Ayes The Bye That Built The Vancouver 2010 Atlantic Canada House

One of the many things that visitors will experience at the games are the many houses that feature countries taking part in the Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games. In order to share the culture of Canada, the many regions of the country have taken it upon themselves to setup their own houses. One such region was the Atlantic Region of Canada which featured the New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador.

Taking place on Granville Island, the Atlantic Canada House was actually split into two distinct areas: One area featured a food tasting at the Backstage Lounge where some of the best cuisine of the region was being sampled, while another area inside the Revue Stage featured a show that told the stories of the region. Although I didn’t get in for the tasting, I did get in to see the show. Since they were shucking oysters just outside the show so it wasn’t a total loss for getting a taste of Atlantic Canada.

After pigging out on raw Atlantic Oysters everyone was welcomed in to have a seat and get ready for a show. To be honest, the only thing I knew about Atlantic Canada was a bunch of tasteless “Newfie” jokes so I was looking forward to a bit more insight. Coincidentally, one of the projects that I’m working on for school this semester has to do with representing Atlantic Canada to the World so this would definitely add to the “primary research” that I would have to come up with for the project.

One of the things that the show revealed were the many celebrities that hail from the region. From Anne Murray (shown above) to Michael Smith to the Trailer Park boys and of course, Sidney Crosby, Atlantic Canada is known for more than just one armed Newfie jokes.

The show was made up of a group of performers that represented different regions of Atlantic Canada. Through each of their stories they painted a picture of growing up there as well as the beauty of the region, the friendliness of the people, and the distinct culture of the region. They also teased us with lobster stories. Mmm… Lobster.

They shared with us the love of their region through their music and their songs. Every one of these talented musicians played and sang their hearts out for the audience.

They even got the audience involved with some audience participation. They introduced us to a concept called the “Kitchen Party” in which wooden spoons were smacked and feet are tapped. Of course, everyone had a good time. They even had a dance off for us.

After the show, the crowd gave a standing ovation and everyone felt just a little more educated and appreciative of our most Eastern neighbours. The 40 minute show is well worth it and if you don’t make it to the tasting, definitely check out the show and grab a few raw oysters if they still have any left.

I think I’ll have to visit Atlantic Canada one day. I just hope they have enough lobster and oysters to keep me busy. More pictures after the jump!