The Town of Pictou will commemorate two significant anniversaries in 2023: the historic 250th anniversary of the Ship Hector’s arrival and the 150th anniversary of the Town’s formation. Over 20 neighborhood organizations will hold events in 2023 that pay tribute to the past and mark how far we’ve come. We encourage you to check https://www.pictou2023.com/ frequently for event updates and to discover more about the community influencers that have shaped it.
The ferry services that connect the mainland to Prince Edward Island and one of Nova Scotia’s largest lobster fisheries have made Pictou, which is about an hour and a half’s drive north of Halifax, a popular tourist destination. The town’s beachfront and charming downtown are its major draws; they are absolute hidden jewels in our lovely province.
This summer, Pictou’s coastline and neighborhood will come alive with cultural events, festivals, and concerts. The Town of Pictou, the deCoste Performing Arts Centre, the Hector Heritage Quay, the Ship Hector Descendants Project, the Pictou Lobster Carnival, and over 20 additional community partners worked together to create a fun-filled calendar of activities.
Build Nova Scotia helped fund the transformation of 27 Creighton Street into The Caladh Marquee, a bustling waterfront event venue. A vendor’s village, play structures, art pieces, fire pits, public restrooms, and a range of seating options along the harbour’s edge will complement a 300-seat tent with stage.
One of its highlighted events is the Hector 250 marquee events. The Ship Hector’s arrival in Pictou, Nova Scotia, will be commemorated its 250th anniversary this September 15, 2023. In 1773, the first ship to transport immigrants directly from Scotland to Nova Scotia was the Hector. To begin a new life in a foreign country, the 189 Highlanders underwent a perilous journey. Both those who landed on the Hector and the subsequent waves of Scottish settlers made significant cultural, political, intellectual, and industrial contributions that helped to create Nova Scotia and the rest of Canada.
The unveiling and initial opportunity to observe the Hector’s restoration process will play a significant role in the weekend. Over $1.8 million has been raised for the ship through the Charting Our Course initiative, which is financing the restoration. We can reach our goal of $2.5 million to finish the project with the cooperation of the community and businesses. The Hector will be able to give excursions of Pictou Harbour once its restoration is complete. It will have various ‘green energy’ characteristics and be the only tall ship in Canada that is powered by solar energy.
The Interpretive Center will be completely updated and renovated as part of a large project that the Society is also in charge of. The refurbishment will incorporate cutting-edge, engaging exhibits that recount the story of the collaboration between the Pik’tuk Indians and Scottish settlers in greater detail. The facility and ship will be a pioneer in the use of green technology in public settings because they will be entirely powered by solar panels
More events to celebrate at https://www.pictou2023.com/
References and photo credits to:
https://www.pictou2023.com/
https://www.familyfuncanada.com/halifax/
