Culture Focus of September Signature Waterfront Events

African, French and literary festivals are coming to the Halifax waterfront for the first time this September.

Spanning four days, the September signature waterfront events include The International African Bazaar, Festival des cultures francophones/Francofestival and The Word on the Street Halifax.

At the joint launch today, Aug. 30, event organizers highlighted how they have worked together to attract performers who will be featured in multiple events, including author Lawrence Hill, spoken word artist Shauntay Grant and African-Francophone musician Elage Diouf.

"There are wonderful, distinct elements in each event. Together they promise a rich waterfront experience of culture and education," said Colin MacLean, president and CEO, Waterfront Development Corporation, an event host.

The three waterfront events are free except for ticketed Francofestival concerts.

The International African Bazaar is a vibrant trade fair that will offer a taste of Africa. From Sept. 22-25, at Sackville Landing, visitors can browse a mix of local and international vendors who offer African cultural products and services.

"Waterfront visitors will have a chance to support and learn more about African Nova Scotian entrepreneurs," said Wayn Hamilton, executive director, Office of African Nova Scotian Affairs.

The bazaar is a part of the seventh African Diaspora Heritage Trail Conference, which runs Sept. 22-24 at the World Trade and Convention Centre. An international forum celebrating African heritage and developing cultural tourism, this year's guest speakers include Lawrence Hill, author of the acclaimed best-seller The Book of Negroes.

Mr. Hill will also join the inaugural Festival des cultures francophones/Francofestival at a panel with French Canadian authors Aurélie Resch and Herménégilde Chiasson.

The festival celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Conseil communautaire du Grand-Havre and runs Sept. 23-25 at Queen's Landing. It includes Acadian, Quebec and African music, visual arts exhibition, a literary café, and Acadian and Lebanese food.

"Twenty years ago, Halifax's Francophone community was mainly Acadians, Quebeckers, and a few Francophones from France," said Jules Chiasson, directeur general, Conseil communautaire du Grand-Havre. "Today, it includes Francophones from Africa, Lebanon and Haiti to name a few. That is the diversity we want to celebrate."

On Sept. 25, more than 55 authors will share their stories at The Word on the Street Halifax, based at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. The popular event will span both sides of the harbour and, for the first time, it will take to the water with readings on boats.

"This year it's about The Book that Got Me Hooked, a perfect theme for the waterfront and our collaboration with the other festivals," said Colleen Ritchie, executive director. "We're also excited about the new graphic novel stage and exhibitors at Alderney Landing."

Steve Vernon, local author and long-time festival participant, read an excerpt from his book The Lunenburg Werewolf at the launch.

Also taking part was the Halifax band BBQ Kings, with some Cajun/Zydeco sounds, African drummers from Maritime Drumming Center of Nova Scotia and African vendor Toria Aidoo.

Waterfront Development Corporation is a provincial Crown corporation developing the strategic potential of the Bedford, Dartmouth, Halifax and Lunenburg waterfronts. Revenues are reinvested in the waterfronts to drive economic opportunity, enhance tourism and reflect and protect marine heritage. For event information visit www.my-waterfront.ca .