By Michelle Kempton (Cow Bay Resident, Event Organizer & Runner)
Our community’s marathon, Maritime Race Weekend, not only is a great opportunity to showcase our beautiful community to 4,000 visitors over 2 days in September – it also has a positive impact on our local economy.
Many of the local businesses support Maritime Race Weekend and in return the participants support them! Fisherman’s Cove Inn was completely booked for race weekend since January, they now have a waiting list for the weekend of September 12 and 13. The Inn is already getting inquiries about booking rooms for race weekend in 2015! If only we had a campground, that would be booked too!
Boondocks Restaurant has generously offered their large space to host the free Pirate Jamboree on Friday night and Dockside Music (our local music industry expert) is organizing the talent for Friday night, to ensure the best musician’s from our area are lined up to perform.
Pat’s Preserves, What’s the Scoop, Coffee Sea & Tea Café, Wharf Restaurant and Emma’s Restaurant have supported Maritime Race Weekend every year. This gives them new and potential returning customers, not only on race weekend – but all year long.
Our newest restaurant Gordie’s Eatery and the shops at Fisherman’s Cove (Jo’s Candy Shop, Nauti Dog Bakery & Espresso Cafe, Splash Boutique, Chocolate Duck, Shore Things and Just Browsing) got involved last year too. 2013 was Shore Things’ first year involved with Maritime Race Weekend, they reported record sales over the race weekend and have already reached out to be involved again this year.
Local realtor, Chris Peters has volunteered and ran with his family in the event every year too.
Last year, Ultramar generously offered to open up their parking lot to handle the overflow of cars.
Every month, more local businesses are showing an interest in getting involved with Maritime Race Weekend. I was excited to speak with locally owned, Taylor Made Tours last month about potentially partnering. With so many visitors in Fisherman’s Cove on race weekend, it’s a perfect opportunity for participants to take a boat ride. Maritime Race Weekend supports local business.
If you are a business owner and want to be involved, then please contact me. I’m your neighbour, customer and biggest advocate!
Maritime Race Weekend is a not-for-profit event, donating to local community groups (Ocean View Continuing Care Centre, The Beacon, Seaside FM), 50% of the net profits are being given to Fisherman’s Cove (host venue) and the other half will go to not-for-profit run clubs. We also have made donations to auctions for local fundraisers, like Summer Carnival.
Thanks in advance for getting involved with our community’s marathon! Please mark the marathon date of September 12 and 13 in your calendar and join the fun.
To learn more:
Cell: 902-877-9355
Web: www.maritimeraceweekend.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maritime.race.weekend
Twitter: www.twitter.com/maritimeraces