2021-02-03

Lunenburg chooses new town crier

by KEITH CORCORAN

  • <p>SCREENSHOT, YOU TUBE &#8212;THE DANCING BAKER</p><p>Stephen Findlay, aka The Dancing Baker, is Lunenburg&#8217;s newest town crier, He&#8217;s shown here on his You Tube video: Lunenburg Living, Life On The South Shore The Dancing Baker&#8217;s House Tour!</p>

Stephen Findlay, a professional dancer with decades of theatre and television experience, is Lunenburg's newest town crier.

The 56-year-old, who moved to the small South Shore town a couple of years ago, said's he's honoured to serve his new home in a unique way in an ambassador-style role.

"I'm a performer by nature, right?" he said with a laugh when asked about what made him want to apply for the position.

"I like to be out front and doing stuff," he added, "and I kind of wanted to ensconce myself in the community a little bit more. I like to meet people; I have no problem taking to people, so it seemed like a fun thing to do."

Findlay answered the town's first known open application for town crier, a symbolic bell-ringing costumed figure known for boisterously reading proclamations during public events. Lunenburg's previous town crier was John McGee, a former deputy mayor who retired from the post.

"I'm always that kind of person who's looking for a new experience," Findlay told LighthouseNOW. "I love throwing myself into trying something new."

Findlay recently started a YouTube channel called The Dancing Baker, but his career credits include motion pictures, television specials and commercials. He got his start in his teens dancing ballet, and participated in numerous theatre roles.

He worked as a choreographer for the upcoming CBC series Feudal, which was shot in Hubbards, and premieres this year.

He also teaches and judges dance.

Findlay taught, and was a guest instructor, at ballet schools in Alberta, at the Charlottetown Festival, and at locations in Mexico. He was also a member of the casting team for Mirvish Production's The Wizard of Oz.

A lifetime rich in arts and culture, Findlay was town council's unanimous choice for the job.

Applications were assessed by town staff and Findlay's submission was recommended to civic politicians, who approved it January 26.

"He's definitely a talented person; we're very lucky to have him," Mayor Matt Risser told LighthouseNOW. "One of the great things about Lunenburg is that it attracts super capable people. It's always nice when you can lean on [them] for municipal purposes and Stephen's a great choice."

The post comes with an annual $1,000 honourarium and a $20 membership in the Nova Scotia Guild of Town Criers.

The local government also approved up to $1,725 for the necessary wardrobe and props. Due to the investment attached, council's motion indicated Findlay's commitment to the role will be at least a year, although, in the past, the appointment generally carries on until the person no longer wants the position.

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