Joie de vivre makes us tough as nails

There’s a certain joie de vivre in the region that attracts people not only to visit but to live here, and it’s important for all of us to foster and promote this particular characteristic.

Take, for instance, the ridiculous amount of rainfall that pounded the area Saturday. Anyone with any interest in battling the elements would’ve been surely challenged by the thunderous downpours that punctuated the day, but all one had to do was pick a spot and get going to ensure the day wasn’t a total loss.

TheWolfville Farmers’ Market had former prime minister Paul Martin and his wife Sheila as special guests to kick things off. As well, we can only assume that Mr. Martin spent at least Friday night in Mud Creek in anticipation of the wedding between Kings-Hants MP Scott Brison and his partner, Maxime St. Pierre.

That event garnered national news headlines and the eyes of the nation turned to Cheverie, Hants County for the ceremony Saturday afternoon. Media from across Canada were onsite and in the area, anxious for a tidbit to put on the six o’clock news. Too bad Mr. Brison’s big day was celebrated beneath overcast skies and intermittent showers, but we have no doubt it was joyous nonetheless.

Elsewhere, there was the Church Street School Reunion in Port Williams, Wildcats baseball, a fundraiser in Greenwich, the Valley Gardeners’ annual flower and vegetable show at the Kentville Fire Hall and the New Ross Community Fair.

That’s right; the New Ross Community Fair, which entertained a number of people and went ahead despite inclement conditions. There was a wild chainsaw/fast cut competition, clog dancing, an arm wrestling competition, food, fun and facepainting.

Indeed, Nova Scotians are a hardy lot whose enthusiasm for life is unbounded. Weather may be unpredictable and it’s we’re at its mercy more times than not, but the oft-repeated “Wait 15 minutes” refrain applies more times than not in the successful execution of community events.

You have to like that. No matter the circumstances, we see the value of community in all its facets and refuse to allow rain, snow, sleet or hail (if that be the case) to get in the way of a good time.

Throw up a tarp, fire up the barbecue, chuck on some fiddle music and people will sneer at rainfall such as we saw last weekend and make good on a commitment to promote and share our unique way of life.

There’s a strength of character here that lends itself to collective goodwill and community celebration, and we will never cease to applaud it in its many forms.

Small wonder folks arrive and marvel at the lifestyle. It recommends the people and the place, and thank heavens something as incidental (and as important to our farming community) as a day-long deluge only proves the point to the max.