A good old-fashioned kitchen party is underway in Cape Breton, promising visitors a week of food, stories, hospitality and, of course, music.
The second annual KitchenFest! kicked off Saturday with 18 venues across the island offering more than 100 events, including pub nights, ceilidhs, concerts and dances.
“The music is certainly in your blood if you’re born in Nova Scotia,” said Cindy Biggs, who travelled to St. Ann’s Bay from New Minas for KitchenFest!
“Great to see the live entertainment and promotion of the Gaelic language here, it’s wonderful,” said Susan Mouland-Long, a Cape Breton native who now lives in Ontario.
KitchenFest! organizer and former Nova Scotia Premier Rodney MacDonald says KitchenFest! Is a celebration of all things Gaelic.
“Gaelic language, Gaelic music, it’s about showcasing that the music is alive and well here on Cape Breton Island,” said MacDonald.
Musician David Rankin said, in true Cape Breton tradition, it’s also about making people feel at home, no matter where they’re from.
“We have Gaelic hosts at every musical event throughout the island, so it’s all as if you’re coming into your own kitchen and being welcomed there,” said Rankin.
Visitors can also chow down on local fare, with roughly 65 restaurants taking part in an Eat Local program, which showcases ingredients native to the area.
This is only the second year for the festival, but it’s already making its mark on the Cape Breton summer calendar. MacDonald said it’s making an impact on the economy too.
“There’s millions of dollars in spinoff from KitchenFest! Accommodations see the benefit, restaurants, pubs and local communities,” he said.
KitchenFest! runs until July 4 with events taking place in Baddeck, Inverness, Judique, Cheticamp, Sydney, Ingonish and Mabou, among others.
With files from CTV Atlantic's Ryan MacDonald
