What a weekend we have planned for you!
The festivities begin on Thursday, October 13, with a concert at 11:30 PM, with the launch of the Lobster Fleet from the Village’s docks at approximately 1:30 AM. The launch will be preceded by a Celtic concert near the wharf by Fundy Ceilidh, a New Brunswick musical group.
In addition to the music, there will also be free lobster rolls, sticky buns, coffee, and hot chocolate provided by the Village of Alma, Collin’s Lobster Shop, and Buddha Bear Coffee Roasters. Finally, to the tune of a lone piper, the Fleet will cast off its mooring and enter the bay as fireworks explode above. Make sure you get to Alma in plenty of time before the launch!
After the Fleet launches, the entire weekend is chocked full of events that organizers have been busily putting together to commemorate the Fleet and the significance of the ocean and the Bay of Fundy to Alma.
On Friday, October 14, a “Kitchen Party” is planned for the evening of Fleet Launch Day. It will begin at 6 p.m. in the Activity Centre, 8584 Main St., and includes food, music, and fun — as do all true Kitchen Parties. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The entry ticket includes a dinner of delicious seafood chowder, rolls, and dessert prepared by local eateries. Alcohol also will be offered for sale. A Fredericton band, the Bearded Bards, will lead the music, and you’re invited to bring your own instruments and join in. The event will conclude with the First Annual “Claw-In,” in which attendees can test their skills as fisherfolk for the honour of being inducted as Honorary Fleet Launch Crew members. To purchase tickets, go to Buy Tickets
On Saturday, October 15, organizers are mounting a special Alma market that will be held from 9 AM to 2 PM in the Activity Centre, 8584 Main Street. Artisans, crafters, and vendors with produce and food will offer their products and goodies for purchase. Free face painting for kids during the Alma market.
A slate of children’s events will kick off at 10 AM with a half-hour Celtic dance lesson for children at the Village’s Multi-Cultural Building, 13 School Street, presented by dancer Julia Tompkins-Bannister. She will present an hour-long dance workshop for adults at 11 AM in the same location. It’s free, but remember to reserve your space: Reserve Space
Two children’s events start at 11 AM on Saturday on the Alma beach. The first of those is a Race-to-High-Tide Sand-Lobster building contest. Children (and adults) are invited onto the beach to build the sand lobsters of their imaginations. Ten sets of pails and shovels will be provided or you can bring your own tools. Although the lobsters will be washed away by the tide at 4 PM, the creation will be judged at 2 PM, and winners will receive prizes.
The second event is an authentic Treasure Hunt hosted by the Village with the help of the Port City “Pyrates.” The “pyrates” will be handing out treasure maps at the beach and throughout the Village. Everyone who solves all of the clues to find the treasure chest gets a reward. The “pyrates” will also be available throughout the day for sword-fighting demonstrations and to teach you how to talk like a ‘pyrate’.
At noon on Saturday, accomplished musician Melanie Ross, a New Brunswick singer who comes to the Fleet Launch by way of Nova Scotia, will perform a free concert at the Activity Centre during the Alma Market. Later that afternoon, she will play a special Children’s Concert at 2 PM at the festivities tent at the Molly Kool Centre (at the Alma entrance to Fundy National Park).
Friends of Fundy are hosting events at the Molly Kook Centre beginning at 6:30 PM, including a special evening of live music with Fundy Ceilidh and Friends, #freshfundy food, and fun! Tickets are $20 and can be reserved at Purchase Tickets
Sunday morning from 9 AM to 11 AM, the Graduating Class of 2023 will be holding a Lumberjack Breakfast at the Activity Centre. Come by for a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, juice, and coffee. Donations accepted.
At 10:00 AM, the Molly Kool Centre will be the site for a unique event. Join Cranial Waves for a Chocolate Sound Bath – there will be ceremonial Cacao served, some free flowing movement, and singing together. Participants are invited to lay or sit for a guided meditation and a sound bath journey! Freewill donations are accepted at the door. Please reserve your spot at www.eventbrite.ca
Artist and musician Tim Isaac will hold a four-hour mosaic workshop in the festivities tents in front of the Molly Kool Centre from noon – 4 PM. For this Friends of Fundy event, the multi-talented Isaac will teach attendees his techniques using ceramics and found items to create a community mosaic. No registration is required. Do drop in!
Fleet Launch weekend continues at noon with a Lobster Boil and a free concert in the Activity Centre. Music will be provided by the Sons of Gael, a traditional Irish and Scottish band. It will be a fitting end to a fabulous weekend! You’re invited to come to the FREE concert, but if you want to participate in the Lobster Boil, tickets are $10 ( Advance Tickets ) or $15 at the door.
Take part in Yoga on the Beach to wind down the weekend beginning at 1:45 PM at the Alma Beach next to the Alma Lobster Shop. Charlotte Love will lead the Beginners Flow Yoga class. This free event requires no registration – just bring along your mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Finally, the annual Lobster Plunge will take place at 3:30 PM when hardy visitors and visitors brave the cold, cold waters of the Bay. Come in costume to add extra sparkle to the afternoon spectacle! The event will be held at the Alma Beach, next to the Alma Lobster Shop. To register to take the “plunge”, please contact Karen at karen-lindsay@hotmail.com
Alma Fleet Launch 