Maritime Museum Presents Wind and Water Month

The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is launching a series of weekend activities to complement the Halifax International Boat Show. Wind and Water Month will celebrate Nova Scotia's boating heritage. Each weekend in February will have its own theme, ranging from Kayaks, Canoes and Rowing Shells to the Magic of Sailing. These weekends will feature fun and educational demonstrations and hands-on activities for the whole family.

On February 3 and 4, Kayaks, Canoes and Rowing Shells will kick off Wind and Water Month. The museum will host the builders and artists who craft kayaks and canoes as well as members of local rowing and paddling clubs, who will demonstrate their sport.

One of the highlights of this first weekend will be the opportunity to meet Olympic bronze medalist Steve Giles, who will be at the museum on Saturday, Feb. 3, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. the public is invited to learn about his Olympic experience and his love for Nova Scotia's boating heritage.

The weekend will also offer the opportunity to try a rowing machine with members of the Halifax Rowing Club, some of whom are members of our province's Canada Games rowing team. Participants will be able to sit in a kayak and even learn how to make one. They can also meet with a group of people trying to establish the Nova Scotia Coastal Water Trail.

Admission is charged for this event but the museum is also attempting to collect "a boat-load of food" for the Metro Food Bank during the month. Participants should bring a non-perishable item of food. Museum hours on the weekend are Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Call 902-424-7490 for more information on this event or the other events on weekends this month.