Riverview will be represented on the international stage this autumn when its newly appointed town crier travels to Chester, England to take part in the World Town Crier Competition.
From local auditions to an international stage
Summer Gallant, a 25-year-old who was chosen in April from an open audition, said she’s honoured to continue a civic tradition and excited for the opportunity to perform among seasoned competitors from around the world.
Gallant’s first public duty after being selected was to cry the official proclamation at the municipal council swearing-in following New Brunswick’s provincial election in June. The town crier post had been held for many years by Gerry Forsythe, who died last year; Gallant says carrying on that role feels meaningful to her.
Young entrant among experienced criers
She was one of 25 applicants accepted to participate in the competition. Delegates will come from countries including the United States, Belgium, Germany, Australia and the United Kingdom.
“I’m super excited. I’m a little nervous because I’m up against some pretty professional town criers and I’m definitely the youngest and the most amateur of the town criers who will be out there,”
Gallant told reporters she draws confidence from her theatre background, though she acknowledged the town-crier format—blending proclamation, costume and vocal projection—presents a specific set of demands. She said she plans to treat the trip as both a learning experience and a chance to measure herself against experienced peers.
Logistics and what’s covered
Organizers of the Chester event will cover accommodations for the duration of the competition. Gallant said housing for the six nights of the gathering is paid but participants must meet other travel expenses themselves.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Accepted applicants | 25 |
| Competition location | Chester, England |
| Accommodations covered | 6 nights |
| Participating countries (examples) | United States, Belgium, Germany, Australia, United Kingdom |
Roots and community connection
Gallant, who grew up in Riverview, spent time living abroad after high school, including a period working as an au pair in New Zealand. On returning home she sought ways to reconnect with her hometown. Spotting the town crier posting, she decided to combine interests in community involvement and performance arts.
She said continuing Forsythe’s legacy is important to her: he was a long-serving figure in the town and a well-regarded community member. Taking up the bell and script, she said, feels like a way to honour his memory while also putting her own stamp on the role.
What the competition means locally
Town crying is a niche but longstanding civic tradition in many municipalities. For Riverview, Gallant’s appearance at an international contest highlights local culture and raises the town’s profile. It also offers an opportunity for younger residents to see community heritage expressed creatively and publicly.
- Representation: Riverview will be part of a global community of town criers.
- Legacy: The event continues a tradition previously upheld by longtime crier Gerry Forsythe.
- Experience: Gallant views the trip as both competitive and educational.
Gallant said she hopes to return with new ideas for local events and to encourage civic participation, especially among youth. Dates for the competition are in September; as of this report, travel arrangements beyond the covered lodging remain the responsibility of each participant.
Local officials could not be reached for immediate comment. Further details about the World Town Crier Competition, including exact scheduling and judging criteria, are available from the event organisers in Chester.
