White Point Beach Resort won't be the same without him. After some 30 years, Doug Fawthrop is retiring. Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says Fawthrop has provided tremendous leadership in promoting tourism and has been more than a good-will ambassador for the Region. Leefe says before Fawthrop took over White Point Beach it was a seasonal business operating only about 3 months of the year, and local folks were not welcomed on the property.

Queens Tourism Support

Just over $200,000 in Federal funding has been committed for a new Visitor Information Center in Liverpool. Gerald Keddy was in Queens with the Minister for ACOA this morning to make the announcement. The new visitor information centre in Liverpool will replace a 30 year old building. The project will include improvements to the surrounding waterfront infrastructure and upgrades to walkways and parking facilities. And close to $87,000 was committed for the Seaside Recreation and Community Centre. That project includes creating an access path from the facility to the beach with upgrades to the heating system, and the replacement of windows. The project will also support the installation of informational signage along Highway 103 and Route 3. Region of Queens Mayor John Leefe says the projects will mean superior support for folks visiting their beautiful and historic community.

Racing Fun

They come from all over for Chester Race week almost splitting the Village at its seams. It's a party atmosphere, but Warden Allan Webber says they don't want the party-goers to get out of hand and the area will be well patrolled. Whether you're a landlubber or a yacht racer, the welcome mat is out at the Chester Yacht Club. This years Chester Race Week runs from the 12th to the 15th.

Lunenburg Tallships 2009

Bluenose II is one of five vessels that will be in her home port of Lunenburg for the 2009 Tallships event. Organizers have two days of events planned for the seaside UNESCO town. Along with the replica of the Grand Banks schooner, visiting ships include: the full-rigged Friendship of Salem, the recently restored Boston schooner Larinda, the gaffed rigged schooner Peer's Fancy, and the topsail schooner Unicorn. Other events will be held along the Lunenburg Waterfront in and around the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic. And along with the music and entertainment there will be a discussion on Tall Ships of Lunenburg with Ralph Getson. The event in Lunenburg is being held on Wednesday and Thursday. Be listening for more on the event on this weekend's South Shore Sunday Morning.
**NOTE - CORRECTION** - Lunenburg Recreation director Robin Scott tells CKBW, Friendship of Salem has reported seaworthy issues and will NOT be a part of Tallships in Lunenburg. He says Caledonia will be arriving instead.

Privateer Funding

While the weather may not look the greatest for Privateer Days, the economic forecast is a little brighter today. Gerald Keddy was on hand for last night's opening ceremonies, and he had more than 20-thousand dollars in federal booty ($20,800). The Conservative Member of Parliament for the area says the Government is proud to support Privateer Days - something that celebrates our shared history. Anne Langille - the Chair of the event this year - says the money will help to bring back local entertainment to Privateer Days and celebrate the history of Queens county and it's privateering heritage. 2009 marks the 250th anniversary of the founding of Liverpool Township. The festival runs right through the weekend.

New Tourism President

A tough job ahead with declining numbers and a struggling tourism economy. A new president is in place for Destination Southwest Nova. Dan Myers of Oak Island Resort has been appointed by the association's board. He's been an active member of the group for the past two years and has been very involved with the marketing committee. Myers chaired the first meeting of the new board saying he believes in a regional approach to marketing the area. And he is looking forward to helping the Association build strong partnerships that will lead to increased visitation. Past President Rick Welsford helped lead the regional tourism industry association through the complicated amalgamation in 2006 but recently stepped down. The board thanked him for his leadership, hard work and commitment to the industry.

V-I-C SOLD

2009-06-01 06:23:19

The Bridgewater Tourist Bureau has a new owner.  The land the building sits on at the corner of Elm Street and Aberdeen Road is owned by the Town, but the  building  used as a Visitor Information Centre was owned by the Bridgewater and Area Chamber of Commerce.  The VIC was offered to the Town for a dollar, but after no sale the Chamber called for public tenders.   It was announced Friday afternoon the building has been sold to Sea Coast HVAC Limited of Bridgewater. The new owners have until June 30th to remove the VIC from its present location.