Friendly Fredericton is going all out to make the experience of Congress 2011 delegates and their families a time to remember. In addition to the wide variety of scholarly and cultural events associated with Congress itself, the city is putting on the following:
Atlantic Lobster Boil & Cultural Kitchen Party
The signature social event of Congress 2011. The beautiful Fredericton Convention Centre, located in the heart of historic Fredericton, will host a classic maritime kitchen party featuring delectable New Brunswick lobster (with beef, chicken and vegetarian options available). Delegates will be met at the entrance with Celtic fiddlers, while local poets and costumed characters from Fredericton’s history will mingle with delegates offering a taste of New Brunswick’s rich cultural history. With live Maritime music during and after dinner, delegates will want to bring their dancing shoes! No visit to the Maritimes is complete without a lobster dinner, and this is the place to get it! This event will be offered nightly from May 29-June 3.
Acadian Old Growth Forest
ESAC will be hosting a Field Trip to an Acadian Old Growth forest, led by the COnservation Council of New Brunswick. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online along with registration to the Conference.
Downtown Culture Crawl
Delegates will be invited to visit art galleries, fine craft studios and the shops of downtown Fredericton. They can join in a Culture Crawl where galleries will throw open their doors and roll out the red carpet for Congress 2011 participants.
Guided Heritage Walking Tours
Costumed guides will entertain delegates with local history and folklore on a one hour heritage walking tour of downtown. The free tour will starts in the Historic Garrison District each night at 6 p.m.
Changing of the Guard
With a flash of scarlet and a skirl of pipes, history will come to life in downtown Fredericton. The Changing of the Guard Ceremony pays honour to the birth of the Canadian Military in 1884. During Congress, it will take place each night at 7 p.m. in Officers’ Square.
Outdoor Concert Series
This series will feature Maritime music at its best. Nightly outdoor concerts will take place in the city’s primary national historic site, the Historic Garrison District. The concerts will start at 7:30 p.m. in Officers’ Square.
Guided Bike Tours
Delegates will be invited to explore the city’s 85 kilometres of trails on a bike at River Trails Bike Rentals. With an experienced guide, participants can cycle through a rich tapestry of natural beauty and historic landmarks to discover many wonderful things about the city including a loyalist cemetery and the grand Victorian architecture. This will be offered daily to Congress 2011 delegates.
Arts and Artisans: New Brunswick College of Craft and Design
Delegates will be able to find local crafts and watch artisans at work in the Barracks Fine Craft Shops.
Congress 2011 participants will be invited to visit a display of student arts and crafts at the NBCCD, including its new aboriginal visual arts program.
EdVentures
Delegates will be invited to experience Fredericton’s award winning edVentures vacation learning program during Congress. Delegates and their partners will be able to choose from a series of hands-on, one day workshops in areas such as rug hooking, jewelry making, 19th century open-hearth cooking and more.
Beaverbrook Art Gallery
Delegates will be able to see the works of Dali, Colville, Kreighoff and many more at the world-class Beaverbrook Art Gallery, located on the banks of the St. John River. Congress delegates who show their badge will receive a 25% discount on admission. A special exhibit of Atlantic Canadian art from the permanent collection will be featured. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased online along with registration to the Conference.
Day Trips
A number of interesting locations are less than an hour away. Among them are Kings Landing Historical Park, Mactaquac Provincial Park, the wondrous St. John River Valley and the unique hand made crafts created by the artisans in the Village of Gagetown.
Pre and Post Congress Packages
Have you seen a whale? Or the world’s highest tides? Individuals wanting to spend additional time in the region can take advantage of a variety of pre and post Congress packages put together by NB Tourism.