenical Service, Sunset Ceremony, Fireworks, Candlelight Graveyard Tours and more. Events also held at the Historic Gardens. 902-532-7018, 902-532- 2397or NATAL DAY FORT ANNE ENCAMPMENT DAYS Aug.4 (p.m.)-Aug.6(a.m.) Stroll around the encampment of the 84th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion (Royal Highland Emigrants). Enjoy the sights, smells and sounds of black powder musketry, outdoor cooking and life in an 18th century military camp. Experience conditions of centuries- old due at time of registration, payable to the County of Annapolis. 902-665- 3022, www.AnnapolisCounty.ca military life. On Saturday afternoon, if weather permits, observe military techniques in a tactical battle. 902-532-2397. MOTORCYCLE RALLY Aug. 4-6 37th Annual Rally. 902-532- 7269,www.74thcrusaders.ca 38th ANNUAL FUN RUN Aug. 5 Join in a 4 km run in historic Annapolis Royal, partly on paved road and partly on cross country. Prizes awarded to runners of all ages and abilities. Registration is $5. Pre- register by July 14 to be eligible for a race memento. Limited run day registration 8:30 - 9:15 a.m. sharp at the Municipal Building. Payment is HANDS AROUND FORT ANNE Aug. 5(6:30-7:30 p.m.) Come mark Fort Anne’s 100th Anniversary and Canada’s 150th birthday with a spectacular aerial p h o t o g r a p h . P i c t u r e 5 0 0 participants creating a human link on the pathway surrounding Fort Anne while high above a drone captures the moment on film. DELAPS COVE WALK WITH NATURE August 13 (1 p.m.) Join recreation staff and nature enthusiasts for a fun guided, interpretive hike of Bohaker Trail and the Bay of Fundy Shore. Don’t miss the waterfall! No charge; just bring smiles and heaps of enthusiasm. Delap’s Cove Wilderness Trail is approx. 24 km (15 mi.) northwest of Annapolis on the Bay of Fundy shore. For info: Nancy Chisholm, 902-665-3022, nchisholm@annapoliscounty.ca or visitwwwAnnapolisCounty.ca Family, friends and visiting guests are all welcome. (Rain or shine) Afterwards, weather permitting, witness a historic-style sunset ceremony by the 84th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion. 902-532-2397 From Streetscapes to Seascapes, you don't want to miss it! Email: info@gaeltours.ca Ph: 902-245-4689 Cell: 902-247-2146 33 Wilson Lane, RR #1 Smith's Cove, NS B0S 1S0 www.gaeltours.ca Plankton, Periwinkles and Predators Stones, Steeples, Ships and Seafood, Walking tour of Digby, Bay of Fundy Recommended Experience Also on: greg_fundy @gaeltours LEARN TO PADDLE Aug. 26-27 Enjoy canoeing and kayaking demos, clinics and activities – perfect for beginner and seasoned paddlers. Bring a canoe or rent one on-site. PresentedwithCanoe/KayakNS. BIG KEJI PICNIC Sept.2 Bring a picnic. Enjoy games and surprises atMerrymakedgeBeach. SAVOUR THE TRAIL Sept.30 Experience tasty, locally-sourced dishes and beverages created by NS Community College’s culinary arts students.$44.Tickets limited. THANKSGIVING WEEKEND October8-9 Haunted Jaunt, Cold Turkey Swim&PumpkinCarvingContest. LEARN TO CAMP July21-23 Learn the basics, what to bring, what to eat and how to cook during this two-day program jointly presented by Mountain Equipment Co-op. $44 Adult. $22 Child. Spacelimited.Reserveearly! 48TH BIRTHDAY PARTY Aug. 5 Free cupcakes, refreshments, Keji Tintamarre Noise Parade, BikerPoker Run andmore! DARK SKY WEEKENDS Aug. 11-13&Sept.22-24 Search Keji’s spectacular night skies for planets, galaxies, constellations and more in Nova Scotia’s only Dark Sky Preserve. Presented with (RASC) the Royal AstronomicalSocietyof Canada. NAT’L ABORIGINAL DAY June 21 Celebrate Mi’kmaw culture with Parks Canada interpreters and special guests. Enjoy tours, culinary and culturaldemonstrations. CANADA DAY July1 Enjoy a Tintamarre (Acadian marching/noisemaking tradition), group campfire, lemonade, free cupcakes, Friends of Keji Photo Contestandinterpretationprograms. PARKS CANADA BIOBLITZ July15 -16 A Canada 150 Signature event! Team up with scientists and experts to learn about wildlife and record your observations. Best for ages 10 & up. Register by July 14 at Visitor Centreorcall902-682-2772. The Cat Ferry in Yarmouth 90 Minutes Fundy Rose Ferry in Digby 35 Minutes Halifax International Airport 120 Minutes Kejimkujik National Park & NHS 45 Minutes www.ExploreAnnapolisRoyal.com