2008 Moncton and Southeastern New Brunswick Summer Events and Destinations. Moncton Hosts Many Summer Attractions for 2008 like Artisans At Work, Atlanticade 2008, Eagles at Magnetic Hill, and Much Much More!

by Heather Ferguson

The harsh winter just past is but a memory now, and a cool, wet spring has given rise to dreams of a warm, sunny summer on the horizon. Beach-filled days, languid hours, and the attractions of natural beauty all beckon as we contemplate vacations spent with family and friends. The Province of New Brunswick is the vacation destination of the world. Picturesque vistas, quaint towns and villages, pristine beaches, and vibrant city centres are replete with attractions and activities to please every taste and budget.

Recent rises in oil and gas prices may dictate how vacation time will be spent this year, and with the spectre of air travel being so expensive with added taxes for extra baggage, etc., local road tours, weekend adventures or day trips are worthy alternatives for vacation ideas – and what better way to enjoy a fun-filled vacation but in our very own picture province! There is the beautiful Saint John River Valley with its scenic drive, the lovely Fundy Coastal trip, a visit to the Acadian Coast and the Miramichi River route, and the Appalachian Trail which all reverberate with charm, beauty, and history. Adventures await with natural wonders, wildlife escapes, and cultural centres with such varied offerings as whale watching, tall ship tours, historical stately home tours, museums, windswept beaches, and bustling city life with its unique shopping centres and thriving nightlife. New Brunswick is the place to fulfil all your vacation dreams!

The Greater Moncton Area and Southeastern New Brunswick is the perfect stop along the way for visitors to our region. Not only is it a gateway to the lovely island province of Prince Edward Island and all of its delights and to Nova Scotia with its perfect blend of history and modern charm, it is also a vital link to indelible experiences in its very own backyard. Filled with every accommodation from sleek hotels to charming bed and breakfasts, the city also offers a smorgasbord of culinary temptations from a global arena – Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Greek, Mexican, and, of course, delicious Maritime seafood! The thrills of Magnetic Hill Water Park and Zoo, championship golf courses at Royal Oaks and The Moncton Golf and Country Club, proximity to sandy beaches at Shediac and Bouctouche, fishing and sailing, rappelling and rock climbing at Cape Enrage, kayaking at Hopewell Rocks, hiking and camping at Fundy Park, and whale watching in the Bay of Fundy are all perfect day trip activities to mount from a base of operations in Moncton. Into photography? Love history? Don’t forget to visit the university Town of Sackville just a 20-minute drive away from Moncton. It’s home to Mount Allison University, Campbell’s Carriage Factory Museum, the historic Marshlands Inn and Restaurant, the Waterfowl Park and a host of world class art galleries including the Owen’s Art Gallery at the university and Fog Forest Gallery in Downtown Sackville.

For seekers of unique regional handcrafted gifts and art work, the Fundy Studio Tour is a must, as is the Artisans At Work locations. Visit their website at http://www.artisansatwork.ca/ for a list of locations and hours of operations. A brand new gift shop and art gallery called Sandstones at the Blue Cross Centre in Downtown Moncton is also worthy of mention. Handcrafted jewellery, local landscapes in photography, quality giftware, and an inventory of wonderful, authentic handcrafted items make up a presentation that is truly Maritime in flavour. Choose a special remembrance of your visit here or take a special gift home for family or friends.

The Greater Moncton Area greets summer with the roar of motorcycles at the 2nd Annual Atlanticade Motorcycle Festival which will take place from June 25 to 29. For more information on this event, call (506) 855-5794, or visit the website at http://www.atlanticcade.ca/. On June 27, Moncton celebrates the culture of various ethnic groups that make up its increasingly global demographic. A special Multicultural Festival Rendezvous will showcase music, food, and crafts from Monctonians who hail from various countries around the world. A weekend event, this festival runs until June 29.

July’s events will feature the exciting Shediac Lobster Festival to be held from July 2 to 6 in sunny Shediac by the sea. Contact festival coordinators at 532-1122 for more information or visit their website at http://www.lobsterfestival.nb.ca/ for a complete list of events and venues. July 3 will find the very popular Giant Magnetic Hill Flea Market in progress until July 6. Call 386-1200 for information or visit their website at http://www.magnetic-hill-flea-market.com/. A definite draw for bargain hunters and avid collectors, Magnetic Hill Flea Market is where you’ll find those one-of-a-kind treasures. July 10 to 13 will feature the widely anticipated Atlantic National Automotive Extravaganza. Call 853-5757 or visit their website at http://www.atlanticnationals.com/ for more information.

August gets off to a fine start on the 1st with the Backstreet Boys “Unbreakable World Tour” to take place at the Moncton Coliseum, and the Concert of the year will feature The Eagles in concert with special guests John Fogarty, KT Tunstall and Sam Roberts Band at the Magnetic Hill Concert Site. Call 1-888-720-5800 or go online at http://www.tickets.moncton.ca/ for more information.

The Annual Turner’s Victoria Park Arts and Crafts Fair takes place from August 8 to 10 and will feature the work of artisans from Ontario and Quebec as well as throughout the Maritimes. It’s a great place to find unique, handcrafted items. Contact the website at http://www.victoriapark-crafts.com/. The Moncton Coliseum will host Avril Lavigne and her Best Dawn Tour on August 9. Call 857-4100 for information. The Atlantic Seafood Festival will be held from August 21 to 24 at various venues throughout the city and will showcase the best in Maritime seafood offerings. Call 855-8525 for more information or visit the website at http://www.atlanticseafoodfestival.com/. Not had enough of the Summer Concert Series? See Simple Plan in concert at the Moncton Coliseum on August 22 with special guests All American Rejects and Faber Drive.

Summer is a time to relax and unwind and to savour the flavours of the season. The sheer scope and variety of attractions, events, and activities available in our region means that the vacationer can create a unique holiday experience by choosing the perfect combination of choices to suit their individual requirements. This summer, discover the delights of this most special time of the year and experience the rewards that can be enjoyed in our very own vacation playground!