Article content“That is always a hit,” said Hall, who is also the parade co-ordinator.Article contentNew events this year include a car show at the legion Aug.1 at 11 a.m., glow in the dark bingo at the academy gym Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m., picnic and lawn games Aug. 2 at 3:30 p.m. at Fort Anne, and a free Natal Day craft event Aug. 3 at 10:30 a.m. at the library.Article contentA full event schedule is available on the Annapolis Royal Natal Days Facebook page and in a printed program.Article content“They’ve put out a very professional Natal Days booklet this year,” Boyer added, in commending the organizing committee on its efforts.Article contentArticle contentParadeArticle contentThe parade will take place at 1 p.m. on Aug. 3. It will follow the old parade route this year. Entries will line up at Champlain Drive near the Annapolis West Education Centre. The parade begins at School Street near the academy, goes down St. George Street through the traffic lights, turns right onto St. Anthony Street, left onto Drury Lane, and left onto St. George Street, coming through the downtown and ending at Fort Anne.Article contentArticle content“Everybody is scrambling for stuff because the theme is Remember When, so people are looking for all kinds of old stuff,” Boyer explained.Article contentPeople are raiding closets, items are exchanging hands, and people are having fun getting ready for the event.Article content“Council is looking for an old-fashioned convertible and appropriate hat wear, so stay tuned,” Boyer said.Article contentHall said it came up with the theme as a way to highlight the milestone anniversary and reflect on memories from the past.Article contentA reunion of former Annapolis Royal Apple Blossom Festival princesses is also scheduled for July 31 at the legion. People are asked to RSVP by emailing Theresa Porter at stuckingranville@yahoo.com.Article contentArticle contentHistoryArticle contentNatal is derived from the Latin word for birth and Natal Day has been celebrated in Nova Scotia since 1895.Article contentAnnapolis Royal, a town steeped in history, was Nova Scotia’s capital until 1749 with the founding of Halifax.Article content“Once a capital, always a capital,” Boyer said.Article contentAfter the Second World War ended, communities were looking for ways to bring people together. Annapolis Royal launched its Natal Days celebration in 1946 and that element remains central to its core.Article contentArticle contentCommunities throughout the Annapolis Valley have special weekends that people mark on their calendars. That is Natal Day in Annapolis Royal. They mean a lot to each community.Article content“It gives that feeling of home for people,” Hall suggested. “It just seems like everybody feels so connected the entire weekend.”Article contentArticle contentOrganizingArticle contentThe Natal Days committee is comprised of 10 volunteers with others helping with specific events.Article content“We’re 100 per cent a volunteer organization,” Hall said. “None of this would happen without our community and the volunteers.”Article contentIt receives support from the town and sponsors across the region.Article content“It couldn’t happen without them,” Hall said.Article contentIn a town of about 550 people, it takes buy in from many to make the festival possible.Article content“It’s hard to think of anybody who is not involved,” Boyer said. “Everybody is involved at some level. Everybody is doing something. … It truly is a community effort.”Article contentShe noted the environment committee had organized a cleanup for July 26 with an emphasis on removing cigarette butts while the public works department had been busy painting road lines.Article contentThere’s a lot of work invested to make the weekend possible. When one festival ends, it’s not long before planning begins for the next year.Article contentSome might wonder why?Article content“Tradition,” Hall said.Article content“Growing up here, it’s the talk all year. People can’t wait for Natal Day weekend. And we want to keep that tradition alive.”Article content
Natal Days continue to bring people home to Annapolis Royal
