New Glasgow holds its first International Town Criers Championship

Kathy-Ann Becker (right) traveled from Wendell, Massachusetts to compete in the New Glasgow 150 International Town Criers Championship. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /Matthew BambrickArticle contentNEW GLASGOW – Town criers from across the globe come to Nova Scotia to share and gleefully shout about their culture.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentOn Sept. 19, dozens of people arrived in Carmichael Park at 1 p.m. for the one competition event of the New Glasgow 150 International Town Criers Championship. A first of its kind for New Glasgow, the championship saw 16 town criers from across the globe compete over the weekend.Article contentArticle contentArticle content“This is a wonderful event that really warms your heart,” said Jim Stewart, town crier for New Glasgow. “When we put our uniforms on, everything changes, and people find you very approachable. We would love to do this again sometime, probably even better than before.”Article contentThe first day of competition featured a Home Cry, during which criers each gave a speech about the places they hailed from. This was followed by a second day featuring an Open Cry, and then a New Glasgow anniversary Theme Cry.Article content“Town crying is one of the oldest news professions around,” said Lloyd Smith, town crier for West Hants in Hants County. “We are ambassadors of our communities, with hundreds of us around the world. This event is an example of tradition and history, which should be enjoyable for anyone.”Article content Lloyd Smith of West Hants, N.S., is the longest-serving town crier in North America, starting in 1978. He is pictured competing in the recent New Glasgow 150 International Town Crier Championship. Photo by Matthew Bambrick /Matthew BambrickArticle contentA film crew from New York City filmed the event for an upcoming movie about contemporary town criers.Article contentArticle contentWhen the day of the competition arrived, there were 16 town criers in attendance, including:Article contentJim Stewart of New Glasgow, NSDavid Vollick of Burlington, ONBruce Kruger of Bracebridge, ONThomas Pekar of Niagara-on-the-Lake, ONRichard Ridell Comeau of Sidney, BC / Grand-Pré, NSDaniel Richer dit Lafléche of Ottawa, ON / Gatineau, QCChristine Igot of Annapolis Royal, NSLloyd Smith of West Hants, NSStephen Findlay of Lunenburg, NSWill Brewer of Halifax, NSPaul Gough of Nuneaton & Bedworth, EnglandBill McKee of Uxbridge, Scugog & Oshawa, ONLiam Craig of Ainwick/Haldimand, ONTim Yuskaitis of the Borough of Fairlawn, New Jersey, USADaniel Gomez Llata of Provincetown, Massachusetts, USAKathy-Ann Becker of Wendell, Massachusetts, USAArticle content“This is my first time competing,” said Daniel Gomez Llata. “I’ve spectated at three other events in the past, but this is quite different. It’s fun and exciting, really the craziest job you can ask for. Someone has to do it though.”