Every first Monday of August we celebrate a popular holiday in Nova Scotia with parades, fireworks, races, cake-cutting ceremonies, concerts, and more. But with the pandemic, the usual celebrations are not being held. Now that we are slowly coming back to normal, what are the things we could do this weekend?
Here’s a look at what will be open and closed on the Natal Day weekend:
In terms of businesses, many grocery stores in HRM and Central Nova Scotia indicate that they will only be open from 12 noon until 6 p.m. Planning to leave town for the long weekend with a couple of beers and snacks? Don’t worry because in the northeastern and southwestern parts of the province, liquor stores will be opened during regular business hours.
Although area malls are open, many indicate they will only be operating from noon to 5 p.m. on Monday.
There are also some pharmacies that may have reduced hours and some banks may also be closed on both Sunday and Monday.
Do you love reading while enjoying the long weekend? Plan ahead because Halifax Public Libraries branches will be closed on Monday.
Is Monday your day to put your garbage? Well, you should have them collected on the 31st of July because there will be no solid waste collection on the 2nd of August. Speaking of collections, mails won’t be collected nor delivered by Canada Post on the same date. The two Customer Service Centres that provide in-person access to municipal services and payments will also be closed on Monday.
Other services that will be closing on Monday are The Otter Lake Waste Management Facility, the Halifax recycling facility and municipal composting facilities, but will be open during regular hours on Saturday and Tuesday.
One of the most important things that will be operating on Monday is the 311 Contact Centre. And they are open on regular hours.
On Monday, the Woodside ferry service will not be operating. On the brighter side, on-street parking will be free.
During Natal Day, the Alderney Ferry will run every half hour, with the first ferry of the day leaving the Alderney terminal at 7:30 a.m. and final crossing departing the Halifax terminal at 11:45 p.m. The MacKay and Macdonald bridges are also open.
Due to COVID-19 health guidelines and restrictions, events will be limited. This includes the Patio Lanterns Festival and Sunday’s Emancipation Day celebrations during the Grand Parade. You can also attend the Natal Day Saturday Concerts and the ANSMA (African Nova Scotian Music Association) Freedom Festival Showcase at the Dartmouth Ferry Terminal Park.
Do you plan to go swimming? Check your favorite recreation spots’ status online because the Halifax Common Pool and Centennial Pool and many other municipally operated recreation facilities will be closed on Monday.
Good news for your kids because Splash pads will be opened during Natal Day and municipal beaches will have lifeguard supervision. Another fun place that will be open is the Emera Oval.
Are you excited for this special day? Plan ahead and let us all enjoy and celebrate Natal Day safely!
References:
https://www.halifaxtoday.ca/local-news/whats-open-and-whats-closed-natal-day-weekend-4177480?utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=Email
https://nationaltoday.com/natal-day/
