Cupids 400 recognized Harper, Williams join Prince Charles to acknowledge anniversary ASHLEY FITZPATRICK The Telegram

Prince Charles chats with residents as he tours Cupids Tuesday during the second day of the 11-day Royal visit to Canada. - Photo by Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press

An hour-long drive down the highway and along the Baccalieu Trail brought the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall to the community of Cupids Tuesday morning.

The Royals joined Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Danny Williams in paying tribute to the upcoming 400th anniversary of the creation of John Guy's English settlement of Cuper's Cove (believed to be Cupids).

Before the Royals were greeted in front of the Cupids Cove Plantation Archeological Site, they were driven by town businesses like Dana's Doggie Doos, as well as home after home where post-Halloween jack-o'-lanterns remained, whole and unsmashed.

Near the arrival site, a novelty sign in the window of a home read, "Wanted: Good Woman. Must be able to clean, cook, sew, dig worms and clean fish. Must have motor boat and motor. Please send picture of boat and motor."

There were no airs put on by the community's members during this visit. The group at the welcome site - no more than 100 people - did, however, applaud and wave excitedly as the motorcade for the Royal couple arrived.

Prince Charles and Camilla Parker Bowles responded warmly to the welcome, walking up to the crowd, shaking hands and speaking to individuals.

"It's the first time I ever met any royalty. I shook hands with the prince and his wife," said Harbour Grace resident Mavis Inkpen, before being asked what, if anything, she said to the couple.

"I said, 'Welcome to Newfoundland."'

Also from Harbour Grace, Eileen Mahoney stood next to Inkpen during the chilly wait, but didn't seem to mind.

"It was really nice just to see them," she said.

While the royal couple were taken through some of the recovery and historical research work being done in Cupids, by archeologist William Gilbert and Charles Adams of the Baccalieu Trail Heritage Corp., the crowds made the two-minute walk down the road to the United Church.

Those invited in advance to the event at the church - including the prime minister, Williams and members of the Cupids 400 committee - were met a few minutes later by the Royals and all entered the church.

Those without advance invitations - about 30 that were not media, security or organizers - gathered in a tented area next door where there were chairs and television screens to watch the happenings inside.

The turnout at the church was less than predicted. Two-thirds of the folding chairs inside the tent were left empty.

But Harold Sparkes stood inside the tent with a small, paper Union Jack tucked into one breast pocket of his blue coveralls and a small, paper Canadian flag tucked into the other breast pocket.

"It's a bit cold, but I don't mind the weather," Sparkes said. "It's the first time I've been so close to royalty."

For workers busy building the new Cupids Legacy and Interpretation Centre, the start of the ceremony next door meant they could take a break from swinging their hammers. They came to watch the televisions, as inside, Harper stood at the microphone.

"I never cease to be astonished by the rugged, natural beauty of a land that has been said to - quote - demand the spirit of heroes. It was just such a spirit that inspired the 39 intrepid English colonists who first settled at Cuper's Cove in August of 1610," Harper said.

"Along with Cupids and Newfoundland and Labrador, (the Government of Canada) is especially proud to have been able to share the treasures of this very special place with your Royal Highnesses."

Williams followed Harper. "We are especially pleased that your Royal Highnesses are today launching this celebration of the 400th Anniversary of England's very first settlement in modern-day Canada."

The premier said 2010 was to be a "celebratory year" for Cupids, the "birthplace of English Canada."

Incorporating the sounds of the harpsichord, the musical group "Hot Earth Ensemble" performed. As well, local singer Heather Dawe, accompanied by the Cantare Youth Choir, sang about the history of the start of the Cupids settlement, an advent to the Cupids 400 celebrations.

As the last note died out, a cheer went up from the tent crowd, matched by applause and cheers inside the church.

The Prince of Wales called the musical presentations "a great treat" before sharing his thoughts on the town's early settlers and current historical research.

"I have to say that, as we arrived in the community a few moments ago, I could not help but be struck by the rugged and imposing landscape to which the prime minister also referred and which frames this historic town. I find my thoughts turning to those early settlers arriving here in 1610 and to the Beothuk people who had already been here for many centuries," Prince Charles said.

"The work of Bill Gilbert and his team is of great value in piecing together the social and economic history of those early settlers."

Before the royal couple exited the church, Camilla was presented with flowers by six-year old Mackenzie Akerman and eight year-old Jacob Norman.

The royal couple travelled from Cupids to Brigus, visiting several locations, including Hawthorne Cottage. They returned to St. John's in the afternoon, where Prince Charles took part in the opening of a new building for Stella Burry Community Services.

He then proceeded to the Marine Institute and finally rejoined the Duchess of Cornwall for an evening reception at The Rooms, hosted by the provincial government.

Today, Charles and Camilla will meet with Lt.-Gov. John Crosbie at Government House. At 10:45 a.m., they are scheduled to be at the War Memorial, before visiting with the Association for New Canadians in St. John's.

The Royals are scheduled to leave St. John's for Toronto shortly after lunch to continue their Canadian tour.

afitzpatrick@thetelegram.com