Roma attraction growing

A group in eastern P.E.I. is turning a former French settlement near Montague into a tourist attraction.

'Sample the food, try some of the games, maybe try some of the trades.' Edgar Dewar

Over the last two seasons members of the group have put up two period-style buildings, developed walking trails and a guided tour. Eventually, they hope to transform Roma into a mini-Louisbourg for Prince Edward Island.

To add atmosphere, Roma has two summer studentsdecked out in 18th century French pioneer clothing: a baggy shirt, wool pants, and wool socks pulled up to the knees. They can give tours, help out visitors with a game of nine-pins or give pointers on how to roll a hoop.

The non-profit group that runs Roma has spent half a million dollars in government money so far, and they'd like to do a lot more.

Edgar Dewar, the project manager and a member of the volunteer board, told CBC News he pictures "a mini-Louisbourg: you'll be able to spend the day, maybe see people working at the various trades that would have been here during the 1730s. Sample the food, try some of the games, maybe try some of the trades: maybe try making a shingle."

Dewar said his group hopes the development at Roma will draw tourists to eastern P.E.I., and give them a reason to stay. He believes the former French settlement should be of particular interest to francophone tourists travelling through P.E.I. to the Magdalen Islands.