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St. Jean Baptiste and Canada Day celebrations are set to begin
Here is a rundown of what local municipalities have planned
The Gazette
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Getting ready to celebrate St. Jean Baptiste next Wednesday and Canada Day the following week but don’t know where to go?
Many municipalities are planning to celebrate one or the other. Or, in some cases, both holidays. Here are some of the events taking place both in the West Island and off-island:
Dorval:
The June 24 holiday has something for everyone. Organized by volunteers, celebrations include games, entertainment, roving mascots, food and drink, folk and popular music as well as spectacular fireworks, all in a waterfront setting from 6 to 10 p.m. at Millennium Park. Shuttle bus service will be in operation. In case of rain, events will be held on June 25, from 6-10 p.m.
On July 1, celebrants will have a chance to do it all over again as Canada celebrations featuring kiosks and stage shows, local performers, a barbecue and much more takes place once again at Millennium Park. Shuttle bus service. From 6 to 10 p.m. Rain date is July 2.
This year, non-perishable food items will be collected at the both celebrations. These donations will be given to the City of Dorval Community Aid Department who will distribute your contributions to the less fortunate in the community.
Beaconsfield:
Beaconsfield’s Heritage Days includes celebrations of both holidays, with St. Jean Baptiste celebrations on June 24, from noon to 5 p.m at Centennial Hall, 288 Beaconsfield Blvd. (in case of rain at the Recreation Centre, 1974 City Lane). A family day that highlights Quebec culture, festivities include live music, horse-drawn wagon rides, a barbecue, artisans of today, art exhibitions, an archeological dig for children, Chief Topleaf, a puppet show, mini farm, craft corner, a mini sailboat regatta, songs and music with Philippe Gélinas at 12, 2 and 4 p.m. and The adventures of Champlain : songs with Gaétane Breton at 1 and 3 p.m.
On July 1, Beaconsfield celebrates Canada Day with a salute to our multi-cultural heritage, from noon to 10:15 p.m. at Centennial Hall Park or in case of rain, the recreation centre. Inflatable games, Cross Canada mini-putt, irish dancing, dances of Quebec, Spain, Peru, Portugal, Egypt, Russia, Guinea. Comedy and daredevil stunts, a salute to the flag, all sorts of music and fireworks at 10 p.m. (Rain date for the fireworks is July 2).
For both occasions, bring your own re-useable water bottle as bottled water will not be sold on site.
Pierrefonds/Roxboro
The Pierrefonds/Roxboro borough, along with the Ile Bizard Ste. Genevieve borough, will celebrate the holidays together with St. Jean Baptiste celebrations taking place June 23 in Ile Bizard.at Dostie Park on Montée de l’Eglise and Canada Day celebrations taking place in Pierrefonds-Roxboro on July 1.
Celebrations for the St. Jean Baptiste holiday take place June 23 starting at 6 p.m. Inflatable games, face painting, North-Shore cheerleaders, squadrons, music, fireworks and more.
On July 1, a Canada Day parade will leave Riverdale High school grounds at 10 a.m. and wind its way down Sources Blvd, Pavillon and Perron Sts. to Pierrefonds Blvd and city hall. Canada’s multi-culturalism will be celebrated with more than 40 floats, marching bands, pipers, steel bands and much more. As well celebrations will take place from noon to 9:45 p.m. on the grounds of Riverdale High with many events, including a circus workshop, pony rides, petting zoo, a carousel and more. Fireworks at 9:45 p.m.
Pointe Claire:
St. Jean Baptiste celebrations on June 24 begin with an 11 a.m. mass at St. Joachim Church (bring your own chair) followed by a tour of Pointe Claire Village at 1 p.m. All other events, including inflatable games, face painting, a barbecue picnic, magic, dancing, a patriotic message and flag-raising, music and more take place at Bourgeau Park, at the corner of Ste. Anne and Lakeshore, near St. Joachim church. The sounding of the bells takes place at 9:55 p.m. from St. Joachim church and fireworks are at 10 p.m. at Bourgeau Park.
