On January 28th, 2005 the Sydney Ports Corporation Inc. joined many local citizens, dignitaries, and entertainers in the christening ceremony of "The Big Fiddle" stationed on the Sydney waterfront. The fiddle was designed and created by Mr. Cyril Hearn and is a full steel construction weighing ten tons. It is fifty-five feet in length with an attached bow consisting of numerous strands of stainless steel. The illuminated Big Fiddle represents the musical culture of Cape Breton Island.

During the same celebrations Her Honour Myra Freeman, Lieutenant Governor of Nova Scotia announced during the ceremonial ribbon cutting that the new Pavillion will be called the "Joan Harriss Cruise Pavillion". The Pavillion is located just behind the Big Fiddle.

This gallery offers pictures that show the popularity of the fiddle in the Cape Breton culture and a reminder of the absolutely great entertainment provided throughout the evening. ---- Tony