The Unique Shared History of Campobello Island

A recent episode of Good Day from the Bay on CHCO-TV highlighted three initiatives tying culture and community together in Charlotte County and beyond.

Ron and Shauna Fournier of Flying2C Helicopter Tours opened the program with a new helicopter tour business based in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Their latest excursion carries passengers over Passamaquoddy Bay to Campobello Island, reframing the St. Croix River as a shared resource rather than a dividing line. A stop at Roosevelt Campobello International Park emphasized cross-border cooperation, with the park jointly managed by Canada and the United States. Viewers were reminded of ongoing programs such as Tea with Eleanor and exhibits about Franklin D. Roosevelt, linking local history with international themes like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Arts and entertainment followed. Broadway performers Tony and Courtney LePage, who returned to New Brunswick during the pandemic, staged the musical Come From Away with an all-New Brunswick cast. After sold-out performances at the KIRA Amphitheatre in St. Andrews, the production moved to Saint John’s Imperial Theatre in September. The company, Rogue Productions, auditioned 140 performers for 15 roles without casting outside the province. Former Gander mayor Claude Elliott and “Kevin T.,” one of the real-life figures portrayed in the show, attended the St. Andrews run. The production was accompanied by a Day of Kindness event in the community.

Council members and arts supporters noted the wider implications. Full theatres boosted local restaurants and accommodations, while paid roles for musicians, designers, and technicians underscored the economic impact. Rogue Productions’ workshops and masterclasses continue to develop local talent, providing opportunities for young artists to progress to mainstage productions.

The episode also showcased the Algonquin Resort in St. Andrews, where newly appointed general manager Cole Sheridan detailed recent updates. These include refreshed rooms, renewed afternoon tea service, and menus that highlight New Brunswick producers. Local businesses were named as partners, from Garden by the Sea teas to regional seafood suppliers. Staff recognition was a central theme, with the resort positioning itself as a community anchor as well as a tourism destination.

By linking aerial views of the region, an internationally recognized musical produced locally, and the revival of a landmark resort, the program highlighted how cultural initiatives contribute to economic resilience and community identity in Charlotte County.