Hello Everyone,

We are attempting to reach club contacts and leaders with information about our upcoming major dance event. Please help us promote by passing this along to anyone in your club or area who might be interested.

The 17th Canadian National Square and Round Dance Convention will be held in the capital city of Nova Scotia during the summer of 2010. For square, round, contra, and clogging dancers this is a golden opportunity to visit the beautiful Maritime Provinces in the northeast corner of North America.

Our Nova Scotia Federation website is . To reach Festival 2010 information press the 2010 button near the upper left corner of the home page.

GETTING TO NOVA SCOTIA: Halifax has an International Airport with all of the usual amenities. Check FlyHalifax.com for current flight options.
There is regular shuttle service from the Airport to downtown hotels (30 km).
If you want to tour outside of the city, you would need a car.
Several car rental companies have booths at the airport.

The Trans-Canada Highway enters Nova Scotia in Amherst where a visitor center will provide provincial maps and

BUS TOURS and CARAVANS: We are aware of bus trips coming from Ontario and New England. Also there is an RV Caravan forming in Alberta. Please let us know if you would like contact information or would like to be added to this list.

TOURISM: Nova Scotia is a beautiful province and you should consider planning some tourist time before or after the Festival.
Nova Scotia Tourism website is: novascotia.com
Halifax Tourism is: or destinationhalifax.com

DANCE AREA: All dancing will be under one roof in the World Trade & Convention Centre and Halifax Metro Centre complex. It is fully air-conditioned. A pedway system connects the complex with several hotels, shops, and eateries.

FLOORING: There will be a mix of polished cement, tile, carpet, and wood or other hard surface over the carpet. There will be at least some hard surface in all dance areas.

DOWNTOWN PARKING: Most of the nearby hotels have their own parking areas. Scotia Square includes a multi-tier parking garage within a short walking distance. We are working to obtain event rates. Street parking is free on weekends and after 6 pm on weekdays. A free FRED bus loops Pier 21, Lower Water Street, Scotia Square, Barrington, Citadel Hill and Spring Garden Road.

ACCOMODATIONS: These nearby convention hotels are within walking distance.
The Prince George: $185, 1-800-565-1567, www.princegeorgehotel.com
The Delta Halifax: $169, 1-800-268-1133, www.deltahalifax.com
Citadel Halifax Hotel: $149, 1-800-565-7162, www.citadelhalifax.com and
Cambridge Suites Hotel: $159, 1-800-565-1263, www.cambridgesuiteshalifax.com

CAMPING: The best commercial camping options are
Woodhaven RV Park www.woodhavenrvpark.com and
Shubie Park Campground www.shubiecampground.com
The Bluenose RV Campers are working on additional options. More details will be available after the 2009 camping season.

DANCING: Come and enjoy 3 days of Basic to C3 Squares, Rounds II - VI, Contras, Clogging, Lines, and Wheelchair Dancing. There will be a Trail-in Dance at the Metro Centre on Wednesday, July 28th at 7:30 p.m. Convention dancing will be scheduled morning, afternoon and evening on Thursday through Saturday. Plans are underway for some dancing along the historic waterfront.

ATTIRE: Tasteful casual attire is acceptable during the day. Please plan to wear Traditional Attire (including prairie skirts) for evening events.

BANNER PARADE: Bring your club banners for a short parade on Thursday morning.

FASHION SHOW: Our aim is to showcase and inspire with custom made, one-of-a-kind creations. This will be presented in the main arena with free and ample seating for all. Please let us know if you are interested in participating.

EDUCATION: There will be a heritage room and various educational seminars. Let us know if you would like to participate on a panel or make a presentation.

REGISTRATION: The current registration price is $125 per person for 3 full days of dancing and all other events. The registration form is available on the website. In spite of the economic woes we are nearing 600 registered and aiming for at least 3 times that.

EXCHANGE RATE for foreign visitors: The Festival price is quoted in Canadian Funds. We will accept the equivalent in the form of a cheque written in foreign funds on a foreign bank. Please use the exchange rate for the date of the cheque. (Changes between writing and cashing time balance out.) Example: If the conversion rate is $1 Canadian = $0.82 US then $125 Canadian x 0.82 = $102.50 US

HOSPITALITY: Our welcoming committee is organizing greeters at arrival points and receptions for Solos and Wheelchair Dancers.

MORE QUESTIONS: For more information go to then open 2010 button. If you have additional questions e-mail:
Bob Ruohoniemi, Executive Vice Chair Marketing, bobruoho@ns.sympatico.ca
Or Dottie Welch, Executive Vice Chair Events, dwelch@ap.stmarys.ca

"Promenade to Halifax in 2010",

Paul & Reta Blades
Publicity, Halifax National Festival 2010