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May 25th - Season Opening of the Cape Forchu Lightstation and Mug Up Tea Room
August 31st - CAPE
FORCHU LIGHTSTATION APPRECIATION DAY
On Dumping day, captains and their crews will depart their wharves and “dump” their traps in search of the most prosperous and lucrative lobster fishing grounds in their district. South West Nova Scotia is known world wide for its catches and quality of lobster. For this reason, fishermen choose to venture the volatile seas year after year in hopes of making the big bucks. For some, they have been fishing all their lives, the trade passed on from generation to generation. For many other crew members, this will be their first time. Whether new at their career or a seasoned vet, insomnia and uneasiness is part of the game. The season lasts six months and starts every year on the last Monday in November. However, the work begins long before opening day. Captains and their crews must ensure that their boat and gear is top notch to withstand the unpredictable forecast of winter and the extra load of lobster pots tiered from the wheelhouse to the stern. Despite all efforts to be safe, there are always opportunities that arise that make the job risky, especially on dumping day as they unload their 375 pots. The eve of dumping day is a sleepless one for all, including family and friends. In the mid 90’s, Nancy Knowles, current president of the Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society, was appointed by the YCTA [Yarmouth County Tourist Association] to lead a steering committee to host an event at the Cape Forchu Lightstation honoring the Lobster fishermen of the area. The event’s purpose was to draw attention to the Lightstation after rumors circulated that most lighthouses in North America would be decommissioned. Many feared that this towering icon and valuable tourist attraction would be demolished. This dumping day event was a perfect fit as lighthouses are a common symbol by those at sea. Approximately 20 people attended. Although the event didn’t attract a large crowd, the beginning of “Dumping Day” at the Cape Forchu Lightstation was born.
At that time, local businesses donated coffee, tea and donuts to the committee for the family and friends that would come out in the November cold to wish their loved ones a safe and prosperous season. The Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society continued the tradition year after year and attendance continued to grow. In 2006, with the addition of the Mug Up Tea Room in the light keeper’s original dining room and an on site manager, it was decided to try and make this event larger. In the tea room, a continental buffet was served that included homemade warm bread pudding and caramel sauce, homemade biscuits and preserves, assorted muffins, a basket of red delicious apples and coffee and tea. The people began arriving at 4:30am and by 6:00am, an estimated 200 to 250 people or more had arrived to watch this parade of lights at sea in pursuit of the best fishing grounds. As the people gathered on site, Roger Nickerson, a local retired lobster fisherman prepared to deliver a blessing of the fleet at 5:45am. It was heard by both guests and fishermen alike. Through a portable VHS, he was able to reach the fishermen on their boats as they steamed to the end of the Cape. CJLS, the local radio station, broadcasted live from the light house to cover this memorable day. At exactly 6:00am as the boats began to steam out, on lookers shined their flashlights and head lights in a show of support. Some of the boats replied with their own flashing lights. As many bowed their heads in prayer, the boats disappeared in the horizon. The tradition continues and on each Dumping Day, the Friends of the Yarmouth Light Society and staff invite the public to come and watch the boats as they leave the harbour at 6:00am sharp. Together we will bless the fleet as they once again depart in search of the Canada’s most valuable seafood.
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