More than 10,000 people lined the shores of Lake Banook on Wednesday night as the 2009 ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships kicked off with a crowd-pleasing mix of music, pageantry and fireworks.
Fans, many with their children, arrived at the site hours before the main event, toting camp chairs or blankets, many securing a spot atop Silvers Hill overlooking the water.
Fans filled the Prince Albert Road area of Dartmouth to soak in the international flavour and witness the singing and dancing that could also be seen on the big screen positioned near the entertainment stage.
The parade of flags was a highlight of the event. Fans cheered as canoes displaying the flags of the 70 competing countries paddled the lake route. Any time Team Canada was mentioned, the crowd roared their approval.
Another of the highlights was the Rhythms of Nova Scotia show. Dancers, drummers and musicians represented the four principal cultures of the province - Aboriginal, African-Canadian, Celtic and Acadian.
The Nova Scotia Youth Orchestra also performed, including a playing of ‘O Canada!’
Fireworks lighting up the night sky capped off the festive night.
I have divided loyalties. I started canoein in Hungary, but most of my
racing was in Lachine Canoe Club in Montreal.
It would be wonderfull if these 2 countries could win all the gold!!!
One can dream!