Tent Dwellers festival taking shape

By Heather Killen

Spectator

NovaNewsNow.com

An old time fishing trip could soon take a trip through cyberspace.

Plans are underway for a summer long festival in Kejimkujik National Park, to mark the 100th anniversary of the publication of The Tent Dwellers by Albert Bigelow Paine.

The book chronicles a canoe and sport fishing trip taken through the interior of southwestern Nova Scotia in the early 1900s.

Jonathan Sheppard, festival coordinator, said that organizers plan to launch the celebration with a re-enactment of the famous two-week journey.

“Experienced paddlers will re-live the historic two-week journey,” said Sheppard. “We’re hoping to post photos and video from the trip on the web each day.”

The festival aims to highlight the area as a prime spot for wilderness recreation, while promoting the importance of conservation and protection.

Paine's famous tale also offers a glimpse into the rich sport and guide era of southwestern Nova Scotia, so the festival will include events that showcase local history, arts, and literacy, he said.

So far, several key events are planned for the festival, set to kick off in May and run through September. Everyone is invited to celebrate Canadian Rivers Day and the 10th anniversary of the Shelburne Canadian Heritage River in June, by participating in a public paddle.

Paddlers will experience a section of the Shelburne River that is part of the historic Tent Dwellers Route. Novice or experienced paddlers are encouraged to join.

In July, a traditional Guide's Meet and Competition will take place. This sports meet showcases youth guiding skills and celebrates the rich traditions of the sport and guide era.

A full weekend of Tent Dwellers events will take place in August, including paddle and canoe building, fly-fishing, wilderness food preparation, basket making, seat caning, and canoe paddling demonstrations.

An outdoor arts festival is being planned for September. This event will celebrate local song-writing, painting, and writing.

Workshops will take place to provide hands-on experience with artists. Exhibits will showcase historical and contemporary photography and painting.

Concerts and presentations are also being planned. The festival will close in October with an unveiling of plaques at Milford House and Jakes Landing in Kejimkujik.

To learn more about the festival, or to become involved, the Festival Committee is hosting an information meeting on January 15, at the Milton Canoe and Camera Club in Queens County from 1 until 4 p.m.

Please RSVP to Jonathan Sheppard at (902) 682-2770 by January 5th.

Please check out the website at www.friendsofkeji.ns.ca