"It's one way we can say thank you to the community for being such amazing hosts."
On February 25, the Halifax Convention Centre hosted our annual Welcome Weekend in downtown Halifax. With the theme, "Everyone is Welcome," our event team went all out planning activities, learning, and fun for the entire family - all at no cost to visitors. Since the Halifax Convention Centre's opening, the Events East team has been committed to hosting an open-house style event each year, inviting the whole community to experience the Centre. As Executive-Vice-President Suzanne Fougere explains, "The community that we're part of is a key extension of the event experience." Welcome Weekend is not only a thank you to our community, but a reminder that community is integral to everything we do.
This year, guests arrived on the Ballroom Level overlooking Argyle Street and were greeted with the 'Welcome Song' and traditional blessing and smudging from members of the Mi’kmaw Native Friendship Centre, setting a tone of respect and representation that is at the heart of what we do. Guests were invited to learn more about Mi'kmaw craft and culture with demonstrations through the day. We were also proud to host one of our Local Pop-Up Markets, inspiring appreciation for the artistry of our province with jewelry designers, ceramics makers, woodworkers, and dreamcatchers from Craft Nova Scotia. With our partners at Taste of Nova Scotia, vendors offered samples that delighted the taste buds with Nova Scotia's local flavors: Solas Kombucha, Lake City Cider, Shivani's Kitchen spices, and treats made from Lupin flowers.
The Welcome Weekend Family Zone invited guests of all ages to learn about the magic of science with the Discovery Centre, laugh on inflatables and bouncy castles, and experience the feeling of our showstopping Ballroom. To showcase the talent of Nova Scotian musicians, our JUNO Wavemaker Stage, featured performances from Good Dear Good, Blessing Tangban, and Joe H. Henry, reflecting our vibrant community and rich musical traditions. Throughout the venue, visitors could speak with some of our partners and community groups, including Halifax PRIDE, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Halifax, and decorate Convention Centre cookies with members of our amazing Culinary team.
As the day wound down, guests could relax in the Sensory Friendly Space, a thoughtful addition that provided a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle. It was a reminder of the event's commitment to accessibility and inclusion, ensuring that everyone could enjoy the day in their own way. As part of the planning, our team ensured a richness of diversity from vendors to visitors to truly represent the community we serve. In our way, Welcome Weekend represents the best of Nova Scotia - a growing city that celebrates our unique culture and traditions, where everyone is welcome. See you next year!