Human nature is the same around the world. People are always looking for an excuse to celebrate. On the Hillsborough Heritage River there is an annual event that is just part of the natural cycle, but in the past few years nature enthusiasts have turned this into a great festival. Every year in June, bald eagles gather on Hillsborough Canadian Heritage River near the village of Mount Stewart to feed on the annual run of gaspereaux. In order to celebrate this natural phenomenon, the Hillsborough River Area Development Corporation and the Hillsborough River Association are holding their annual Bald Eagle Festival on June 12 and 13.
The organizing committee has been expanding the program of the festival every year, giving more and more opportunities to explore the wildlife and the Eagle habitat, as well as highlighting the history and cultures of people who settled along the heritage river over the centuries. The Hillsborough River Eco-Centre has a wonderful interpretive panorama of both the cultural and natural history of the area, so it is a perfect venue for the festival. It is in three languages, including Mi’kmaq.
The nearby trails, Acadian forests, and the wildlife management area provide a really authentic backdrop for eagle viewing at the feeding grounds, birding and woodland tours. The weekend will feature the popular “Birds and Breakfast,” as well as an interpretive tour of Aeneas MacIntyre’s ancient red pine trees and viewing of an Eagle’s Nest. This last event is bilingual. New this year is the “Becoming an Outdoors Woman” workshop (pre-register for this event with Tracy at 368-6080.) Bald eagle viewing will take place along Pigot’s Trail and the Allisary Creek impoundment from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days. Scopes will be set up by knowledgeable guides who will help participants get a close-up view of these spectacular birds soaring over the river in search of fish or feeding along the water’s edge. In addition, naturalists will talk about the natural history of the salt marshes as well as the dykes used by Acadian, Scottish and Irish settlers. There will also be an interesting talk on eagles by eagle biologist Gerald MacDougall, wood carving, a taxidermy demonstration by Danny Clark, as well as draws for an “Eagle Banding Tour” and a demonstration of wildlife wood carving.
This year, there are exciting opportunities to soak up the Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultures, which have a long history along the river. This year there is a special treat, as the Acadian groups from different parts of the Island are converging on Mount Stewart to give it a true Acadian flavour. There will be children’s programs which will include Acadian songs, period costumes, an interactive Eagle and robin story and puppetry, games, and, of course, the always popular face-painting and Acadian food preparation. There will also be an Acadian food fair to entice visitors, cultural showcases and talks on the Acadian settlement by Georges Arsenault and Francis Blanchard and on Mi’kmaq culture by Methilda Knockwood. There will be lots of music, including Mike Pendergast and Friends, as well as Acadian songsters from different parts of the Island.
The event will kick off this year early Saturday morning with a Birds and Breakfast activity along the Pigots’ Trail at 6 a.m., with people meeting beforehand at the Eco-Centre. Knowledgeable guides will be on hand and birders are asked to bring their own binoculars. Kristie’s restaurant will be open for breakfast, starting at 8 a.m., for this special occasion. A special opening ceremony with Mi’kmaq blessing and prayer, song, and Acadian flag raising with Ave Marie Stellis and Tintamarre takes place at the Hillsborough River Eco-Centre on Saturday at noon. The Festival continues with admission to activities from 9 - 4 both days, and for 15 minutes prior to Birds and Breakfast. Daily admission is $5 for a single person or $10 per family. This is a rich festival for all to come out and enjoy. For questions, email jdmcaskill@pei.sympatico.ca or call 569-1209 in evenings.