Learn About The Lobster Trap Christmas Tree in Shelburne, Nova Scotia
Published November 19th, 2024
Photography by Robin Smith
Celebrating Christmas on Canada's east coast comes with, in some cases, a unique style of tree. In the case of Lower Sandy Point Wharf in Shelburne County, Nova Scotia, the last few years have been home to a lobster trap Christmas tree.
Why lobster traps? It's an homage to the importance of lobster fishing in this part of the world.
Lobster fishing is the foundation of this community and it's been happening for generations.
There are colourful buoys, an shining and sparkling star on top, a soldier by the entrance and over two dozen strands of lights.
“We can use these memorial buoys to remember family members who may have passed at sea or passed during their lifetime while working within the fishing industry”
While there are others across neighbouring communities, Shelburne boasts one that you can go inside of. Once inside, snowflakes,more buoys, along with red and gold bows are present to heighten the festive feeling.
It's important to note that there are 28 personalized memorial buoys, something started this year.
Co-creator Greg Sutcliffe says "the obvious thought process was that we can use these memorial buoys to remember family members who may have passed at sea or passed during their lifetime while working within the fishing industry. Family members have strung these memorial buoys, this year inside our tree."
“This is a totally free event. We are not taking donations of any sort. Should you want to donate to support what we do, please do so by making a donation at our local food bank”
On the night the tree was lit, November 17th, those in attendance enjoyed two songs and lit candles in memory of those who are no longer with us.
Sutcliffe also says "this is a totally free event. We are not taking donations of any sort. Should you want to donate to support what we do, please do so by making a donation at our local food bank. The food bank will welcome your gift."
Here are nine nifty pieces of information about this impressive and creative lobster trap Christmas tree at Lower Sandy Point Wharf:
1. How many lobster traps were used?
425
2. How long did it take to create?
112 hours, more or less, and it will take a similar amount to disassemble.
3. How many strands of lights are used?
30, amounting to 24,000 white lights, 4,000 coloured lights.
4. How many people worked on creating this?
Seven people for the physical effort, another four arranging for behind the scenes donations and promotion of the event and sourcing materials used.
5. What days/hours can people go inside?
Anyone can go inside during daylight at any time or in the evening when the lights are on.
6. Who came up with the idea to put this here at Lower Sandy Point Wharf?
Four years ago the brainchild of Teddy Belong and Greg Sutcliffe
7. When will it be taken down?
Sometime in January or February, weather and how busy the season is will dictate it with more accuracy.
8. Who provided the lobster traps?
The traps were donated by fishermen. They are all used traps and by doing this, they're saved from going to landfill.
9. What hours of the day will it be lit up?
Lights come on at 3:45 pm and off at 10:30 pm. They come back on again at 4am and off at 7:30 am. This is so the fisherman can see when they head out for lobster in the early morning.
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