Douglas Township

The 2nd Battalion was raised in the Maritimes, New York and the Carolinas. It was placed under the command of the Gaelic speaking Major John Small of Perthshire who had formerly served in the 42nd Regiment (Black Watch). The 2nd Battalion of the 84th was made up of veterans of the 42nd, 77th and 78th Highlanders who had settled in America after the Seven Years (French and Indian) War. It was also composed of American Loyalists and recent Immigrants.

Following the end of the hostilities in 1783, the 2nd Battalion was disbanded at Windsor, Nova Scotia, on October 10th, 1783. Major Small was given the Township of Douglas in Hants County for his men, although some chose to settle elsewhere, chiefly in Pictou, Halifax, and Colchester Counties, as well as along the South Shore.

Today the sleepy riverside town of Kennetcook is the centre of an annual festival celebrating the founding of Douglas Township, and 2009 will see the largest event yet for the 225th Anniversary of the area's settlement.

18th Century soldiers in full regalia spend the weekend under canvas, drilling, working, loitering and living much as they would have in the field so long ago. Heritage and Culture displays offer something of interest for all ages and interests, combined with on-going entertainment, crafters, food & more to provide the ideal destination for family fun. Read more about the 84th Regiment of Foot...

The Royal Highland Emigrants, living history in New Scotland. A volunteer, non-profit organization in Nova Scotia, Canada, dedicated to the research, preservation and authentic recreation of a Highland military regiment as it existed in NS during the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

As living history re-enactors, association members strive to maintain a high standard of authenticity in re-creating all aspects of military and civilian life at the time. They devote many hours to the research of original artifacts and primary documents as well as learning many long-since forgotten 18th century life-skills.

Re-enacting members of the Association come from diverse walks of life and from all over Nova Scotia. Membership often embraces whole families, since family units were sometimes together in the army of the 18th century. The association also includes supportive associate members from all over North America. Most of these members are direct

Shockwave Flash format - size your viewing window down for best image quality...

descendants of soldiers who served in the original 84th Regiment of Foot.

Fed up with your friends or relatives? Why not have them arrested? Yes that's right our brave Highlanders are ready at any time over the weekend to serve your warrant and escort them off to their cell.

Enjoy a variety of musical experiences at the 225th Anniversary Celebrations - from a jamboree to full festival concert, from local talent to Louisiana lads...watch this space for details on a wide offering of musical acts, from the Riverside outdoor stage to the Main Stage in the Events Tent, culminating in the JD Clarke concert Saturday evening. Click for full Main Stage lineup & times...

~~Advance tickets just $10.00, at the door~~ ~~$15.00~~ - Sorry SOLD OUT!

Shuttle bus service will available available from 10:00pm until 2:00am - details TBA.

UT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/S

On the Main Stage in the Events Tent...

Wayne Greene & Southern Vision

Hunter Hayes

JD Clarke

Mike Trask

UT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/SOLDOUT!/S

On the Riverfront Stage...

Andrew Hamblin Trio, Brian Burnett, Robbie 'Elvis' Burns, Randy Croft, Joanne Dickson, ,

Charlene 'Charlie' Harvey, Vernon, Hill, Don & Treva Huntley, Roger Lake,

Wilfred Lawrence, Joe Lucas, John Francis MacNeil, River Haze

Ron McCulloch, Billy McCulloch, Glynn Roy, Vaughan Shepherd, Scott Workman

All shows on the Riverfront Stage are free but good-will offerings will be accepted...

The Hants North Rural High Drama Club will perform "Shakespeare's Nightmares" - a series of "monologues" based on different characters from Shakespeare's plays.
Riverfront Stage Sunday June 28th @ 1pm

(or Main Stage under the big tent "if rainy" - as with all performers on Sunday)

2009 PRESS RELEASE - The Hants North Drama Club, under the direction of Mrs. Angela Sanford, has been selected to perform in the world's largest and most prestigious arts festival in the world. Each August, Edinburgh, Scotland, becomes the most magical and exciting place on earth as performing artists from around the world take part in the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 1800 different performances of music, theatre, dance, and comedy over three weeks, with Hants North's showcase featured August 14th to 27th, 2010.

