The fifth annual celebration of R.B. Bennett Day
Saturday, July 4th
Albert County Museum and Prime Minister Bennett Commemorative Centre
3940 Route 114, Hopewell Cape, NB
Admission by Donation
Old-fashioned fun and activities for everyone!
- Farmers Market 9:00am to 1:00pm
- Breakfast Served 9:00am to Noon
- Hot dog BBQ Noon to 2:00pm
- Special Presentations at 2:00pm
- Followed by free Birthday Cake
- Homemade Ice-cream for sale $2
Games for everyone young and old:
Croquet, Hopscotch, Washer-toss
Watch vintage videos, Tour the Museum buildings, and visit the Museum Gift Shop
Call 734-2003 for more information
Albert County Museum to celebrate birthday of former prime minister
If R.B. Bennett were still alive, he would be celebrating his 145th birthday next month.
Born in Albert County, Bennett is Canada’s only Prime Minister to come from New Brunswick. He served one term in office during the Great Depression, from 1930 to 1935.
On July 4 – one day after his birthday – the Albert County Museum will be honouring his big day with its fifth annual R.B. Bennett Day.
“R.B. Bennett Day is easily our biggest day of the year,” said museum curator Donald Alward. “And also the most fun.”
Bennett’s nephew, William Herridge, will once again be flying in from Ontario for the event after missing it last year, said Alward.
“Mr. Herridge has been very generous to us through the years with donations of R.B.’s items and we look forward to seeing him every year.”
Last year’s event was dampened by the arrival of Tropical Storm Arthur, but Alward said this year’s event is sure to make up for it.
“In 2014 we were unable to do much outside due to the weather, so we’re hoping for Mother Nature to be kinder to us this year. We have a number of different activities planned, including old fashioned games for children and a hot dog barbecue.”
The day will begin with the regular Farmer’s Market and breakfast which takes place at the museum every Saturday, starting at 9 a.m. The barbecue will begin at noon and go until 2 p.m., when special presentations by Herridge and Alward will take place in the County Court House. This will be followed by free birthday cake, and homemade ice cream will also be for sale.
Admission to the museum will be by donation and special tours will be offered by the museum docents.
“This is a great opportunity for the people of Albert County to come out and see the museum,” said Stuart Liptay, president of the Albert County Historical Society. “The museum is a hidden gem along the Fundy Coastal Drive and there is no better day for people to stop by and see what we have to offer.”
The Albert County Museum in Hopewell Cape, where Bennett was raised, is also home to the R.B. Bennett Commemorative Centre and takes a close look at Bennett’s contribution to Canada during his years as prime minister.
“Bennett was very unappreciated as prime minister,” said Alward. “A lot of blame was placed on him for the Depression, but in reality he made great strides to help fight it. We are proud of his connections to Albert County and look forward to honouring his career and life once again this summer.”