Article contentShe said the committee will make an announcement once they decide a new date.Article contentWhile the fireworks are always a big draw, when the cancellation was posted on the Annapolis Royal Natal Days social media page, everyone commenting was supportive.Article content The Annapolis Heritage Society entered the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade Aug. 4. They wore period clothing. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle contentTHE OLD DAYSArticle contentFor 79 years, Annapolis Royal Natal Days has been the biggest weekend of the year in Nova Scotia’s smallest and most historic town.Article contentHall and her committee wanted to breathe new life into the event. When committee member Karen Theriault took the stage after Hall had read off all the names of the parade winners, she presented her with flowers and extolled the 26-year-old’s hard work.Article content The Annapolis Community Pool was represented in the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade Aug. 4. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle content“I was raised in Annapolis Royal and am proud to call this town my home,” she said in an interview. “I experienced the ‘old time Natal Days’ and our goal was to bring back some ‘Natal Day magic.’ Our goal was also to incorporate new events and kickstart new traditions.”Article contentArticle contentAs for the future of the festival?Article content“I can see each year growing with new events and reaching more people” she said. “Natal Days is a celebration of our town and people. It showcases our strong community spirit.”Article contentArticle contentLONG HISTORYArticle contentWhile visitors and locals alike joined in the Natal Days fun, town crier Christine Igot explained the significance of the event.Article content“The tradition of Natal Day birthday celebrations in Nova Scotia dates to 1895,” she said during the opening ceremonies Aug. 1.Article content Nancy Anderson, who will be performing in Shakespeare in the Gardens later this month alongside Phil Milo, took part in the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade Aug. 4. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle content“Here in Annapolis Royal, we began our own celebrations in 1946, and we are still going strong, 79 years later.”Article contentIgot spoke of the original Mi’Kmaq inhabitants who called the place Nme’juaqnek – place of bountiful fish.Article content“In 1605, after naming the region Port-Royal, the French built the first permanent European establishment in what is now Canada, leaving a legacy of language and culture that would belong to the Acadians,” she explained. “The Scots built, in 1629, the first fort on the present-day site of Fort Anne, giving us our province’s name, crest, and flag.”Article contentArticle contentIn 1710, the conquering English raised the flag over the town and renamed it Annapolis Royal.Article content The Annapolis Basin Community Band was on wheels Aug. 4 during the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle content“And we would remain the capital of Nova Scotia until the founding of Halifax in 1749,” she said. “The Planters and Loyalists would come too, followed by many others attracted by the beauty and opportunities along the river. We are a meeting place. We are the cradle of our nation.”Article contentArticle contentCENTURIES OF ACTIVITYArticle contentPort-Royal, now Annapolis Royal, has been a meeting place, the site of numerous battles, a place of bountiful fish, and the birthplace of both the Scots and Acadian people in Nova Scotia. While life may have slowed down some after Nova Scotia’s capital was moved to Halifax in 1749, the depth of history is obvious.Article content“Our town was busy the entire weekend. Streets were packed for the parade,” said Hall. “For our carnival, we estimate nearly 700 who attended. Not bad for our first carnival year. Given we had 700 during the carnival, I would anticipate 1000-plus for the entire weekend.”Article contentThat’s twice the population of the town.Article content Shakespeare in the Gardens went all Julius Caeser during the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade. Despite Simon Bonnington’s ‘hail’ to the camera, there was no precipitation. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle contentShe also offered kudos and appreciation to those who made it possible.Article content“I would like to thank our sponsors, committee members, volunteers, Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department, Port Royal Legion, Annapolis Royal Police, town hall, public works, Fort Anne National Heritage Society, and everyone who attended our events,” she said. “It was an overall fantastic weekend.”Article content The 74th Crusaders rumbled through town during the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle contentArticle content There were pirates in Annapolis Royal on Natal Day, Aug. 4. This one made it into the parade. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle contentArticle content The Annapolis Royal Lions Club was part of the Annapolis Royal Natal Days parade Aug. 4. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle contentArticle content Annapolis Royal town crier Christine Igot led the Annapolis Royal Natal Days Parade Aug. 4. Photo by Lawrence PowellArticle contentArticle content
New life breathed into Annapolis Royal Natal Days weekend