A dozen grade 10, 11, and 12 students were selected by the AHSTF (American High School Theatre Festival) Board of Advisors to represent Canada in their 2010 Program Over the following months, they will be involved in composing a production worthy of their "world stage performance", along with fundraising activities. Contributions and donations are welcome, for details contact Angela Sanford at sanforda2@staff.ednet.ns.ca

Country performer Charlene 'Charlie' Harvey was born in New Glasgow but lives today in Carroll's Corner. She and her guitar are becoming well known at local jamborees and at the Carroll's Corner Community Hall.

In July she'll be performing for the 8th year in a row on Canada Day in Shubenacadie and traveling to Ontario for a radio interview, but in the interim she'll be bringing her C&W stylings to the Riverfront Stage on Saturday.

Vaughan Shepherd - I am very pleased to be a contributor to the Festival. I've been involved in music for a lifetime, beginning with groups in Saint John, NB; The Hodads, The Bitter-end Blues Band, and then The Killer Egg Band.
The Egg Band opened up many doors for me to play with notorious bands
like: Frank McKay & Soma; Sam Moon; Light House; Pepper Tree; April Wine; Crow Bar; and Stephen Wolf.

There was a big change in my life after I dedicated my heart to the Lord Jesus Christ. I went into many Churches and Prisons, Correctional Institutions etc. to sing a new song. I have sung my own material at many Festivals, such as this event which Ronnie McCulloch has invited me to share and enjoy what looks to be a great time. Thank for the invite Ronnie and for all your hard work.

May the good Lord bless everyone involved and attending this Extravaganza, Vaughn

John Francis MacNeil has been playing guitar and harmonica for 20 years, and lists his influences as Bob Dylan, John Prine, Neil Young and others...

The Andrew Hamblin Trio - "We are three musicians who hail form Elmsdale who pretty much just love good music and love to jam. I usually just do a lot of solo works and am more of an acoustic type of fella, but every so often I like to plug in the electric and turn on the amps. Am very influenced by the work of Neil Young, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, The Band, and of course the Beatles (the list could go on and on). But all and all the Trio is just 3 friends who enjoy and have a passion for music. - Andrew

Wilfred Lawrence was surrounded by music from an early age. On the family farm in Latties Brook his father and older brothers both built and played musical instruments. Later, at the Kennetcook High School, Wil honed in on the guitar. He was influenced by the best – from Cecil MacEachern and Luther Perkins to Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton. As he spent this time in different local bands, his own distinctive playing style emerged.

Much of his working life has been on Prince Edward Island although he has continued playing with various Cape Breton and Island artists. For this Homecoming Festival, the 225th anniversary of the settlement of Douglas Township, Wil will return to his high school days by presenting a solo, acoustic blues set …tunes dedicated to the Hants North Class of ’73.

Nova Scotia native son David Weatherhead comes all the way from Wisconsin for our festival, presenting three shows Saturday at 11:00am, 1:00pm and 4:00pm. Tickets $10 per show; take a look at the Timber Works web site and then come out to see this fast paced show of lumberjack skills. You'll see sawing, pole climbing and log rolling!

KSEED is especially grateful for David's promise to donate one of his power saw sculptures for Festival fundraising!

Once again the Kennetcook Festival will be hosting a fascinating display of vintage farm equipment, organized by local Craig Anthony in association with the Vintage Engine Association of NS. Here are some video clips from 2008...

See the vintage hay baler and a blacksmith at work - videos are Shockwave Flash, size your viewing window down for best image quality...

The Place Near & Far Gallery & Workshop invites you to stop by the Old Hotel Building throughout the weekend to view the latest offerings by the Gallery's Working Group in the Main Gallery. In the upstairs Gallery you'll also find the annual exhibition by students of all ages from Artist/Teacher Sandra MacDonald's classes.

Artwork by the Gallery Working Group will also be in display at the Fire Hall in a Silent Auction throughout the weekend, proceeds going towards the Gallery. Also visit the Heritage & Culture tent to see work for sale by local artisans...

From Thursday's Kid's Movie Night to Sunday evening's fireworks, the 225th Festival offers something for every family. Face painting, kids games, a visit from Moby S. Loop the Recycling Robot, even Rubber Ducky Races on the River!

Races are at 12:00 pm Sunday on the river; just purchase your duck and the one who makes it to the bridge first wins!

Watch this space for more info coming on vendors for Sunday's Farmers' Market. The market is under canvas so they'll be 'open' Rain or Shine!'

So much to see & do in East Hants this year! Take a virtual tour around our county and click wherever you see the mouse pointer change to a hand to learn more about galleries, festivals, heritage events and more!

Douglas Township's 225th Anniversary Celebration in review...

Links