2001 50C Canadian Festival Series - Festival of the Fathers

PILGRIMAGE TO THE BIRTHPLACE OF A NATION

As a multi-cultural nation with ancient societies at its core, Canada is home to a wealth of soul-nourishing festivals that celebrate the past and foster a new vision for the future.  Old traditions from a multitude of nations are combined with modern ideas to create new customs that enrich this nation as a whole.  Canada's festivals amaze, inspire, and delight its residents as well as those who visit.

While Confederation had been discussed for several years, the process began in earnest with the Charlottetown Conference in 1864.  Initially organised to discuss the union of the Maritime colonies, the meeting took on a new dimension when politicians from the Province of Canada (today's Ontario and Quebec) asked if they could present their proposals for uniting all the colonies from east to west.

The "Canadians" arrived on 1st September, 1864 and a sense of excitement quickly filled the air as politicians and citizens alike pondered the nation of making a nation.

Today, the events of these pivotal days are re-enacted in pure Victorian fashion.  The festival begins with the arrival of the "Fathers" at Peake's Wharf followed by a promenade up Great George Street to Province House National Historic Site.  A Gala Ball is also held - as it was done in 1864.

Obverse: Crowned Portrait - Queen Elizabeth II

Reverse: The "Fathers" outside Province House

Specification

Denomination - 50 cents

Alloy - Sterling Silver - Proof

Weight - 9.30g

Diameter - 27.13mm

Edge - Reeded

The coin is encapsulated and presented in the original Royal Canadian Mint multi-coloured printed card folder.