UFO's, Whirligigs and Sharks, Oh My!

"The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate."

~Oprah Winfrey

I was recently at a workshop where someone made a comment that we (Shelburne County) are always celebrating something. The more I thought about that comment the more I agreed with them!

Shelburne County has a vast array of festivals and events throughout the year.  We celebrate the "normal" things like Canada Day, the fall harvest with a pumpkin festival, and Christmas with two festivals in the County!  We also celebrate our history and heritage with such festivals as Lobster Festival (June 7-10, 2012), Shelburne Founders' Days (July 21-24), and Lights Along the Shore (Sept 17-18), in conjunction with the rest of the South Shore, celebrating our famed lighthouses.

What some might not know however is that we are also home to some very unique festivals.  Coming into its 6^th year, Harmony Bazaar - A Festival of Women & Song celebrates female singer songwriters.  Located in the beautiful seaside town of Lockeport, this year's festival  brings in Country music star Michelle Wright centre stage in the newly built Seacaps Memorial Park stage. It's a weekend long festival of entertainment, workshops, artists and so much more. 

August 5-6 we celebrate unidentified flying objects! Yes, that's right, UFO`s! Shelburne County is home to one of few Canadian Government recognized UFO sites, located in Shag Harbour.  It was back in October of 1967 when an impact of an unknown large object was reported in the waters near Shag Harbour.  Today we boast a UFO designated look-off site, an interpretive centre and of course a festival! Fun & games, great food, boat trips, entertainment and high profile UFO experts are all brought in for this fun filled unique weekend!

In August we also celebrate a few species that are found in and around our great coast destination. August 12-14, Lockeport Sea Derby celebrates 20 years! This is the longest running sea derby in Nova Scotia.  Excitement builds as the "catch of the day" are brought in and weighed.  New this year, we are host to the 1^st Annual Shorebird Festival, August 26-28.  Shelburne County has long been known as a birding hotspot. Our beaches are home to many migratory and nesting shorebirds, including the endangered Piping Plover.  This is a must for any birder, from beginner to advance! 

From sharks and shorebirds to Whirligigs!  In September, the Shelburne Waterfront comes alive with the sights and sounds of colourful whirligigs and weathervanes humming in the breeze.  From the basic to the elaborate, you will be amazed at the creativity that goes into making these fun and whimsical creations! The Whirligig & Weathervane Festival runs from September 17 to the 18^th. Join in the fun and enter your own creation!

For a full list of our great festivals & events please visit our website at Discover Shelburne County and join us in our celebrations all year long!