Tourists and Maritimers alike are flocking to Fortress Louisbourg to celebrate the historic site’s 300th anniversary and the increase in traffic is giving the local economy a big financial boost.
Mary MacMullin manages a waterfront RV and tenting park, which provides visitors with a prime location in the middle of town. She says bookings are up compared to this time last year.
“They are happy to be here at a time when we are celebrating our 300th anniversary,” says MacMullin. “Our season is up over last year. We know the economy is bad, but this all helps. Louisbourg 300 is certainly helping.”
A nearby inn is also enjoying a steady stream of visitors; most of its rooms are booked this weekend by blacksmiths attending an international gathering at the fortress.
“The ironworkers are staying with us for the next four days,” says innkeeper Nora Pitcher. “They are doing demonstrations up at the fortress, which gave us a lot of business. Most of my rooms are taken up by them for the next four days.”
A restaurant is also keeping busy, serving meals to fortress visitors.
“Ninety-five per cent of the people coming to Louisbourg come here for the fortress,” says restaurant owner John Drolet.
However, visitors are finding there is more to Louisbourg than its famous fortress; the community has been busy lining up plenty of entertainment in conjunction with the celebrations.
“We are having a shark derby, street dances, Crabfest, numerous social functions,” says Coun. Kevin Saccary, who serves on a celebrations committee responsible for staging events outside the fortress.
The community’s only performing arts theatre is also getting in on the action; the Louisbourg Playhouse will host more than 80 performances this season with a total audience of at least 10,000.
“With the extra people coming into town, I think we’ll be doing well this year,” says Playhouse manager, Michele Leamon. “We are looking forward to some really, really good nights.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Randy MacDonald
