PICTOU
Cape Breton fiddling sensation Ashley MacIsaac will be this year’s headliner at the Pictou Lobster Carnival.
The carnival, being held July 6-8 in Pictou, announced its entertainment lineup Thursday, which includes MacIsaac closing out the show on Sunday night.
MacIsaac finished a project in 2016 with Jay Andrews called FDLER. It includes dance, electronic, Celtic pop and more.
“The 2018 Lobster Carnival lineup promises to blow the top off the tent,” said carnival board member Kent Corbett.
The entertainment lineup starts Friday night on the main stage with Next at 8 p.m. followed by the East River Rats and Mudmen.
On Saturday, The Divorcees will kick things off at 8 pm. on the main stage followed by Grassabillies and Hypercrondriacs, who are nominated for an East Coast Music Award.
Gospel hour takes place Sunday morning and Robert Bouchard will perform in the afternoon along with Randy Swallow. The Men of the Deeps take the stage mid-afternoon followed by MacIsaac for the evening show.
Corbett says MacIsaac will be taking his full band with him to close out the carnival.
Another special event will take place in the sky with the Gary Ward air show over Pictou Harbour Saturday afternoon.
Traditional events will also be returning to the 84th annual carnival including the lobster and modified boat races, Mardi Gras parade and midway. Information can be found on the carnival website about the Princess Pageant as well as the Little Miss and Prince Neptune event.
Corbett said a Sea King helicopter is also expected to land Saturday on Pier C for a display that will allow people to get inside.
“They had over 500 people through the helicopter last year in two and half hours so they were really pleased with the response and wanted to try it again,” he said.
Before the July weekend begins, Corbett said there are still a few housekeeping matters. The board is currently accepting applications for a summer student position that involves learning about the events and office administration work. Eligible candidates must be returning to university or college in the fall.
It is also host fundraising events in May and June including a pancake breakfast May 12 from 7:30 to 11 a.m. at the New Horizons Club in Pictou.
Professional wrestling will also be coming to the Hector Arena on May 26 and 80 VIP passes are being sold that will include an extra match for ticket holders as well as a meet and greet with the wrestlers.
A fundraising barbecue will also be held in June at Sobeys in Pictou.
More information on the Pictou Lobster Carnival can be found at pictoulobstercarnival.ca or its Facebook page, Pictou Lobster Carnival.
