15th Anniversary Bay Roberts Festival of Lights – 2012/13

We have designed a series of posters for the 15th Anniversary Festival of Lights in the town of Bay Roberts – November 28th, 2012 to January 6th, 2013.
This post has posters with information about events which are ongoing over the Festival. The next post will have information about single occurrence events.

15th Annual Festival of Lights

On Going Events

Christmas Park AND  Christmas Village.

Visitor Information Centre

International Nativity Set Collection – Dec 7th to Dec 15th

Neighbouring Community – Port de Grave Boat Lighting

Home Grown Theatrical Talent

Theatrical talent was shining in the Northern Avalon this summer. Cupids 400 and New World Theatre’s Indeavour Stage provided “once in a lifetime” entertainment, in which local performers participated. At the same time, community theatre which has been growing over the past decade in the towns of Brigus and Bay Roberts was thriving.

Bay Roberts had three separate successful shows. A Time in Pigeon Inlet, a Newfoundland “time,” featuring singing, instrumental music, storytelling and sketches (based on Ted Russell’s Tales from Pigeon Inlet) is in its third season. Salt-water Moon, a drama, was on stage at the Victoria LOL#3 Museum and Playhouse, the second year for a David French play produced by Jerry Mercer and directed by Marc Warren. And, for the first time, An Evening with the Gosse Family (which featuring singing,  instrumental music, and skits) was held at Lodge McKay.

In Brigus, The Royal Shag Up, a comedy with music, is in its 9^th sold out season.

What is Special About These Shows?

All four shows are first class productions with talented performers that have been enjoyed and praised by audiences from all over Canada. However, what is special is that each of these shows has a direct connection with the area.

Bay Roberts Shows

A Time in Pigeon Inlet, (pigeoninlet.ca) which features Newfoundland and Labrador’s first tradition bearer, Kelly Russell, and his family, is built around the stories of Kelly’s father, Newfoundland author Ted Russell, who was born on Coley’s Point.

The Cast of “A Time in Pigeon Inlet”
More photos from “A Time in Pigeon Inlet” > >

Salt-water Moon was written by David French, who was also born in Coley’s Point. David French moved to Toronto as a child when his father went upalong to work, but his plays are steeped in the history and mythology of this area of the province. Characters speak of the Bay Roberts Railway Station, the Klondyke, the Kyle, and the Labrador fishery.

“Salt-water Moon” by David French
More photos from “Salt-water Moon” > >
victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

An Evening with the Gosse Family featured the Gosse girls, Sonya and Michele, who grew up in Bay Roberts, and their Dad, Lewis, who was a teacher at Ascension Collegiate for years.
Ged Backmore, who was in the audience, was moved by the Gosse rendition of his composition, “The Sea.” in three part harmony.

More photos from “An Evening with the Gosse Family” > >

Brigus Show

The Royal Shag Up has been collectively written over the years by the Baccalieu Players, people from the local region who act, sing and dance in the show.

The Cast of “A Royal Shag Up”
More photos from “A Royal Shag Up” > >

“Salt-water Moon” FREE September 24th and 25th during Canadian Culture Days.

And as a bottom line, you have another opportunity to see “Salt-water Moon” for FREE at the Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse during Culture Days, September 24-25.  You will be amazed at how certain words and phrases jump to life because the play is in context.  Most people who have seen several different productions of the show say this one has a different twist which you will thoroughly enjoy.  Friday night’s show is being sponsored by Moores Andrews Collins Law Offices. Saturday night’s show is being sponsored by Ruth Brown of Clarke Real Estate, Pam Norman of Exit Realty, Churchill’s Home Hardware, and Harbour International.

Moon and stars in the sky.

Information about “Salt-water Moon” on the Culture Days Website > >

Events in Northern Avalon – July 26 to August 1

July 26 – August 6 Shearstown Estuary (between Bay Roberts and Spaniards Bay) Wetlands Nature Camp
Monday to Friday, 10am – 2pm Children get active in the outdoors, while learning about the environment. Registration for camp is on a day to day basis, so visitors, as well as people of the region are welcome. Featuring special guests Dennis Minty,  and Ticker Tom. Cost: 5$ per day per child. FMI: Keshia Parsons Email: shearstowngreenteam@gmail.com website: shearstownestuary.ca Phone: (709) 788-3021

July 27 Heart’s Content: Cable Station Anniversary Celebration. FMI: 583-2160

July 27 Bay Roberts Hauntings in Coley’s Point. 5 ghost stories…near graveyards. 8:30pm FMI: 683-1195, Hauntings > > holdinground.com

July 28 Bay Roberts Unveiling the new Klondyke Causeway Wayside Sign with performances by the Pigeon Inlet Players. 2:30pm-4:30pm FMI: 683-1195 holdinground.com

