It’s that time of year again. The time when Cape Breton shows off its most magnificent Fall colours and welcome visitors from near and far to the annual Celtic Colours International Festival! If you are one of the lucky ones who will be in Cape Breton for the Festival, we are thrilled that you decided to share this annual celebration with us. Whether this is your first time or a return visit, we want to make sure this is your best Celtic Colours experience yet.

As I sit here at home, again watching the Celtic Colours International Festival live stream, I am in awe of what it takes to pull off a nine day festival with 45 concerts, more than 50 communities, hundreds of artists, 250 cultural events and thousands of volunteers. Thankfully, organizational excellence like this does not go unrecognized.

I once asked my Grandmother if she ever imagined that she would be celebrating her 95^th birthday. Without a moment’s hesitation she replied, “Max, before you know it you’ll be 80.”

I was 32 at the time and thought she was trying to be funny. She did have a wicked sense of humor. Well, that was 30 very quick years ago and now I’m just hoping she was right and I get to see 80.

Spring is in full swing here in Cape Breton. There are lots of activities underway and many more coming soon!

Aimsirean Eile

Samhradh ann an Ceap Breatainn -- 'S gann a bhios oidhch' ann 'nuair nach bi dà no trì tachartasan do 'm bu toil leam a dhol. Cuirmeam-ciùil, dannsaichean, luaidhean, ceilidhean, agus iomadh àite far am bi measgachadh dhiubh agus a' bharrachd ri fhaicinn 's ri chluinntinn.

Càit' an Cluinnear a' Ghàidhlig ann an Ceap Breatainn?

'S e a' cheist a chuir mi romham, " Càit' an cluinnear a' Ghàidhlig ann an Ceap Breatainn?" agus feumaidh mi aideachadh gum bi mi fo eisimeil dhaoin' eile gus fios a' bharrachd air mo chuid fhìn a chuir ris an airteagail seo. Innsidh mi dhuibh roinn dhe na tha fios agam air ( Cha bhi an airteagail ach goirid! ) , ach 's cinnteach gu bheil tachartasan eile ann air nach eil mi eòlach.

Celtic Colours International Festival had an amazing year in 2009. The Festival’s unique combination of culture, heritage, history and scenery, bolstered by new investment and marketing initiatives, found new audiences and increased visitorship to Cape Breton Island, resulting in a $5.5 million economic impact in 2009.