Coast to Coast Cruise Samples Sherbrooke Hospitality

More than 200 antique and classic car enthusiasts from across Canada were guests of the St. Mary's Tourism Association and Sherbrooke Village on Monday, Aug. 14. Participants in the Coast to Coast Cruise enjoyed lunch and entertainment in the ambience of Sherbrooke's historic restoration.

On hand to welcome the travellers were Rodney MacDonald, Minister of Tourism and Culture, MLA Ronnie Chisholm, and David Veinotte, warden of the Municipality of the District of St. Mary's.

After being piped into the village through the Main Street entrance, the cars were parked throughout the restoration where they were on public display for most of the afternoon.

As part of the official welcoming ceremony, Mr. MacDonald thanked the Coast to Coast Cruise for taking the time to visit Sherbrooke Village. The minister also commended the St. Mary's Tourism Association for taking the initiative to invite the Coast to Coast Cruise to visit Sherbrooke Village.

"Small communities play an important role in the tourism industry, as evidenced by this event," said the minister.

Mr. MacDonald also announced the winner of the Oldest Operating Vehicle in Atlantic Canada Contest held by Sherbrooke Show and Shine, a sub-committee of the tourism association. The winner was Willard Saulnier of Meteghan, owner of a 1902 Columbia electric car. Mr. Saulnier will be displaying and driving his car at the annual Show and Shine on Sept. 9 and 10.

Mr. Veinotte presented municipal certificates of appreciation to Frank and Diana Unrau of Alberta, organizers of the cruise. Brenda Alexander, chair of the St. Mary's Tourism Association, presented gifts to the Oldest Travelling Couple, the Youngest Traveller, and the owner of the Hard Luck Vehicle. Ms. Alexander also thanked the community partners who helped make the event possible.

"It is through the co-operation of Sherbrooke Village, the Sherbrooke Show and Shine committee, Sable Offshore Energy Inc., the Antigonish Eastern Shore Tourist Association, the District of St. Mary's Program Development co-ordinator's office and the St. Mary's Lions Club, that we are able to share some Nova Scotia hospitality with visitors from across the country," said Ms. Alexander, inviting the participants to visit again on their return from Newfoundland, or to take part in the Show and Shine.

A number of local vehicles escorted the cruise from Halifax and took part in the Sherbrooke event. After leaving the area, the cruise headed to Antigonish for an overnight stay before leaving for North Sydney on their way to Newfoundland.