DORCHESTER (GNB) – The New Brunswick Day celebrations are starting early this year in recognition of Canada 150. The provincial government will host an early celebration in Dorchester on Saturday, July 29.
“The early celebration in Dorchester will be an exciting opportunity to showcase our historic and beautiful village and region,” said Memramcook-Tantramar MLA Bernard LeBlanc. “We hope that New Brunswickers and others will join us to celebrate our province in Dorchester this summer.”
LeBlanc attended for Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation and build momentum for New Brunswick Day in Edmundston, the province will kick-off a seven-week celebration in counties across New Brunswick on Canada Day. In the coming weeks, the government will unveil the initiatives it has planned to celebrate Canada 150 this summer.
"Dorchester is a small community with a lot of pride,” said Premier Brian Gallant. “I look forward to returning to the Sandpiper Festival which is a success every year."
The village of Dorchester overlooks the scenic Shepody Bay, located in the Fundy UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Dorchester is home to the world’s largest sandpiper, carved from a single log. The village is home to the historic Keillor House and St. James Presbyterian Church, and the Bell Inn, which is the oldest stone structure in New Brunswick.
The early New Brunswick Day celebration will take place during the Sandpiper Festival, happening in Dorchester July 28-30.
“The historic Village of Dorchester is very honoured with this recognition, and look forward to celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday during the annual Sandpiper Festival,” said Village of Dorchester mayor Jerome Bear.
New Brunswick Day has been celebrated since 1976. An official host community has been chosen since 1990.
10-04-17