Dumping Day

Experience "Dumping Day" first hand in the Lobster Capital of Canada, the Municipality of Barrington. The largest lobster fishing industry in Canada opens on the last Monday in November each year and while the majority of us are making our Christmas lists, a lot of the men (and some women!) are making their lobstering lists and checking them twice right now. Traps, bait bags, rope (lots of rope!), buoys, and the list goes on.  "Dumping Day" in Southwest Nova is considered the most dangerous day of the lobster season.  The day when all the pots (375 in District 34) are "dumped" into the ocean and the fishermen then hold their breath in hopes that they have placed them in the right, lucrative spot.

You can join in on dumping day festivities on Cape Sable Island with an early morning (starts at 4AM) hot breakfast at the Barrington & Island Fire Department in Centreville, then head down to any of the local wharves and join the many families gathered there waiting for the 6AM start of the lobster season and to wish the anxious fishermen well.

It is certainly a sight to see all the boats filled with lobster pots, gear and crew. With their motors humming they wait for their time to leave the wharf in search of the perfect spot to set their pots.  The lobster fishery accounts for 35 percent of total economic returns in southwest Nova, and each year starts with an uncertainty about what the years catch will bring and the price of lobsters.  The past couple of years has seen some of the lowest prices for lobsters most fisherman have ever experienced, but none the less, they risk their lives in high winds and waves on the Atlantic Ocean in hopes of making a good living to raise their families on.

Don't forget to come back and visit us in June, when we celebrate our Lobster Heritage during Lobster Festival, June 2,3,4 & 5th, 2011. Hope to see you then! 

Enjoy Nova Scotia Lobster!

Check out these great videos!

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

"Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful."

 ~ Norman Vincint Peale

The town of Shelburne welcomes you to come and spend a day or the whole weekend with them as they celebrate the Christmas season this year.  A full festive line up of events are on tap from November 25 - 28, beginning with the Phil Callen Senior High Basketball Classic which kicks off on Thursday night at 6PM at the High School.

Friday night, Jolly Ol' Santa comes to town with treat bags for the little ones.  The lights on the Christmas Tree will be lit while folks gather 'round for a Christmas Carol sing-along and a "mug up" of hot chocolate and cookies to keep you warm.  End your evening with some more great entertainment at the Osprey Arts Centre with our local basement theatre performance of Noel Coward's 1920's English comedy  "Hay Fever".

On Saturday, start your day with a little Christmas shopping and while you are out and about, don't forget to cast your vote for your favorite themed Christmas tree located throughout town.  The Shelburne Farmer's Market will be open at the Exhibition grounds and from there you can stroll over to the community centre for the Christmas Craft Fair and cross a few more people off your Christmas List with some great handmade crafts.

Step back in time when you purchase a ticket for the Christmas House Tour.  You will get to explore five homes in Shelburne all decked out for Christmas, a church and an Inn. You will be greeted by some of our local Historic Re-enactors as you experience Christmas with a little history! 

 

If you haven't gotten into the Festive Season yet, you surely will as you watch the impressive Parade of Lights as it makes it way through the Town of Shelburne later Saturday night.

Come, be a part of the Magic and experience Christmas in Shelburne!

For a full schedule of events visit: Shelburne Celebrates Christmas

For a listing of Accommodations to plan your Festive Weekend Getaway visit: Discover Shelburne County

Wordless Wednesday