Settlers’ Day Potluck Picnic

June 28, 2026

Friends and neighbours gathered at the Troop Barn in Upper Kingsburg to celebrate our community with a potluck picnic. The German speaking Protestants immigrants who arrived in the 1750’s and settled in Kingsburg have left a lasting mark on our community and Lunenburg County. However, they were not the first on this land. Mi'kmaw have been stewards of the land for centuries. 

French Catholic settlers arrived in the early 1600s. Many wanted to stay even after NS was handed over to the British under the terms of the treaty of Utrecht 1713. The British were determined to make Nova Scotia a Protestant colony and began a recruitment campaign in Germany and Switzerland. Read the remarks of the KCA Chairperson of the History Committee, Susan Pond.

The community picnic included a number of invited guests. Members of our community were treated to a performance of the Acadian hymn “Ave Maris Stella” sung in Latin and French by Nicolas Jean of Rose Bay; along with his comments about Acadian heritage. Sara Swinamer from L’sitkuk, Bear River First Nation drummed the “Honour Song” and offered a prayer.

The History Committee is very appreciative of all those who supported this event including Marilyn and Brian MacKay-Lyons who offered a wonderful venue; our MODL Councillor Ben Brooks and the many volunteers who worked to make it happen.

A special thanks to Michael Arnoldi and Bill MacGillivary for providing a record of our event in image and sound. — Susan Pond