Antigonish preparing for Saltscapes Expo

A group of Antigonish businesses, festivals, attractions, and restaurants are working together in a coordinated effort to showcase Antigonish at the annual Saltscapes East Coast Expo in Halifax from April 27th to 29th. The Expo is Atlantic Canada’s largest consumer show that allows visitors to browse over 400 exhibits ranging from unique retail, to culture, music, and travel, and healthy living.

A small working committee with representatives from Destination Eastern and Northumberland Shores (DEANS), the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce, and the ARDA have been working to create a space at the Expo that really showcases all that Antigonish has to offer and experience.

“DEANS is a destination marketing organization that focuses on marketing the Northumberland Shore and Eastern Shore,” says Cindy MacKinnon, managing director for DEANS. “DEANS offers this marketing opportunity to its members along our sister shores and we are pleased with the response from accommodations, restaurants, attractions and our festival and events. We have a strong showing for this year’s expo from Antigonish, along with Pictou County and the Eastern Shore.”

“The Saltscapes Expo is a huge marketing opportunity to showcase what Antigonish has to offer visitors,” says Anne Marie MacKenzie, executive director of the Antigonish Chamber of Commerce. “This is the second year we’ve partnered together and we’ve actually increased our space.”

This year Antigonish will be showcasing some of its best restaurants, including Gabrieau’s Bistro the Main Street Café at the Maritime Inn, Snow Queen Restaurant, and the Prissy Pig Café and Deli, and major events and attractions like Festival Antigonish, the Highland Games, and Riverside International Speedway.

“We’ve put together a great line-up for 2012 and online ticket sales through Ticket Atlantic are going well already,” says Highland Games Chair Alisha Grant. “By participating at the Saltscapes Expo we hope to generate even more awareness leading up to the Games.”

“We’re looking to position Antigonish as a destination Atlantic Canadians would like to visit,” says Shannon Long, communications officer at ARDA. “At last year’s Expo, 86.4% of people said they were planning on taking a vacation in Atlantic Canada within the year. We definitely want Antigonish to be included in the list of potential places people want to visit.”

“The booth will also have information on local accommodations and retailers,” says Lynne Vasil-Delorey, DEANS board member and owner of the Evergreen Inn. “Our booth will be an opportunity for business owners to promote themselves to a new market.”

Local retailers like Trendy’s Clothing Ltd, Lyghtesome Gallery, Harbour Quilt Company, Cameron’s Jewellery Ltd. will have merchandise for sale and on display.

“It’s a coordinated effort,” says MacKinnon. “The Northumberland Shore and Eastern Shore will be well represented.”

“Antigonish has a lot to offer and it’s nice to see such a cohesive, regional approach when it comes to participating in marketing opportunities like the Expo,” says Long.

The Expo is at Exhibition Park in Halifax and show hours are from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 27th, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 28th, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 29th.