Things to Do: Ritchie Wharf

One of the interesting places to go in Miramichi is Ritchie Wharf. It's a combination boardwalk/playground area on the waterfront in Newcastle.

During the summer they host musical evenings, with live music and DJs.

Music area.

Boardwalk.

During the summer season, Captain Azade Hachey takes tourists out on the Max Aitken for a tour of the river and the Ritchie Wharf docks are where he leaves from at 2 p.m. daily.

Boardwalk.

Light house on the boardwalk.

The boardwalk is made up of a number of different shops. There's a coffee shop, East Wind Gifts, Brandi's Dairy Delight ice cream shop and Maisie's Kitchen.

Maisie's Kitchen.

Seating area.

Order take out orders here.

Cash out and kitchen.

Mural on the wall.

Burger.

Burger and fries platter.

Mozza sticks.

Brandi's Dairy Delight.

Menu board.

They also do slushies.

Ice cream choices.

Ice cream choices.

Ice cream choices.

Options for popsicles.

Mint chip ice cream in a regular cone.

Cookie dough ice cream in a waffle cone.

The boardwalk has a bathroom where people can also change into swim suits.

Mast installation on the boardwalk.

Tipping buckets in the water area.

Playground.

Playground.

Playground and basketball hoop.

Overall view.

Of Maisie's Kitchen from the parking lot.

Board walk.

Ritchie Wharf is a nice place to bring the whole family on a sunny, summer day to enjoy a fun day out together!

Historical Places: Historic Beaverbrook House

Miramichi is a place that is full of history. Whether it's the history of the cultures that make up this community or people who have contributed to and made this city what it is, there's something here for everyone. Historic Beaverbrook is one of the many historical sites here on the river.

The house is open to the public from the last week of June until September for tours, which are $5. Tour guides are here from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

Front view of the house.

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Sign on lawn for tourists.

Main entrance to the house.

The Historic Beaverbrook House is the childhood home of multi-millionaire, Lord Beaverbrook, born Maxwell Aitken to the Reverend William Cuthbert Aitken and his wife, Jane Noble.

Lord Beaverbrook's bedroom.

The house was built in 1877 and is a not-for-profit association. All the proceeds from the admission fee and from any donations received all go back into restoring the house to its original self, and ensuring any necessary repairs are made.

The parlor.

The parlor.

The parlor would have been the first room that people went into when they came into the house. This was where Lord Beaverbrook's mother would have entertained company. This also happens to be where company is entertained in the house nowadays.

There are musical evenings held in the parlor, with the next one coming up on Wednesday, Aug. 19. Entertainment will be provided by the Fochabers Fiddlers from Fochabers, Scotland.

Every Monday, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. there are Encounter Tours at the house. Guests reserve their place, by calling (506) 622-5572, in order to tour the house, meet Lord Beaverbrook and have tea with him in the parlor.

A traditional afternoon tea.

Lord Beaverbrook for the Encounter Tour.

Battle of Britain Room where guests encounter Lord Beaverbrook.

Despite only being open during the summer for tours, the house is still bustling with activity throughout the year. Board meetings for various societies are held in the parlor and the public is welcome to book the parlor for baby showers, wedding showers, rehearsal dinners or small receptions, wedding photo shoots, or birthday parties.

To learn more about the Historic Beaverbrook House or any upcoming events at the house, check out their website at www.beaverbrookhouse.com. Go take a tour today and learn more about this city's history!

Festivals and Events: Eel Ground First Nation-Natoaganeg Powwow

This year the Eel Ground First Nation-Natoaganeg Powwow took place from July 16 to 19 at the Powwow Grounds in Eel Ground. The weekend consisted of Grand Entry ceremonies on both Saturday and Sunday with traditional music and dancing.
***Note: These pictures are from last year's powwow as I was unable to attend this year.***

Some of the vendors.

Other vendors.

The main area where the drummers sit.

Last year's Grand Entry.

Traditional dancing.

Traditional dancing.

There was also a fireworks display that took place Saturday night. The fireworks are always a huge hit and much anticipated in the community as it is the largest display that goes on each year. Unfortunately I was unable to find the pictures from last year's fireworks display.

The Eel Ground First Nation-Natoaganeg Powwow is one of four powwows that take place each summer and is a celebration of First Nations culture. To learn more about the Eel Ground First Nation-Natoaganeg Powwow and about Eel Ground First Nation in general, check out their website at www.eelgroundfirstnation.ca.

Festivals and Events: Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi

 This year Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi was held from July 16 to July 19. This is the second year that events were held at Waterford Green during the afternoons, as opposed to inside the Lord Beaverbrook Arena like previous years.

**Note: pictures are from last year's festival.**

                                      

Clan coat of arms lining the fences at Waterford Green.

Irish Canadian Cultural Association tent.

Bouncing castle for the children.

Tents set up to sit out of the direct sun light.

There were live performers on stage throughout the weekend outside at Waterford Green. 

Vendors set up along Waterford Green.

In addition to all the outdoor activities, there were pub nights at the LBA on Friday and Saturday night with drinks and live music and various breakfasts, lunches and suppers taking place around the community. Some of these included the signature Irish dish, corned beef and cabbage. Canada's Irish Festival on the Miramichi wrapped up with a family day at Middle Island Historical Irish Park. 

The festival is the same weekend every year and definitely a blast for anyone with Irish roots looking to celebrate with the largest Irish population in New Brunswick. Come out next year and every year after to enjoy a fun weekend of drinks, music and cultural celebrations!

For future events, check out their website at www.canadasirishfest.com.