It’s Time ~ Come “Celebrate Magnolias”!

Picturesque Annapolis Royal, “Nova Scotia’s Magnolia Capital”, is planning to showcase its fifth annual “Celebrate Magnolias” this weekend, and the “Inspired by Magnolias” art show is in full swing at ARTsPLACE through June 3. With each passing year, the hundred plus beautiful and fragrant magnolias are getting more mature, and new ones are being planted. The earliest started blooming this year in early April, and other species blossom at different times into June.

The Historic Gardens will be open this Saturday and Sunday, May 12 – 13, from 9 – 5 p.m. with admission by donation. On Saturday morning, May 12, the last Winter Market of the season will be held at the Gardens from 9 a.m. – Noon. There will also be a guided Magnolia Tour at 10 a.m. with tree expert, Angelika Waldow, and a special private garden will be open from 10 a.m. – Noon. (Angelika also took this beautiful feature photo of the Magnolia Soulangeana Rustica Rubra, and we appreciate her sharing it with the Explorer Guide.) The third annual Rare and Unusual Plant Sale will be held from 1 – 4 p.m at the market square. Be sure to come early as this is a very popular and busy event.

On Sunday afternoon, May 13, 1 – 3 p.m., the Historic Gardens will provide soup and baguette and a special talk by magnolia expert, David Veinotte. At 3 p.m. enjoy a Guided Magnolia Walk with horticulturist, Karen Achenbach. A Self Guided Magnolia Tour is also available.

For even more events, and updated schedule and tickets contact the Historic Gardens, 532-7018, www.historicgardens.com or “Annapolis Royal Celebrates Magnolias” on Facebook.

Happy 86th Birthday to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was born on 21 April 1926.  She usually spends her birthday privately with family; however, the occasion is marked publicly by gun salutes at Hyde Park in central London, the Windsor Great Park and at the Tower of London.

An official birthday for the British Sovereign has also been held in the summer months since 1805. This occasion allows the general public an opportunity to celebrate in warmer weather. Her Majesty’s official birthday will be held this year on Saturday, June 16, 2012. To celebrate, a spectacular Trooping the Colour Parade is always held. It travels between Buckingham Palace, The Mall and Horse Guards’ Parade grounds. Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday celebrations will also take place in several Commonwealth countries.

The photos in this little Video Birthday Tribute were taken on June 29, 2010 at the Royal Reception in Halifax, Nova Scotia when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh visited Canada.

Oyez! Oyez! Happy Birthday, Your Majesty! Long may you live and reign. God Save Our Queen!

Annapolis Royal Easter Eggstavaganza Egg Hunt Video

A full day of Easter Eggstravaganza fun was enjoyed by all ages on Saturday in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. The annual Egg Hunt at Fort Anne National Historic Site was just one of the day’s delightful activities. Many thanks to Coordinator Paula Buxton, the Easter Bunny, Parka the Beaver,  Don and Jeannie Allen and all of the wonderful volunteers who made the day so fun and successful! Happy Easter from Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia, Canada!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDt7iQlrTwQ

Annapolis Royal’s Easter Eggstravaganza is Eggstra Special!

COME JOIN THE FUN!

8:30 – 10:30 a.m.
PANCAKE BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
At the Legion

9:00 a.m. – Noon
MARKET AT THE HISTORIC GARDENS

11:00 a.m. sharp
EASTER EGG HUNT AT FORT ANNE
Children under 5 in the parade square, 5 to 10 year olds through the rest of the Fort Anne grounds.

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
EGGSTRA SPECIAL CRAFT AT HOME HARDWARE
Call 532-2319 to register Space is limited.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
BIKE RODEO
Call 532-2043 to register. Space is limited.

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
COOKIE DECORATING at ARTsPLACE

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
KIDS CRAFTS AND WOOD PROJECTS at ARTsPLACE

12:00 – 2:00 p.m.
UKRANIAN EGG DECORATING, LEATHER BELT &
WOODEN GARDEN STAKE MAKING
At the Legion for adults and children over 10 years old.

1:00 – 3:00 p.m.
THE ANNAPOLIS ROYALLY AMAZING RACE
For ages 10 to 14. Teams of two must pre-register after March 24th with Valentina 532-0955. Maximum of 15 teams.

1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
WEE THINGS FOR WEE FOLK
Faerie exhibit at ARTsPLACE.

