Nova Scotians Star in Tourism Television Campaign

NOTE: A social media version of this release with hi-res, downloadable photos and video clips is available at http://gov.ns.ca/news/smr/2011-05-30-My-NS.

A complete list of winners follows this release.

Winners in the My Nova Scotia campaign are enjoying their moment in the spotlight.

The talented Nova Scotians have won an opportunity to star in the My Nova Scotia regional tourism campaign. They are featured in television commercials airing in the Maritimes throughout the summer.

"The My Nova Scotia campaign has been a great success," said Percy Paris, Minister of Economic and Rural Development and Tourism. "We are very pleased to have had almost 400 talented Nova Scotians participate in the contest, and many more show their support, either online or at the auditions.

"Their passion and enthusiasm for our beautiful province will make potential visitors from around the world realize they must come and see Nova Scotia for themselves."

Each week, for 21 weeks, different people will be featured. Some will also be included in a regional newspaper ad campaign. Each commercial will highlight the best festivals, events and experiences to enjoy in Nova Scotia this summer.

Winner Elyse Delaney, a singer and performer from Cheticamp, called the My Nova Scotia contest a wonderful learning experience.

"I am very grateful to be given the opportunity to promote the beautiful province I am proud to call home. I always look forward to seeing new faces and I know that they will always remember their time here in Nova Scotia, and hopefully come back."

"I gave an impromptu audition when I was stopped by the crew on the street in Wolfville," said winner Lydia Stevens of Chester. "When asked why I love the province I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share all the reasons why I love this province.

"Nova Scotia has given me many great experiences, surfing, sailing, snorkeling, competitive ski racing, completing a science degree at Acadia University and continuing research in the field of biology. So, when given the chance to share my love for Nova Scotia I couldn't resist."

So many outstanding auditions were submitted that 12 people have received honourable mentions. Their names are included with the winning entries on novascotia.com.

"We are so impressed with the amazing Nova Scotians that have come out to show us their star power," said Mr. Paris. "We have seen auditions from talented dancers, artists and singers from across the province. Alton MacKinnon from Sydney Mines even wrote and performed a My Nova Scotia theme song."

Contestants were invited to participate in the My Nova Scotia campaign by uploading their own videos, or auditioning at one of 14 events that took place across the province this spring. To view the commercials, go to novascotia.com.

Winners of the My Nova Scotia campaign are:

• April MacLean, Baddeck
• Kyle Doucette, Lisa Doucette and Nathan Boudreau, Clare
• Michelle Lucas, Dartmouth
• Terry and Alex Ryan, Fall River
• Chris Meaney, Greenwood
• Suzanne Balcom, Wolfville
• Mark Owen, East Chezzetcook
• Scott Decoste, Truro
• Greg Hadley, Antigonish
• Mike Doyle, Sydney
• Jazz Campbell, Halifax
• Brian and Jane Burris, Pictou
• Megan MacDonald, Ian MacDonald, Jessica Zentner and Naomi Zentner, New Glasgow
• Elyse Delaney, Cheticamp
• Alex Poirier, Cheticamp
• Barbara Sharples, Springhill
• Simon Turner, Amherst
• Natalie Sweeney, Yarmouth
• Lydia Stevens, Chester
• Aaliyah-Melann Arab, Halifax
• Kristen Pickett, Halifax

Honourable mentions were given to:

• Alton MacKinnon, Sydney Mines
• Dave Renshaw, Dwight Parker, Lee Perrin and Gary Hall, Dartmouth
• Janelle White and Jensen Patriquin, Onslow
• John Bissonnette, Halifax
• Mayor Ben Cleveland, Digby
• Michelle Davey, Pictou
• Nick Cuthbertson,Dartmouth
• Stephanie Brown, Halifax
• Shannon Crowell, Shelburne
• Darian Wells, Dartmouth
• Vernon (Bob) Harrison, Florence
• Travers Milo, Halifax