Joggins Fossil Institute Wraps Up Successful 5th Anniversary of UNESCO World Heritage Site Inscription

JOGGINS FOSSIL INSTITUTE WRAPS UP SUCCESSFUL 5^TH ANNIVERSARY OF UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE INSCRIPTION

As the official operational season draws to a close, the Joggins Fossil Institute reflects back on a successful season of increased visitation, programming and 5^th anniversary celebrations.

July 7, 2013 was the official anniversary date that the Joggins Fossil Cliffs was inscribed on to the UNESCO World Heritage list.  Given this, the Joggins Fossil Institute (the non-profit, charitable organization that co-manages the Joggins Fossil Cliffs UNESCO World Heritage Site and the Joggins Fossil Centre) looked at the entire season as a time to celebrate and reflect on the last five years. 

The signature event of the season was their inaugural fundraiser called “Cocktail Party in the Carboniferous” (Carboniferous is the time period in earth’s history the UNESCO site represents).  They also hosted a well-attended community BBQ and “celebrity beach sweep”, featured a summer-long art exhibition by Québecois artist Bernard Pelletier who has created paintings of all of Canada’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites commissioned by Parks Canada, hosted a monthly educational series and weekly kids summer camps.  The season also included their annual Mother’s Day Brunch, Father’s Day Lobster Dinner, Adopt-A-Highway cleanup and Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.  

The final event of the season will be a Children’s Halloween Party on Saturday, October 26, 2013 featuring the Maritime Reptile Zoo from Halifax.  The party will be from 1:00 – 3:00 PM and kids (and parents) are encouraged to come in costume.  The cost to attend is $7 for a child and adult, $12 for a family of 3 and $15 for a family of 4 or more.  Kids must be accompanied by an adult.  The annual Christmas “Sidewalk Sale” & Lunch will be held on Sunday, December 15^th from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.  There will be up to 50% off selected items in the gift shop, complimentary tea, coffee and cookies and soup, chowder and biscuits available for purchase.  

The Institute has also partnered with the Gillespie House Inn, Black Rock Bistro and Fundy Geological Museum this fall and created a “Fall Fossil Finder” overnight package.  The package is available until October 31^st and can been booked by contacting the Gillespie House Inn in Parrsboro at 1-877-901-3196. The package includes overnight accommodations, breakfast and dinner and admission to both Fundy Geological Museum and Joggins Fossil Centre.

In addition to events and programming throughout the season, revenue from paid visitation and educational programming increased by 20% this year.  “In a province where tourism has seen some decline and little growth over the last few years, these numbers are very encouraging and great to see” commented, Stephanie Viera, Operations Manager for the Institute.

Even though the main operational season ends October 31^st, the Institute welcomes inquiries for school group or meeting group visits year round.  For additional information about the Centre and any upcoming events, call 902-251-2727 or visit http://www.jogginsfossilcliffs.net.