Seafest 2020 begins on Wednesday…but not in the normal way.
With Public Health protocols in place, this year’s festival will mostly be quite different, according to Committee Chair Dave Warner.
“We’re trying, as best we can, to do things that are group-related but small group-related, historic walks, contests where people can submit photographs and be judged on the photographs so we can give awards. So there’s things that they can really participate in from a distance.”
Warner says there will still be some “in person” activities but they have to ensure everyone in their smaller groups abides by physical distancing.
“So, each of the groups that is organizing, we’re sort of being the ‘promoter’ of their activities, and ensuring that they’re aware of the limitations that really should be expected.”
Many other activities will be online this year.
He says it was a lot of work to come up with activities that people could participate in, either in person or virtually.
Warner says that, instead of a regular parade, they will have a stationary or house parade with judging taking place on whatever the people decide to do.
“If they want to decorate their windows, we’ll judge them; if they want to do some sort of other activity, they may do a sidewalk sale but do it in costume…those sorts of things. We’re going to recognize the individual efforts that they make, as businesses, to draw people to the downtown and keep them there.”
There are several tours taking place again this year, but with a limited number of participants, and several virtual concerts, as well as the live Concert of the Bells.
For more information and a full schedule, which is constantly updated, look on the Seafest 2020 facebook page and website.
The office, on the ground floor of the Killam Bros. Building on Water Street, can be reached at (902) 815-8998.