The Government of Canada Supports Anniversary Celebrations in Chester Basin & Surrounding Area

February 23, 2010

Bridgewater, NS – The region’s residents and visitors will have the opportunity to take part in the 250th anniversary celebrations of Chester Basin and area, thanks to an investment by the Government of Canada.

On behalf of the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore–St. Margaret’s, today announced funding for the Chester Basin 250th Anniversary Society, which will support Chester Basin’s anniversary celebrations, which are taking place in 2010.

This 250th anniversary will be an opportunity to promote the social, cultural and economic history of the area. Activities will include historical exhibits, genealogical day with guest speakers and information on local families, local residents presenting historical stories and  happenings, sharing of historical information by word and visual presentations, an old-fashioned woods party with horses yarding logs, the making/wearing of period costumes, displays of traditional and contemporary works of artists and artisans, presentations by writers with Chester Basin roots, and family reunions. The signature historical event of the anniversary celebrations will be the re-enactment of the New Ross Freighters. This will be a two day event in mid-August. 

“The Government of Canada is pleased to help support the commemoration of the settlement of Chester Basin in 1760,” said Gerald Keddy, Member of Parliament for South Shore- St. Margaret’s. “Celebrations like this bring people of all ages and backgrounds together and contribute to building stronger communities. I am proud that our Government has taken decisive steps to strengthen our shared sense of heritage.”

“Funding from the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage Program will help to provide for the year-long celebration of the settling of Chester Basin and the surrounding area,” said Glenda Redden, Chair of the Chester Basin 250th Anniversary Society. “These anniversary celebrations will help residents and visitors learn about the historical changes of Chester Basin since 1760 and provide them with the opportunity to better understand the heritage which has created today's communities in this area.”

The Government of Canada has provided this funding of $20,500 through the Building Communities Through Arts and Heritage program of the Department of Canadian Heritage. This program, announced in September 2007, provides Canadians with more opportunities to take part in activities that present local arts and culture and celebrate local history and heritage.