2021-11-24

Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl resurfacing in February

After plans for the 2021 Nova Scotia Lobster Crawl went adrift last year amid the pandemic concerns, organizers are promising to resurface the annual event this winter.

The South Shore Tourism Cooperative (SSTC) announced on Nov. 16 the month-long February festival will be back in 2022.

"As in the past, Lobster Crawlers will once again be invited to sip, savour and stroll the nearly 250 km stretch along the South Shore in communities from Barrington, the Lobster Capital of Canada, to Peggy's Cove and all ports in between," Joanne Cooper, the SSTC president and general manager at Best Western Plus Bridgewater, said in a news release.

The annual winter event was launched in 2018 to entice locals to get out and about and strengthen the region's year-round tourism appeal.

The idea is to change the perception that businesses and attractions are closed in the winter months, and demonstrate the region is open with exciting and fun experiences. According to Cooper, "that's a win-win for Nova Scotians and the tourism industry operators especially now following the impacts of COVID-19."

The long-range goal of the festival remains to attract guests from outside of Atlantic Canada, however organizers say they're looking locally for 2022. They'll be focusing on stay-cationing couples and families, and expect to see record numbers of Nova Scotians participate in more than 100 festival offerings.

Organizers aim to highlight activities ranging from guided hikes and picnics on the beach to tastings and artisan workshops, overnight getaways and Nova Scotia Heritage Day.

There will be live entertainment and hands-on exhibits at museums and tours of lobster pounds. Lucy the Lobster is expected to crawl out of the ocean on Groundhog Day again in search of her shadow on Cape Sable Island, while restaurants will compete for the title of "Best Lobster Roll" in the Lobster Roll-Off on Feb. 6.

In addition to inviting businesses and organizations to be a part of the schedule of events, SSTC has issued a Request for (Event) Partners to assist it in hosting a series of signature events for the Lobster Crawl.

For more information on how to register your business or organization for the festival or to submit a proposal in response to the RFP, contact Stephanie Miller Vincent at southshoretourism@gmail.com" target="_blank">southshoretourism@gmail.com or visit the festival website at lobstercrawl.ca.