Details on Bluenose II Relaunch Unveiled

Alan Doyle of Great Big Sea will lead a parade of top-level Atlantic Canadian talent performing at the relaunch of the Bluenose II on Saturday, Sept. 29.

The well-known performer will join host Tom Gallant, a Lunenburg County resident, actor and songwriter, as well as singers Laura Smith, Matt Mays and many others.

"The Bluenose II is a magnificent ship so the festivities have to be equally magnificent, and they are," said ministerial assistant Pam Birdsall, on behalf of Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Leonard Preyra today, Sept. 12.

The day-long festivities will begin with the official Bluenose II relaunch from 7-9 a.m., to take advantage of high morning tides. Details on that event will be announced soon.

The relaunch, which is weather dependent, will slowly winch out the ship so it can slide into the water.

"We want folks to know they will be seeing a ship without her masts yet. Still her beauty is breath-taking," said Ms. Birdsall.

"Bluenose II is in position now for relaunch," said Peter Kinley, president of the Lunenburg Foundry, and one of the partners in the Lunenburg Shipyard Alliance with Covey Island Boatworks and Snyder's Shipyard, who are completing the restoration for the province.

"We have to start installing uprights and other relaunch equipment soon. This week is the best time to get photos at this stage," Kinley said.

After launched, Bluenose II will be moored by the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic for the day of entertainment.

Family stage performances will take place throughout the day. Afternoon performers will include well-known local performers Razzamataz and Donna and Andy.

Mr. Gallant and Mr. Doyle will anchor the evening performance from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., before fireworks light up the night sky over Lunenburg harbour.

For up-to-date information, visit http://bluenose.novascotia.ca .

To view the Bluenose II webcam, visit www.novascotiawebcams.com/south-shore/bluenose-ii.html .