2011 Canada Games — Halifax Revealed

In addition to the country’s top young athletes, the 2011 Canada Games are expected to draw thousands of visitors, VIPs, officials and media to Halifax during its two-and-a-half-week run in mid-February. Those who arrive to cheer on the next Sidney Crosby or Catriona LeMay Doan will find plenty more beyond the sports events to capture their imagination and national pride. Here’s a rundown of some other highlights to check out, at and around the Games.


AT THE GAMES

Opening ceremonies
What better way to kick off the celebrations than with a spectacular display of Nova Scotia’s rich culture, talent and diversity? The two-hour, national broadcast event will feature performances from the Stadacona Band, Canada’s East Coast Navy band, members of Atlantic Cirque and 50 local dancers. Meanwhile, the musical talent will include Winnipeg native Chantal Kreviazuk, the Trews, Grand Dérangement, Jimmy Rankin, JRDN, Rich Aucoin, the Stanfields and Tanya Davis. Don’t miss the parade of athletes from all 13 provinces and territories, and the unveiling of a new Canada Games theme song. Feb. 11, Halifax Metro Centre

Celebration Square
Every day of the Games, Celebration Square in Halifax’s Grand Parade will provide a range of noon-time and evening programming, all of which are free to the public. “Halifax locals and guests can expect Celebration Square at Noon to include performances by community groups representing Nova Scotia's diverse cultural talent, a lineup of different performances of dance, movement, singing and song,” says Andrea Young, communications co-ordinator for the Halifax 2011 Canada Games. At night, the Square will come alive with concerts from some of the best live acts the region and Canada have to offer. Performers include Great Big Sea, City and Colour, Hey Rosetta!, the Joel Plaskett Emergency, Matt Mays and Sloan. Throughout the Games, Grand Parade

National Artists Program (NAP)
A highlight of every Canada Games, the NAP bridges the sport and cultural worlds by bringing together three artists, ages 18 to 22, from each province and territory. During the Games, the 39 artists (who represent a variety of disciplines including theatre, music, dance and visual arts) will take part in a series of workshops, lessons and collaborative exercises under the guidance of expert mentors and guest artists. The program culminates with the NAP Gala, a production that will be inspired by the artists' experience at the Games. Throughout the Games; NAP Gala on Feb. 26, Citadel High School

Closing ceremonies
The send-off to the 2011 Games promises to deliver just as much pomp, pageantry and diverse entertainment as the opening. More than 1,065 medals will be handed out over the course of the Games, but three special awards are saved for this final event, including the Canada Games Flag, which is presented to the province or team with the most points earned for performance and participation from all events. The Canada Games torch will also be officially passed to Sherbrooke, Que., host of the 2013 Canada Summer Games. Feb. 27, Halifax Metro Centre


AROUND THE CITY

Lace Up: Canada’s Passion for Skating
Young says, “The Halifax 2011 Canada Games will provide tourists with plenty of must-see events from Feb. 11 to 27. Of course, Halifax and Nova Scotia have plenty of other tourism attractions to offer.” One event she highlights is the Lace Up exhibition at Pier 21, which explores how skating has become a part of the Canadian national identity. Covering figure skating, speed skating and, of course, hockey, it’s the perfect way to get into the spirit of the Games. Jan. 15 to March 27, Pier 21, Canada’s Immigration Museum

A T. Rex Named Sue
The world’s most famous dinosaur makes its Canadian debut at the Museum of Natural History. Since being unveiled at Chicago’s Field Museum in 2000, Sue — the largest, most complete and best-preserved Tyrannosaurus rex ever discovered — has attracted more than 16 million visitors during her tour around the world. The exhibition includes interactive stations and a huge digpit, making this an event that is sure to fascinate, educate and excite. Jan. 15 to May 8, Museum of Natural History

Paris Salon
Presented by Visual Arts Nova Scotia, Paris Salon will feature both emerging and established artists from the Dartmouth, Bedford, Sackville, and Fall River areas of HRM. The exhibit is fashioned after the original art exhibits of the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, with a variety of visual media hung salon-style with no restrictions on size or subject matter. In an interesting twist, watch for purchased artworks to be immediately removed and replaced with new art by the same artist.  Feb. 3 to 27, the Craig Gallery at Alderney Landing

Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Treat your senses to the warmth and bustle of North America's oldest continuously operating farmers' market. With more than 150 vendors, shoppers will find everything from fresh produce, meats and artisan breads, to plants, crafts and fine jewelry. The market’s new location on the waterfront is also a green wonder — the building boasts four large wind turbines, solar panels, geothermal heating and a rooftop garden. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday all year round, Lower Water Street •

For more information on the Halifax 2011 Canada Games, visit canadagames.ca

 

THE SPIRIT LIVES ON
The legacy of the Canada Games in Nova Scotia
 

Although this is Halifax’s first Canada Winter Games, Nova Scotians have hosted the Games twice previously. Here are some of the standout legacies from those Games:

Halifax/Dartmouth, 1969
The first-ever Canada Summer Games and Nova Scotia's first time hosting the Games
 

• Infrastructure: Centennial Pool, Beazley Field, Canada Games Diamond, Huskies Stadium at Saint Mary’s University and upgrades to Lake Banook

• Canada Games “firsts”: The creation of the official Games symbol and song, the Centennial Cup, Canada Games flag and the Friends of the Games program

Cape Breton County, 1987
Nova Scotia’s first time hosting the Canada Winter Games 

• Infrastructure: Centre 200 and Cape Breton University’s Canada Games Complex
       
• Surplus of $1.7 million
       
• A corps of volunteers who helped host a number of regional, national and international events