Mike MacDonald Reception

Mike's Reception was a big success. In spite of the short notice Friends and family showed up in droves to congratulate the new senator for Cape Breton. Mike Duffy was a guest of honour and Alfie McLeod was M.C.

Gary LeDrew

Louisbourg's lighthouse hits milestone

Section: Cape Breton

---

The sounds of cannon fire will return to the harbour this month as part of celebrations to mark the 275th anniversary of the first lighthouse in Canada.

The Louisbourg Lighthouse Society along with the Coastal Connections Trail Association and the Louisbourg Youth Group have planned a number of activities to mark the occasion.

With support from Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, historians, mariners and community organizations will come together Aug. 22 to celebrate the anniversary at the lighthouse.

Known throughout the world for its dramatic role in the strategic ebb and flow of European power struggles in the 18th century, Louisbourg is perhaps lesser known for its historic role in coastal navigation. Before lighthouses, one method used to guide ships into the harbour in foggy weather was cannon fire.

In addition to cannon demonstrations and firings from Lighthouse Point, guest speakers will address the significance of the lighthouse in 18th and 20th century navigation and a retired lightkeeper will make a presentation on that part of the light's history.

Festivities will be at Lighthouse Point overlooking Louisbourg harbour from 11 a.m. to about 3 p.m.

Cannon demonstrations are scheduled for 11 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m.

At 1:30 p.m., visitors are invited to participate in a choice of three tours - learn about geocaching, a 21st century game using GPS navigation; learn about the significant archaeological sites along the lighthouse trail or take in a nature walk, observing the many varieties of plants along the lighthouse trail.

Gary LeDrew