STEWIACKE - Last year it was an invasion of priates. This year, participants of the Stewiacke Town Days celebrations are more likely to have their heads turned to the stars.
"We are very excited, the theme is Space Odyssey 2010," said spokesperson Wendy Robinson. The town celebrations begin today and run through Sunday.
"A good excuse for a family get together," she said of the weekend's events. "They're going to have a wonderful time. And, it's family oriented. Something for all ages."
Activities begin at 10 this morning with a seniors card party in the Stewiacke Legion and continue with the children's parade (costumes required) at 11 a.m. at Dennis Park.
A Teddy Bear picnic will follow at 2 p.m. and at 6 p.m. a digital treasure hunt will get under way.
At 9:30 p.m. the Space Odyssey theme will come to life through a basic astronomy lesson to be offered by a representative from the Nova Scotia Agriculture College.
Another new lineup of activities this year includes the Cowboy Cup Challenge, Robinson said. That challenge includes such competitions as nail hammering, bale tossing and a greased watermelon event.
"That's a new thing we have this year," she said. "It's more humane (than a greased pig competition)."
There will also be a ham/strawberry shortcake supper at St. Andrews United Church from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday and a seniors old time dance at the Stewiacke Legion at 8:30.
Another dance for younger adults will be held at the community centre from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., featuring Midnite Express.
Festivities also continue into Sunday, including an as-yet-unannounced challenge between the town council and Stewiacke firefighters.
"I'm awaiting my challenge," chuckled Robinson, who is also town councillor.
