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The Town of New Glasgow officially launched its 150th anniversary celebrations on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, with a full day of community pride, cultural reflection, and joyful gathering along the scenic New Glasgow riverfront. The day began with a special flag-raising ceremony at noon, where a custom-designed New Glasgow 150 flag was raised, marking the beginning of a year-long tribute to the Town’s past, present, and future. A special event with People First was held at Glasgow Square Theatre where representatives shared touching stories of growing up and living in New Glasgow.

Hundreds of community members joined Mayor Nancy Dicks, Town Council members, CAO Lisa MacDonald, and invited guests, including Chief Tamara Young of Pictou Landing First Nation, the Honourable Sean Fraser, MP, Central Nova, Danny MacGillivray, MLA, Pictou Centre, the Honourable Leah Martin, Minister of L’nu Affairs for the evening launch celebration, which featured the unveiling of a powerful legacy art piece honouring the river that flows through New Glasgow. The artwork, designed by local metal artist Darren Martin of Creative Metals and inspired by two vibrant paintings by Mi’kmaq artist Loretta Gould of Waycobah First Nation, celebrates the river’s Mi’kmaq name, Amasipukwejk, and acknowledges the enduring connection between the Town of New Glasgow and the Pictou Landing First Nation. The unveiling was presented in the spirit of truth and reconciliation and reflected New Glasgow’s commitment to respect, relationship-building, and shared history. Also in attendance were former mayors Ann MacLean and Barrie MacMillan as well as former premier Russell MacLellan.

A powerful highlight was the blessing of the river and smudging ceremony by Jane Hennesey and also a united message from Chief Tamara Young and Mayor presented together as they read the inscription of the art piece titled, Amasipukwejk, meaning the East River in Mi’kmaq. Emcee Terry Curley told of his lifelong connection to New Glasgow and Deanna Mohamed delivered a moving land acknowledgement.

The evening also honoured the Town’s deep African Nova Scotian roots, strong Scottish heritage, and long-standing multicultural community. Performances were given by Pictou Landing First Nation drummers, Umoja, an African drumming group, Nataly Garcia, piper Scott Long, Brian Bowden and Town Crier Jim Stewart. The ceremonial program was filled with reflection, cultural diversity and celebration gave way to a community reception, complete with the official cutting and sharing of a beautifully designed anniversary cake.

The celebration continued inside Glasgow Square Theatre with a concert featuring a lineup of New Glasgow’s most cherished musical talent that was emceed by Councillor Dawn Peters and Terry Curley. Performers included Doris Mason, Angela Cromwell, Don Haggart, Jon Raven, Yeshmita Jain, Allyson and Ameila Parker and sisters Robyn and Jodie Alcorn with their families. The music dedicated to celebrating 150 years of New Glasgow warmed the hearts of the capacity crowd that gathered. Doris Mason also presented a revamped her song, By the River, which she had composed and shared for the 125th anniversary of New Glasgow. Mason had also created a song for New Glasgow’s 100th anniversary when just a teenager in 1975.

The Town of New Glasgow will continue to host events and activities throughout the year to celebrate this significant milestone. Please stay tuned for more updates!