3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
FREE CHILDREN’S MOVIE at King’s Theatre
BE SURE TO TRADE IN YOUR PLASTIC EGGS FROM THE EGG HUNT FOR A BALLOT TO WIN A BICYCLE

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
ORGANIZED GARDEN GEO-QUEST
For adults and families. Must pre-register with Trish at the Historic Gardens, 532-7018. GPS units supplied at the Gardens.

Thank you to all of the local merchants, the Town of Annapolis Royal, the Annapolis Board of Trade and all of the hearts and souls who contribute each year to making this celebration such an outstanding success. Thanks also to Don and Jeannie Allen and Charade for sponsoring the movie and taking such good care of the Easter Bunny, and to Paula Buxton of Leo’s Cafe, our “Coordinator Eggstraordinaire”. Last, but not least, thanks in advance for supporting our local community – we couldn’t have this much fun without Y-O-U!

Come Celebrate Canada’s Heritage in Annapolis Royal

The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal, Parks Canada, Annapolis Heritage Society, Historic Gardens, CARP, Nova Scotia Power and the Town of Annapolis Royal and Friends are working together to celebrate Heritage Day Weekend 2012, February 17 – 20. This year’s theme is “The Heritage of Power Generation”, and a series of special events and activities are planned which celebrate the past and highlight current and future sources of green energy.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17
The 2012 Queen Annapolis Royal Fund-raising Dinner will take place at the Fire Hall. Guest heritage speaker is Alan Melanson, past president of The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal. Keynote speaker is Linda Bailey, Administrator of the Annapolis Royal Nursing Home. For additional information, contact Ann Marie Monk at A Seafaring Maiden, 532-0379, info@aseafaringmaiden.com

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Experience Traditional Forms of Energy at the Winter Market and Acadian Cottage from 9 am – noon, both located at the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Shop for local produce, and enjoy an old-fashioned bonfire and marshmallow roast. Join Brad Hall for blacksmith demonstrations (weather permitting), and learn about power in the 17th century with Alan Melanson at the Acadian Cottage. Later, from 1 – 4 pm, there will be Family Snowshoeing (conditions permitting) and hot chocolate for all. For info, call 532-7018 or visit www.historicgardens.com

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Join noted author, Joyce Grant-Smith, for A Different Kind of Energy program entitled “The Triumphs and Trials of Writing for Children” at the Annapolis Royal Library at 2:30 pm. The Library is located behind Town Hall. To learn more, call 532-2226.

HERITAGE DAY ~ MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20

10 am – 3 pm
Enjoy an Open House featuring Energy Efficiency in a Heritage Setting presented by Clean Annapolis River (CARP) at the Train Station in Annapolis Royal.  There will be energy efficient light bulbs (CFLs) and other energy saving products to give away. CARP staff will also be on hand to greet guests and discuss energy saving techniques. For more info contact 532-7533.

11 am – 2 pm
Enjoy a Behind-the-scenes look at the Fort Anne National Historic Site Library and the curatorial collection. Learn how these valuable documents, scrapbooks and artifacts are stored, catalogued, and preserved. Thanks to the many community residents who donated items to this extensive collection through the years, the Officer’s Quarters at Fort Anne, in its early years, served as a repository of community history. An expert conservator and librarian will be on hand to share their knowledge. For more info call Fort Anne at 532-2321 or visit www.parkscanada.gc.ca/fortanne

1 – 4 pm
Enjoy an Open House and Heritage Building Awards Presentation at the historic Town Hall in Annapolis Royal. Call 532-2043 for actual time of the Awards Presentation. http://www.annapolisroyal.com

2:00 pm
Join Les Smith at 2 pm in the Lower Hall of St. George and St. Andrews United Church in Annapolis Royal for a unique opportunity to learn about the science, technology and Energy of North America’s Only Tidal Power Plant. For info call 532-7754.

TWO WEEK O’DELL HOUSE MUSEUM HERITAGE DAY DISPLAY
Don’t miss this year’s special exhibit at the O’Dell House Museum featuring the Causeway Construction Archival Photo Display from the 1960′s. For more about this exhibit contact 532-7754 or visit www.annapolisheritagesociety.com

Hope to see Y-O-U at some of the events!

Historic Holiday Program Scheduled for Annapolis Royal

The Annapolis Heritage Society and The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal are pleased to offer an unforgettable New Year’s Holiday Program at 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening January 3, 2012 in the Lower Hall of St. George & St. Andrew United Church in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia.

