By Amy Woolvett
THE COAST GUARD
Shelburne’s Harbour, which is boasted as the third natural deepest in the world, will be getting quite a few tall visitors this summer.
For the first time since 2007, Shelburne will be welcoming the tall ships into its port.
The festival lineup should be a site to see as nine ships will grace the shores of historic Shelburne. The last time the ships visited there were three.
“There are a lot of stories behind each and every ship,” said Jerry Locke director of Community and Economic Development for Shelburne. “Some of the ships have been here before and some are new.”
Shelburne is the largest outport that the ships will be visiting outside of Halifax.
The ships will be visiting July 28 and 29 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm with a boarding pass of $5 each day and children 12 and under free.
There are many events planned in Shelburne and surrounding areas throughout the weekend including the Pirate Rendezvous, Harmony Bazaar, waterfront music, food, reenactments and many shore activities.
“Come for the ships and stay for so much more is our motto,” said Locke.
He is encouraging tour operators like cottages and campgrounds to prepare packages for visitors that will bundle together some of the numerous events taking place.
Locke said that with Founder’s Days being held the previous weekend he hopes many will decide to visit for a full 10 days of activities and sightseeing.
In order to ensure a successful event, Locke is asking for the communities help in volunteering for a few hours throughout the weekend.
The ships will be porting on both Dock Street wharf and the Shelburne Marine Terminal.
The ships that are to visit include the Amistad, the Lynx, USS Providence, the Pride of Baltimore II, the Harvey Gamage, Roseway, Unicorn and the Tree of Life as well as one yet to be determined tall ship.
Locke said the event is sure to draw large crowds from all over the South Shore and up through Annapolis Valley.
The event, being organized by the Halifax Waterfront Development committee, marks the bicentennial of the war of 1812.
“It is going to be quite a sight to see,” said Locke.
