Working hard, hardly working: plans vary for long weekend
Posted May 20, 2011 05:44:25 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
This Victoria Day long weekend many Nova Scotians will be taking big road trips, running great lengths or just sitting around doing nothing.
The 2011 Bluenose Marathon is boasting a record-breaking number of participants for another year.
More than 10,500 people have registered to walk, run or volunteer in the annual event, which will kick off Saturday with the Doctors Nova Scotia Youth Run (4.2 kilometers). The main event – the marathon, half-marathon and 10k and 5k races – will take place on Sunday.
“It’s a little different every time you do it,” said Greg Morrow, who will be returning to the run for his third consecutive year.
Last year all the runners were plagued by a scorching hot day which slowed a few athletes down, including Morrow.
“I had a definite goal in mind. When I got there, it was an unbelievably hot day. It made it tough on everyone, so my expectations went out the window,” said Morrow.
This year the plan has changed.
“Just have fun with it, enjoy it, take it all in,” said Morrow, who will be retiring from the event to spend more time with his two young children.
Traffic on the harbour bridges and a few city streets will be affected by the races on Sunday morning.
Also happening this weekend, the Provincial Black Basketball Association Tournament will be taking place in several locations across metro.
“It is awesome, a lot of great teams,” said referee Brian States. “The atmosphere is incredible.”
The 2011 Park Events Guide has been released ahead of the weekend, highlighting more than 180 nature-based events, in some 55 provincial parks, wilderness areas, nature reserves and on Crown land, starting Friday.
“Our improved park system provides an affordable way for families and friends to spend quality time together and discover Nova Scotia’s natural beauty,” said Natural Resources Minister Charlie Parker, in a media release. “We encourage people to experience the outdoors and take advantage of this year’s events in our parks.”
Staff at the Shubenacadie Provincial Wildlife Park are inviting the public to help create a butterfly garden as one of its first events of the season.
While there are several events to choose from, some people we spoke to have big plans to do nothing, including catching up on sleep, going to work, playing video games and hanging out with friends.
One man said his plans are contingent on the weather.
“There’s no sun,” Tony Haisar told News 95.7. “I don’t really feel like going anywhere unless I know it’s going to be sunny. Then there could be tons of plans, long drive, beach maybe. But a little bit of sun doesn’t make you want to go to the beach.”
The holiday Monday is a regular work day for HRM Waste Management and the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation.