July 28 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 [HST included] Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 28- August 1 Bay de Verde Heritage Days. Poker game, dances, kids fun day; fireworks, fish & brewis breakfast, adult dance. Schedule [PDF] > > FMI: 587-2766 www.baydeverde.com

July 29-Aug.1 Holyrood 22nd Annual Squid Festival
FMI:  229-7252 townofholyrood.com

July 29 Holyrood Community Walk and Bonfire FMI: 229-7252 townofholyrood.com

July 29–August 2 Carbonear Weekend Including  “3rd Annual World Cup of Tiddly”  FMI: 596.3831 Schedule for Carbonear Weekend  > >

July 29 Bay Roberts Family Campfire Community Gardens 7:30pm  FMI 786-2126 holdinground.com

July 29 Whiteway Live Music with Craig Whelan & Brady Whelan Brown’s Restaurant. Tel: (709) 588-2347  Fax: (709) 588-2627

July 29 Cupids Colony of the Heart:The Indeavour Stage 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 30 Bay Roberts Saltwater Moon.  Directed  by Marc Warren   With Brad Mercer as Jacob Mercer and Robyn Brockerville playing Mary. 8pm Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 30 Brigus “A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 30 Cupids Colony of the Heart: The Indeavour Stage 6PM $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Carbonear Fibre Arts Exhibit. Display and Demonstration of crafts such as Quilts, Rug Hooking and Swedish Weaving. Music. Free Admission.2:00pm – 4:00 pm Multi-purpose room, back of swimming pool building. More information > >

July 31 Dildo. Dildo Days Boat Flotilla 11am; Cold Plate Sale $7 per plate 1-5pm; SUF Grounds: Dunk Tank & Local Entertainment Fun for the whole family, Men’s Fellowship fundraising BBQ, Adult Dance • SUF Lodge ($10 double) Third Strike • Door Prizes! For more information – > >

July 31 Harbour Grace 148th Running of the Harbour Grace Regatta Lady Lake. Enjoy a day at the races. Fixed seal shells, games of chance, food concessions, ladies’ and men’s races. The second oldest continuous sporting event in North America. Phone: 709-596-6753 or 709-596-7265 Fax: 709-596-1991 E-mail: thg@nf.sympatico.ca

July 31 Bay Roberts Saltwater Moon.  Directed  by Marc Warren   With Brad Mercer as Jacob Mercer and Robyn Brockerville playing Mary. 8pm Victoria LOL #3 Museum and Playhouse E Mail: info@victoriamuseumplayhouse.com Web: www.victoriamuseumplayhouse.com

July 31 Bay Roberts “A Time in Pigeon Inlet,” featuring Kelly Russell (Newfoundland and Labrador’s First Tradition Bearer), Russells in the Corner, Pigeon Inlet Players, and a special guest performer for each “Time”. For updates see: www.pigeoninlet.ca

July 31 Cupids / St. John’s St. John’s Story Telling Festival National Conference of Story Telling – St. John’s will visit Cupids

July 31 Brigus Cupids 400 Storytelling Concert Guest storytellers from around the world and at home will gather at St. George’s Heritage Church in neighbouring Brigus. International storytellers, Graham Langley and Jan Andrews will be joined by Newfoundland storyteller Margaret Hitchens for an evening of traditional English folk and fairy tales. St. George’s Church in Brigus (A Cupids 400 Event) See www.cupids400.com > >

July 31 Brigus
“A Royal Shag Up” Comedy Dinner Theatre. The Queen visits and with the help of our womanizing Mayor and torrid French dancer Fifi LaFlamme, unveils a lot more than a monument! 7:00 p.m. Friday & Saturday evenings through July & August. Choice of menu. Reservations essential. Ph. (709) 528-4044.

July 31 Cupids Feast of the Sword Dinner Theatre: Cupids Community Hall 6PM Tickets $47.50 Children 12 & under $36.25 [HST included] Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

July 31 Grates Cove Allan Ricketts 8:00pm Doors Open 7:00pm $15+HST advanced $17:50+HST at the Door. Cash Beer & Wine Beyond Baccalieu FMI or tickets: 587-3986 beyondbaccalieu.com

July 31 to August 31 Winterton Island Rock Studio Art Exbitition Drop in and view latest pieces by locally renowned NL artist, Florence Maud Pinhorn. FMI See the Wooden Boat Museum of Newfoundland & Labrador > >

July 31- August 1 Paradise SunSplash Festival, TBA FMI see www.townofparadise.ca > >

August 1 Cupids The Tiring House: New World Theatre – The Indeavour Stage 1PM Tickets $10.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

August 1 Carbonear 3rd Annual World Cup of Tiddly. Men’s, Women’s and Kids’ (12 and under) teams. 5 players per team (plus spare if needed). Pre-registration, rules and information on World Cup of Tiddly Page > > Registration also @ 1 pm Carbonear Recreation Complex. May bring own gloves and safety equipment.  “Hooked on Tiddly” T-shirts will be available for $10.

