Nova Scotia Comes Alive in 2011!

The Great Offshore Picnic – George’s Island, Halifax

For over 200 years George’s Island was a bastion of defense for not only Halifax harbour but the British presence in North America. Before 1763 the cannons on the small island were primed for the French. Then in 1775, they were prepared for an attack from a former brother, The United States.

Not only were their guns and signals, the island housed up to 2,000 soldiers. As well, there was a legend of a tunnel running from the main fortress at Citadel Hill under the harbor. But as much as the underground fortifications are impressive this story has never been verified.

In both world wars guns bristled, radars hummed and spotters watched for U-boats as thousands of supply ships and war vessels headed out on the cold Atlantic. Much of the credit for winning World War II is t Halifax for keeping Britain supplied before the U.S. came into the war.

Every year on the second Friday of June, the Offshore/Onshore Technologies Association of Nova Scotia, OTANS, has a grand picnic on George’s Island which included entertainmen, refreshment, great food and wonderful displays. Guests are ferried to and from the island on a variety of boats.

The Great Offshore Picnic is the brainchild of Bill Young, an entrepreneur who brought great outdoor concerts to Citadel Hill in the ’90′s. He and his entourage of special events personnel make the island picnic the must-go-to party of the year for the industry.

Last year, OTANS decided to open up the party to people outside the industry to give others the thrill of celebrating the first party of summer. This year celebrates the 10th picnic. For more information and tickets contact the fine OTANS people:

The Great Offshore Picnic