A summary of each topic is shown below. Click on the links for more information.
- Getting here -
- FLYING - 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 will need a car. Several car rental companies have booths at the airport.
- AUTO OR TRAIN - The Trans-Canada Highway enters Nova Scotia in Amherst where a visitor center will provide provincial maps and guidebooks. Signs clearly mark the turn south in Truro towards Halifax. VIA Rail also connects through Montreal to all rail destinations in North America. We have recently learned that the CAT Ferry from Maine to Yarmouth, NS is probably not going to be running during summer 2010.
- BUS TOURS AND CARAVANS - We are aware of bus trips coming from Alberta, Ontario and New England. Please let us know if you would like contact information or would like to be added to this list.
- Driving Laws - Speeds are posted in kilometres per hour and wearing seat belts is mandatory. It is against the law to use hand held cell phones while driving. A right turn on red light is allowed after stop unless a sign indicates otherwise.
- Downtown Parking - Most nearby hotels have their own parking areas. Scotia Square includes a multi-tier parking garage within a short walking distance of the dancing. Street parking is free on weekends and after 6 pm on weekdays. A free FRED bus loops around Pier 21, Lower Water Street, Scotia Square, Barrington, Citadel Hill and Spring Garden Road. Trucks and RVs can park (not camp) in the downtown Halifax Waterfront Parking area. (downtown map)
- Harbour Bridge Crossings - The toll is $0.75 per crossing per car or single axle truck. Double axle truck or trailer is $2. Note that Trucks and RVs are only allowed to cross the A. Murray MacKay Bridge and cannot cross the MacDonald Bridge.
- Accommodations - The following convention hotels are within walking distance (view downtown core map):
- 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"
- Cambridge Suites Hotel: $159, 1-800-565-1263, "www.cambridgesuiteshalifax.com"
- Camping - The best commercial camping options are listed below. There are limited city bus connections to both. We are planning at least morning and evening shuttle connections to Woodhaven and perhaps Shubie.
- Woodhaven RV Park, 1-902-835-2271, "www.woodhavenrvpark.com", 1757 Hammonds Plains Road, 20 km from Metro Centre, 180 overnight sites
- Shubie Park Campground, 1-800-440-8450, "www.shubiecampground.com", Jaybee Drive off Braemar, Dartmouth, 16 km & bridge, 100 overnight sites
- Halifax West KOA, 1-902-865-4342, "www.koa.com/where/ns/54123/", 3087 Hwy 1, Upper Sackville, 30 km from Metro Centre, 90 overnight sites
- Dance Venue - 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 (red lines on downtown core map) connects the complex with several hotels, shops, and eateries.
- Dance Food and Water - Luncheon food will be available on site, please plan to patronize it. Please bring your water bottles and fill them from the water fountains when possible -- Halifax water is at least as good as expensive bottled water.
- Dance Flooring - There will be a mix of polished cement, vinyl tile, carpet, wood, and click flooring. There will be at least some hard surface in all dance areas.
- Dance Schedule - Come and enjoy 3 days of Basic to C3 Squares, Rounds Phase II - VI, Contras, and Clogging. There will be Square and Round Trail In Dances at the Metro Centre on Wednesday, July 28th beginning at 7:30 p.m. Convention dancing will be scheduled morning, afternoon and evening on Thursday through Saturday (10 a.m. - noon, 2 - 5 p.m., 8 - 10:30 p.m.). Check the latest schedule. Plans are underway for some morning dancing along our scenic and historic waterfront on Friday and Saturday.
- Leaders - The list of currently registered leaders is available on the Program page. Although the deadline for leader registration has passed, we are still working on the schedule and will consider adding additional leaders as time and space allows. If you are registered, please make sure we have received your Profile Form.
- Attire - Tasteful casual attire is acceptable during the day and at the Trail In. Please plan to wear Traditional Attire (which includes prairie skirts) for evening events.
- Banner Parade - Bring your club banners for a short parade on Thursday morning (Parade details). Banners will hang around the boards in the Metro Arena.
- Fashion Show - Our aim is to showcase and inspire with custom made, one-of-a-kind creations. They 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 for leaders and club executives. Are you interested in Marketing, Digital Music, Calling or Cueing workshops?
- Registration - Dancers are registered from all the Canadian Provinces and about half of the States as well as England, Germany, Switzerland, Japan and Qatar. More than 60 leaders have registered to entertain you with their expertise. Please help us make appropriate plans by registering as soon as possible (Registration forms). The current registration price is $125 per person for 3 full days of dancing and all other events. After June 30th the price goes up to $140. Leaders should be registered by the end of February 2010 to ensure a place on the program. Cancellations currently are refunded all but a $5 administration fee and our policy regarding late cancellations will be as generous as possible. One-day attendees will be able to purchase day ribbons at the door for $50 per person. Spectators are welcome for $5 per person.
- Exchange Rate - The Festival registration 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 = $0.95 US then $125 Canadian x 0.95 = $118.75 US.
- Hospitality - Our welcoming committee is organizing information displays and greeters at arrival points including the Amherst Tourist Bureau and Halifax Airport.
- Solo Dancers - A Solo Get Acquainted Dinner is being planned for Wednesday before the Trail In Dance. The Buffet menu is available from the Program page and tickets must be pre-purchased. More information will be going to Solos soon.
- Newfoundland Tour - The Village Squares of Ottawa invite all dancers to join them on their Newfoundland Adventure August 2-14. See "www.joseysjourneys.com".
- Other Questions - For more information go to "http://www.squaredance.ns.ca" then open the 2010 button near the top left, or contact:
- Bob & Inge Ruohoniemi, Executive Vice Chair Marketing, "bobruoho@ns.sympatico.ca"
- Dottie & Gary Welch, Executive Vice Chair Events, "dwelch@ap.stmarys.ca", 902-435-4544
- Valerie & Ralph Brown, Registrations, "rwvjbrown@eastlink.ca", 902-543-5278