Entitled A Reluctant Engagement: Mi’kmaw-European Interaction along the Annapolis River at the Beginning of the Eighteenth Century this interesting presentation will use census data and local parish records to compare local Mi’kmaw experiences to those elsewhere in peninsular Mi’kma’ki (modern-day Nova Scotia), expanding our understanding of Mi’kmaw interaction with European officials and Acadian settlers. In 1605 Pierre du Gua, the sieur de Mons, and Samuel de Champlain chose to build their small French outpost along the Annapolis River in part because of a nearby (and friendly) Mi’kmaw community. But, aside from the first few years of settlement, Europeans did not record much about the specific group of people who lived along the river’s banks during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Although there is little source material remaining from this period, the British conquest of Port Royal provides an important opportunity to gain insight about this local Mi’kmaw population.

Guest Speaker is Thomas Peace, SSHRC postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. Developing from his PhD research on Aboriginal experiences of the conquest of New France, Mr. Peace will share his work on the Kespukwitk Mi’kmaq at the turn of the eighteenth century.  His PhD research, completed at York University in September, compared Mi’kmaw and Huron-Wendat experiences of the British conquest of Acadia and Canada. Tom has a master’s degree in history from Saint Mary’s University and a bachelor’s degree from Acadia University. In addition to his studies, he is an editor at ActiveHistory.ca and avid canoeist.

Additional information about the Annapolis Heritage Society is available at AnnapolisHeritageSociety.com To learn more about The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal visit TourAnnapolisRoyal.com

On behalf of all of the businesses and citizens, we wish you and your loved ones the very best for 2012 and hope you come in person to Explore Annapolis Royal in the coming year.

Enjoy an Old-Fashioned Christmas in Annapolis Royal

Ho! Ho! Ho! The heart-warming Victorian Christmas at the O’Dell House Museum, a fun-filled Winter Market at the Historic Gardens and 3 exciting Christmas Craft Fairs plus unique shops, delightful restaurants, historic accommodations and much, much more await you on Saturday, December 3 in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Victorian Christmas continues on Sunday, December 4. For a schedule of holiday events, visit http://www.annapolisroyal.com

History Etched in Stone ~ Join the Fun on Nov. 1

Parks Canada Interpretation Specialist, Wayne Kerr, will give a spirited presentation about his latest book entitled History Etched in Stone: Gravestone Art and the Garrison Graveyard at Annapolis Royal on Tuesday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Anglican Church Hall in Annapolis Royal.

The Garrison Graveyard is located at Fort Anne National Historic Site and has been the site of The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal’s popular Candlelight Graveyard Tours since 1992. Annapolis Royal is one of the most fought-over pieces of land in Canada, and the Garrison Graveyard is the final resting place for hundreds of Acadian, French and British civilians and military personnel spanning over three centuries. With the oldest stone dating back to 1720, (29 years before Halifax became the capital of Nova Scotia), it is one of the oldest and most historic English graveyards in Canada. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to learn about our national treasure first-hand from Wayne Kerr.

This fun-filled evening is proudly sponsored by The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal. It is open to the public and is free of charge.

Calling All Brave Souls!

BOO! Numerous spook-tacular events will be held throughout Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia during GHOST TOWN, Oct. 21 – Nov. 1, 2011. Enjoy a Haunted House at the Sinclair Inn Museum, A Skeleton Revealed at Fort Anne National Historic Site, Candlelight Graveyard Tours, Ghostly Gardens After Dark and Goblets & Goblins at the hauntingly boo-tiful Historic Gardens. There will also be some great Halloween parties, a Haunted Seek & Find, Ghostly Geo-Caches, and some ghoulish sales and specials by Annapolis Royal’s businesses.

GHOST TOWN will conclude on Tuesday, November 1, 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke’s Church Hall with The Historical Association of Annapolis Royal’s Fall Meeting. Parks Canada Interpretation Specialist, Wayne Kerr, will give a spirited presentation about his latest book on the Garrison Graveyard, entitled History Etched in Stone: Gravestone Art and the Garrison Graveyard at Annapolis Royal. With the oldest stone dating back to 1720, (29 years before Halifax became the capital of Nova Scotia), the Garrison Graveyard is one of the oldest English graveyards in Canada. Hope you’ll plan to come sit for a spell, enjoy a bite and invite a friend to share this fun-filled evening with you.

For a fang-tastic schedule full of wickedly wonderful GHOST TOWN adventures visit http://www.ExploreGhostTown.com

Best witches for a safe and Happy Hallowe’en!

“OUR NOVA SCOTIA” Dancers Wanted in Annapolis Royal