First annual AVESTA awards Nov. 13 to celebrate Valley success

BY JOHN DECOSTE

Kings County Register

To mark its second anniversary, the Annapolis Valley Events and Sport Tourism Association (AVESTA) will host its first-ever awards luncheon Nov. 13 at the Old Orchard Inn in Greenwich.

Ski Martock, the Annapolis Valley Apple Blossom Festival, the Rainbow Riders gymnastics club and the Bridgetown Triathlon will all be recognized for their contributions to the Valley’s event industry.

Ski Martock will be recognized as venue of the year, while the Apple Blossom Festival will receive a legacy award for its 76-year history promoting and showcasing the Valley. The Rainbow Riders will be recognized as host of the year for organizing the Eastern Canadian Tumbling and Trampoline competition, and the Bridgetown Triathlon will also be presented with a legacy award. “It’s been a progressive two years during the start-up of our organization, and we are proud of our accomplishments,” says AVESTA chairman Hal Baird. “We are very mindful of the Valley’s track record in hosting major regional, national and international events. We thought it was time a platform was in place to recognize those who are working hard to enhance infrastructure, tourism, economic growth and the development of athletes in the region.”

In developing and promoting the event choosing the inaugural award winners, “our guiding principle was to keep it simple.”

It was deliberately decided to pick award winners from throughout the Valley, and to recognize both long-term and one-time events - and those with both a local and regional focus. “Given how long it’s been going and the huge impact it has had on the Valley in so many ways, the Apple Blossom Festival was the first (recipient) we thought of in terms of a legacy award.”

All the recipients have been notified and all are “delighted and excited” and looking forward to the Nov. 13 luncheon. “We all have one thing in common,” he said: “promoting the Annapolis Valley as a great location to host an event.”

Special guests at the luncheon will include J.P. Deveau, chairman of the 2011 Canada Winter Games Host Society, and Grant MacDonald, general manager of major events for Trade Centre Limited in Halifax. “We are delighted to have two industry leaders like J.P. and Grant join us for this inaugural event,” Baird said. “There is always much to be learned from those who are having success, as is the case in Halifax. We look forward to hearing their messages and having them participate in the awards presentations.”

WEBLINKS

www.avesta.ns.ca