Cupids Cove Chatter

On the final day of the Cupids Cove Soiree, the memory of the Beothuk People was evoked. In the afternoon, the Se’t A’newey Choir of Youth from the Miawpukek First Nation in Conne River performed as part of  Spirit of the Land, Sea and People Celebration.  They received  a long standing ovation from the audience.

Standing Ovation from the Audience!!

More photos of the Se’t A’newey Choir of Youth on Flickr > >

They honoured the Beothuk people with a special tribute, reminding us that John Guy and his settlers met and traded with the Beothuk in peace and friendship. Bill Gilbert, chief archaeolist with the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corporation, also spoke. He has researched the Beothuk caribou hunting grouds at Russell’s Point in Trinity Bay, and retrieved the passages dealing with the Beothuk from journals and other documents written by the Cupids colonists. During the closing performance of “Seeds of Settlement,” on the evening of August 22nd, there was a reenactment of the settlers trading with the Beothuk in Trinity Bay, where the settlers had sailed in the Indeavour.

“Seeds of Settlement” – Meeting the Beothuk in Trinity Bay

More photos from “Seeds of Settlement” on Flickr > >

A portrait of Demasduit, one of the last of the Beothuk People, is part of “Portraits in the Street.” It is the only known portrait of a Beothuk, the last of whom died in 1829.

More photos of “Portraits in the Street”  on Flickr >>

When we look over the 400 years of settlement, it is appropriate to celebrate the lives of the Beothuk People, Squanto, and other native people people and remember “where once they stood, we stand.” We will never know their total story, just as we will never know the stories of many of the other people who have inhabited our land over the centuries. With modern technology, we hope that four hundred years in the future, people will care and know how we celebrated in 2010.

The magnificent celebrations over the weekend paid suitable tribute to all, from the aboriginal Beothuk People to the people of all religions, races, and cultures who reside in this beautiful place today.

Opening Ceremonies Cupids Cove Soiree with Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean were held on August 17th, 2010.

Lieutenant Governor  the Honourable John Crosbie charmed and entertained the very large audience for the opening ceremony.  Following the official opening, “Seeds of Settlement” was presented.  The evening ended with fireworks over Spectacle Head.

More photos of the Opening Ceremonies > >

“Seeds of Settlement” is an original production written and directed by Ged Blackmore. Main Stage on Pointe Beach Free Admission. It traces the history of the Cupids Settlement. It will be shown again on Sunday night at the closing of the Cupids Cove Soiree.

Photos from “Seeds of Settlement” > >

Opening Fireworks, Cupids Cove Soiree – 2010

More photos of fireworks on Flickr > >

Shirley Montague and Gordon Quinton in Concert at Cupids United Church on Sunday, August 15th. The opening act were Rendell Mercer and the  Baccalieu Fiddlers.

Shirley Montague was born in Labrador and currently lives in Gros Morne National Park where she organizes the “Tales and Tunes Festival.”  Her writings are filled with nature’s imagery.

Gordon Quinton is a self-taught acoustic guitarist, whose original compositions have been featured on numerous regional and national Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) radio and television series including Disc Drive, Gilmour’s Albums, Morningside, Simply Folk and Land and Sea.

The Baccalieu Fiddlers are led by Rendell Mercer who is vice-president of the Newfoundland Fiddlers’ Association. The newly formed Association has a mandate to promote fiddling and music associated with fiddling in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Rendell Mercer with the Baccalieu Fiddlers

More photos on Flickr > >

August Carbonear  Walking Tours of Historic Carbonear.  Every week day, Monday to Friday.  The founder of Carbonear was Nicholas Guy from Cupids.   More Information about the tours and how to purchase tickets  > >

A Midsummer Night's Dream continues this week.

August 10 A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Indeavour Stage 6pm Tickets: $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

August 11 A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Indeavour Stage 6pm Tickets: $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

August 12 Evening with Nellie Strowbridge -
reading from and discussing Catherine Snow and The Newfoundland Tongue. Part of Visiting Author Series. Cupids Community Centre. Cupids NL 709.528.1610

Catherine Snow

August 12 A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Indeavour Stage 6pm Tickets: $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

August 13 A Midsummer Night’s Dream The Indeavour Stage 6pm Tickets: $25.00 Tickets are available at the Cupids 400 Box Office, 467 Seaforest Drive, Cupids NL 709.528.1610

Scott Andrews, John Guy, and “Portraits in the Streets”
Originally uploaded by John Guy2010

MP for the District of Avalon,  Scott Andrews who has family roots in Cupids, sponsored a pancake breakfast for Cupids 400.  Special guests  were Federal Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff with his wife,  Zsuzsanna Zsohar; MP Gerry Byrne; MHA Roland Butler and his wife Maud; and other Liberal senators and MPs from across Canada. Members of the community enjoyed the opportunity to display the beauty of Cupids and tell about its significant place in world history.

“Portraits in the Streets”  by the National Portrait Gallery of Canada, along with Cupids harbour on a perfect summer day, made  an impressive backdrop for visitors to the breakfast.

Musicians with “Portraits in the Street”

Other photos from the pancake breakfast on Flickr > >