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Pugwash HarbourFest 2013

July 26th - 27th - 28th

Welcome to Pugwash HarbourFest 2013!

We will be updating our information regularly, so please check back often, or contact us if you have a question or comment.

What is Pugwash HarbourFest?

Pugwash HarbourFest is a 3 day annual festival held at Pugwash, Nova Scotia. The event, to be held July 26, 27, 28 in 2013 includes water events, land events, live entertainment, contests and recreational activities for all ages.

How did the event begin?

In 2005, a sub-committee of the not for profit organization Cumberland East Recreation Development Association (CERDA) was formed to create a summer festival that would showcase the natural beauty and potential of the Pugwash Harbour and the river estuaries. The long term objective is to create a level of awareness and atmosphere that leads to the development of a full service marina facility in Pugwash Harbour. The idea was presented to the community and received overwhelming positive response. The first HarbourFest was held in July 2006, and has been held every year since.

How is the Festival funded?

The primary funding source is from private and corporate sponsorship. HarbourFest has received some past modest contributions from government, in the form of project management income support and marketing and promotions funding. Additional monies are realized from site vendor rentals and commissions earned from individual event ticket sales.

Is there an admission fee to the grounds? NO

Who benefits from the Festival?

The entire community benefits from HarbourFest! Average festival attendance has been approximately 12,000 over the 3 day period, with a record attendance of 25,000 in 2009 (a Tall Ships year).
A portion of the proceeds are used to cover expenses such as insurance, security, sanitary facilities, equipment rental, entertainment, advertising and printing costs to make a clean, safe and well-attended festival for patrons and sponsors. Remaining proceeds are used to fund future events and enhancements to our land and water facilities.
Reports from our business community (Hardware Store, Co-Op Groceries, Gas Stations, Restaurants, etc.) indicate that the Saturday during HarbourFest is one of their best business day of the year!

Plans well underway for the 8th Annual Pugwash HarbourFest 2013

There is much to be excited about for this year’s Pugwash HarbourFest, slated to go, as usual, the last weekend in July – that is July 26 to 28, 2013. There is truly something for everyone at this community-driven festival. The 1st Pugwash HarbourFest 5K road race, co-hosted by Sport Pugwash, goes Saturday, July 27. It is Event # 5 on the Cross Border Point Series. Learn more at www.CrossBorderChallenge.com.

Also making their debut: The Pugwash International Tennis Tournament is sponsored by the Pugwash International Tennis Association, in conjunction with Sport Pugwash. And HF committee member Donna O’Connell is working hard to bring the 1st HarbourFest Kite Flying event.

Saturday, July 27th will see the return of the Dragon Boats to Pugwash Harbour. Twelve teams will compete for charity and for the glory. The very popular 2012 Soapbox Derby, Bathtub Boat Races, and Motorcycle Rally will be returning. And that isn’t the half of it!

Pugwash HarbourFest 2012 was recently presented with “Festival and Event of the Year Award” from the Central Nova Tourism Association.

We’ll keep you updated in the upcoming months via our website, Facebook page, and regular articles in The Oxford Journal and The Light. Should you have any questions call Lee at 243-2275 or email: officemanager@pugwashharbourfest.ca.

WINS FESTIVAL OF THE YEAR AWARD - Pugwash HarbourFest was chosen as Festival & Event of the Year for 2012. The award was presented during the recently held 33rd annual Central Nova Tourism Association (CNTA) Conference. Here CNTA member Ron MacNutt (left) congratulates Festival coordinator Lee Fleming (centre) and Festival chair Claude Hudson (right). Plans are well under way for the 8th annual Pugwash HarbourFest July 26 to 28, 2013. Photo by Devin Trefry, CNTA.

HarbourFest 2013

Sponsors

Scotiabank has been a strong supporter of HarbourFest since the beginning. The Pugwash Branch has hosted the Cake Auction, one of our major fundraisers, for the past several years.

HarbourFest is proud to be part of the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) "Celebrate Nova Scotia Talent" Program. Our Entertainment Events will be hosted on The NSLC Main Stage.

The Canadian Salt Company Limited has been a proud sponsor of Harbourfest since its inception. Their support, including use of the company owned wharf, make it possible to incorporate the Tall Ships visit as part of the event.

Pugwash Village is a vital partner in HarbourFest. They kindly offer us accessto village-owned lands, the Cyrus Eaton stage, the Village Hall, and other resources.

Pugwash HarbourFest recognizes the support of the Province of Nova Scotia. We are pleased to work in partnership with the province to develop and promote our culture resources for all Nova Scotians.

Anchor Event for HarbourFest 2013