August 1 Bay Roberts Folk Festival Community Gardens 2pm FMI:  683-1195 holdinground.com

August 1 Bay Roberts Mussel/Crab Boil at the Three Sister with Music by the Pigeon Inlet Players Bay Roberts East Shoreline Heritage Walk. 2:30-4:00pm FMI: 786-2126 holdinground.com

August 1 Whitbourne Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Hoedown Lions Club. Doors open at 1:00 pm. Starts at 2:00 pm. FMI: Bill Whelan 709 759 2196 or hildawhelan@hotmail.com

August 1 Conception Harbour 100th Anniversary of St. Anne’s Garden Party St. Anne’s Church grounds, Conception Harbour  A day of fun and games for children; games of chance along with musical entertainment. A dinner and dance to follow at St. Annes’s Parish Hall. FMI

Provincial Historic Commemorations Program

Last week, the government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced the first-ever designations under the newly-established Provincial Historic Commemorations Program. The program is designed to  recognize and commemorate distinctive aspects of our province’s history, culture and heritage. Dildo Island, which represents more than 2,500 years of occupation by various cultures, was commemorated as a Place of Provincial Significance.   Kelly Russell, well-known fiddler and tireless promoter of Newfoundland and Labrador’s traditional music, was recognized under the category of Tradition Bearer.

Because we worked on the  Baccalieu: Crossroads for Culture Project and have worked closely with clients in the Dildo area, as well as with Kelly and his family through the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation and “A Time in Pigeon Inlet,” we have in depth knowledge about the two choices.

Kelly Russell, at the March 3rd Award Ceremony, with his book of musical notation.

Kelly Russell

Like almost everyone in the province, I was familiar with Kelly Russell, the fiddle player, but until “A Time in Pigeon Inlet,” I did not know that he is also a skilled storyteller,  a producer and director, and recorder and arranger of music. With his company Pigeon Inlet Productions, he has produced Tales from Pigeon Inlet (3CD set, featuring 30 original recordings of his father, Ted Russell’s works) and a number of other compilations of music and spoken word by the best know performers in the province.

He has developed and printed two unique books of musical notation:  Fiddle Music of Newfoundland & Labrador – Volume 1 – The Music of Rufus Guinchard & Emile Benoit, containing musical notation to over 250 fiddle tunes learned from master fiddlers Rufus Guinchard and Emile Benoit. Volume 2 is also now available, containing tunes from 25 other fiddlers around the Province including several fiddlers from Labrador.

Needless to say, over the past two years, I have gained tremendous respect for Kelly’s contribution to the culture and heritage of the province, and he is very worthy of the name Tradition Bearer.  A Time in Pigeon Inlet which he produces in cooperation with the Bay Roberts Cultural Foundation, helps to preserve the legacy his father, Ted Russell and to preserve the traditions and culture of outport Newfoundland.  His own website, Pigeon Inlet Productions, www.pigeoninlet.com,  provides information about the items he has produced, and his contribution to ensuring future generations are aware of our traditional music.

Dildo Island

Dildo Island was also an excellent choice. Dildo Island, is relatively unknown outside the region, although it is a treasure of international interest on many levels.  The fact that so many different cultures chose to live there, speaks volumes.  The island is located in area which is visited by seals, whales, and various types of birds.  Fish swim in the water and the land provides quantities of berries and other editable plants. A caribou migration path was located in nearby Blaketown, and various types of small animals such as rabbits and beaver live in the woods. The various  cultures that occupied the island took advantage of the abundant food supply. In spite of the many excesses of hunting and fishing habits during the last half of the  20th century, the island, the waters around it, and the Dildo area are still home to many species of plant and animal life on land and in the water.  Dildo and Dildo Island can be the site for marvelous hiking trips, studying the natural history of the area.

Journey Through Time

Everyone loves a good story and the story of human habitation on Dildo Island is an amazing tale. I was first introduced to that story by William Gilbert, chief  archaeologist, when Baccalieu Consulting worked with him to produce a booklet for the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation entitled Journeys Through Time: 10 Years of Archaeology on the Baccalieu Trail. The amount of   documentation and the number of artifacts that have been found are truly amazing, and William Gilbert has an ability to tell a detailed technical story in plain, coherent language  that is easy to understand.

In 2005, we were project managers for Baccalieu: Crossroads for Cultures, which brought together a large number of groups and individuals, including William Gilbert, to tell the   17th century history of the region, in preparation for the Cupids 400 Celebrations, which are taking place this year.

