Whether you choose to take in the activities in Moncton or Sackville, or both, this holiday weekend can be fun-filled

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by Hanne Armstrong
This Week Staff

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The 32nd official New Brunswick Day is coming up on August 4, and in Moncton people can celebrate the day with a genteel yet fun-filled afternoon at the Thomas Williams House.

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"There will be lots of things to do," explains programme co-ordinator James Fogarty, "and all our activities are in keeping with the Victorian era of the House."

Thomas Williams House was built in 1883 by Thomas Williams, who was the treasurer of the Intercolonial Railway. Located at 103 Park Street, it is operated by the Moncton Museum, and open to the public daily during the summer. The popular Tearoom will be closed on Monday to make way for New Brunswick Day events, but re-opens at 11 a.m. on Aug. 7.

"We're having live music," says James, "in the form of a folk duo. A ring-toss game will be set up, and so will croquet. We've planned a scavenger hunt, and may even have a sack race. Things will run from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m."

As well as these period activities, cake and refreshments will be available, and New Brunswick pins and flags will be handed out. There's even a New Brunswick quiz for children to fill out, which puts them in the running for an exciting prize. For more about this window into Victorian times, you can call 857-0590.

If history isn't quite your thing, or you're in the Sackville area on New Brunswick Day, you might want to take in the town's New Brunswick Day Family Celebration, at the Civic Centre. Or, as events here start up at 6 p.m. and run until 9 p.m., you could even take in both celebrations.

"We're trying to have a carnival atmosphere that's fun for families," says Manager of Programmes and Special Events, Rebecca MacLean, "We'll start with the presentation of our Merit Awards, and go from there.

"There will be face-painting, inflatable bounces, games and prizes for the kids. And of course we'll have New Brunswick Day cake for all, and a barbecue. Everything is free except for the barbecue, with the proceeds from it going to a local charity."

The fun at the Civic Centre winds up a busy holiday weekend in Sackville. The Ok.Quoi Contemporary Arts Festival ends with great events on Saturday, and SappyFest ends Sunday. The Bluegrass Weekend Campout at the Music Barn runs from Friday to Sunday, and those are just a few of the things going on during the New Brunswick Day weekend.

For much more, go to www.sackville.com and click on 'events calendar'.

Not all communities choose to mark New Brunswick Day, probably because it started as just a civic holiday thrown into the only month of the year without one, back in 1976. It wasn't until 1989 that the Department of Tourism, Recreation and Heritage took responsibility for making something of the holiday.

The following year saw the introduction of the New Brunswick Day Merit Award, a publicity campaign, and planned events. Since then, the first Monday of every August has slowly been working its way into the fabric of New Brunswick's communities.