Tools of the Dorset Eskimo

For a person who loves history and anthropology, the ability to be able to handle items that people used on that island over two thousand years ago is unimaginable. It was fascinating to learn that the Dorset Eskimo over 1000 years ago actually fashioned lamps which burned seal oil and that they produced serrated blades on their cutting  instruments.

It was eerie to read Henry  Cout’s 1613 account of landing on Dildo Island.  He entered a Beothuk home where the fire pit was still warm and examined the inside, seeing how they slept.  When he was ready to go, he left gifts for the Beothuk that own the home. The following day, when he returned, he found the Beothuk had left a gift of cooked meat for them. It is heartbreaking to  read his plea, saying do no harm to the Beothuk  people, in the light of later events.

More Information about Dildo Island

If you are interesting in following the story of Dildo Island and of the visit by the Cupids colonists, you can find detailed information.

From Baccalieu: Crossroads for Cultures – “The Beothuk at Dildo Island”  (available in English and French )

From Baccalieu: Crossroads for Cultures – Henry Crout’s letter to Sir Percival Willoughby, Summer 1613 transcribed by William Gilbert  (available in French and English)

If you want to find more information about the archaeological dig, and the various cultures that occupied Dildo Island, you can find detailed information.

From Baccalieu Digs  (website of the Baccalieu Heritage Corporation, maintained by William Gilbert, chief archaeologist) – Dildo Island

And, to find information about events and activities of Cupids 400, you can see Cupids Cove Chatter.

Accommodations in the Region

If you are interested in visiting the area, we maintain websites for a number of accommodations.  These accommodations consist of B & Bs, Cottages, RV and Camping Parks and range in cost.  The whole area covers a radius of about 40km, so if you stay in one place, you are with easy driving distance of all other parts.

Cupids area:  Blumblebee B & B (Brigus), Roaches Line RV Park & Cottages (Roaches Line), Rose Manor (Harbour Grace), and Klondyke Cottage (Bay Roberts)

Dildo area: George House Heritage B& B and Inn By the Bay (Dildo),  Blueberry Hill B & B (Cavendish),  Ocean Delight Cottages (Whiteway) and Ocean Delight Cottages (Heart’s  Delight)

In addition, we maintain the website for Northern Bay Sands RV and Camping Park, which is also on the Baccalieu Peninsula.

We also maintain the website for Northern Avalon Tourism Association – Accommodations – All the accommodations listed are within an hour of the Cupids – Dildo area.

Welcome to our update!

Because we have been so busy with other people’s communications, we have been neglecting our own! We hope to keep up-to-date here.

Town of Bay Roberts

Veterans' Quay Marina

The Town of Bay Roberts has been a client since 2003. In July 2008, there were an average of 408 visitors each day who viewed 1206 pages per day. For October 2008, there have been an average of 272 visitors each day who have viewed 834 pages per day. In the past year, there have been 108,000 visitors who have visited 290,00 pages. We believe we have succeeding in making Bay Roberts, a town of approximately 5414 [2006 census], very visible on the Web!

Cable Building - National Historic Site and Provincial Heritage Structure

Over the summer, we were very busy with a variety of projects in the Town of Bay Roberts as well as maintaining their websites: www.bayroberts.com and www.bayrobertsevents.com

One of our projects the Bay Roberts Tourism & Leisure Guide during the summer. The 16 page guide is online – Bay Roberts Tourism & Leisure Guide – 2008

The previous year we completed a pamphlet on the Shoreline Heritage Walk. It contains information about the history of the walk and a detailed map which visitors can follow.

Shoreline Heritage Walk

Pigeon Inlet was successful beyond what we had hoped. For information about the project, see the website – www.pigeoninlet.ca and the blog unclemose.wordpress.com which we have been preparing.

We prepared albums of photos taken by Catherine and Steve Armager about the Pigeon Inlet launch –

Photos of Gala Launchand Pigeon Inlet Buffet

We also prepared a large storyboard on the Life of Ted Russell, which is on display at the Bay Roberts Visitor’s Pavilion:

Ted Russell Story Board. Elizabeth Miller, Ted Russell's daughter-left

In the middle of the summer, we prepared a flash presentation entitled “A Time in Pigeon Inlet”.Music in the flash presentation is by Kelly Russell.

We also designed a logo for the Pigeon Inlet project which will appear on all materials relating to Pigeon Inlet in the future:

Pigeon Inlet Logo

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We also worked various projects with the Joint Management Committee shared by the Town of Bay Roberts and the Town of Spaniard’s Bay. We developed 10 Wayside Exhibition Signs for the Shearstown Estuary. Six of the signs have been placed, while the others will be placed later.

Birds of the Shearstown Estuary