Canada Day festivities also take place at Bourgeau park and include a village tour, lots of activities for children and music and stage performances beginning at 1 p.m. A citizenship Court ceremony takes place at Stewart Hall at 1 p.m. and a Canada Day parade is at 6 p.m. in Pointe Claire Village. The Lakeshore Chamber Orchestra plays at St. Joachim church at 8 p.m. and the fireworks in the park take place at 10 p.m.
Dollard des Ormeaux:
Canada Day celebrations take place July 1 (rain date is July 2) at the Civic Centre, located at 12,001 de Salaberry Blvd.
Festivities, which run from 5 to 10 p.m, include music, face painting, inflatables, arts and crafts, magic, performances by the Becket Players Cabaret, fireworks and more. Bring your lawn chairs. For information: 514-684-1010, local 632
Ste. Anne de Bellevue
St. Jean Baptiste activities begin at 6 p.m. on June 23 in the parking lot of city hall at 109 Ste. Anne St. with music and dance and a salute to the flag at 7 p.m. followed by fireworks a 10:30 p.m. On June 24, the church bells will ring in unison at 10 a.m., followed by an exhibition of artisans' works on the boardwalk. Face make-up for kids at noon and at 2 p.m., everyone can have a piece of St. Jean Baptiste Day cake. Activities will be cancelled if it rains.
Canada Day activities are organized by the The Royal Canadian Legion, Churchill branch 91. This year, festivities begin at noon with a flag raising at the Legion, located at 28 Ste. Anne St. A party for kids at 1 p.m. followed a 6 p.m. supper and dancing.For more information, call city hall at 514 457-1605 or the Legion at 514-457-9332.
St. Lazare
St. Lazare includes both holidays in its Fêtes de St. Lazare celebrations, from June 23 to July 1.
St. Jean Baptiste celebrations begin at 6 p.m. on June 23 with music, fireworks and bonfire at 10 p.m. in Bédard Park. On June 24, a parade will take place at 11:30 a.m. beginning at St. Robert Park on St. Robert Rd. and ending up at Bédard Park. Festivities include all sorts of activities for children and an antique car exhibition.
On Canada Day, amusement rides will be available from noon to midnight at Bédard Park. Family fun at 8:15 p.m. , music and fireworks at 10 p.m.
As part of the St. Lazare celebrations, a soap box derby fro 7 to 17-year-olds will take place June 28. Soap boxes are supplied or you can build your own as long as it meets safety specifications. For information, call 450-424-3624, or 450-455-5128 or 450-455-1354.
Vaudreuil-Dorion
Vaudreuil-Dorion celebrates St. Jean Baptiste day June 23 and 24 on the Cité des Jeunes grounds. Festivities begin from 6 p.m. to midnight on June 23, with many activities including fireworks. On June 24, there will family-fun with inflatables, trampolines, animation and booths f various sorts.
Hudson:
In Hudson, Canada Day celebrations take place July 1 at Thompson Park, 726 Main Rd., beginning at 3 p.m. with various displays, activities and entertainment, including kiosks, the Hudson Youth Centre Bubble Tent, an Improv Tent, Bingo , Games, Air-bounce, Girl Guides Games, Face-painting, Hudson Firefighters with the Vaudreuil-Dorion Fire Prevention Trailer. Many groups and organizations will be there,including the Greenwood Centre, Hudson Historical Society, Hudson Lunatics Astronomy, Hudson Antique Car Club, Hudson Music Club, the Treehouse will have a child care food tent, and the Hudson Legion will have a beer tent. At 4 p.m., there will be music with Raymond Morris and Friends Tam Tam; opening ceremonies are at 6 p.m. including serving of the Canada Day cake. Live performances by members of the Hudson Dance Centre, singer Monyka Malownosky and the Hudson Music Club. There is also a watermelon eating contest and best strawberry dessert contest. Performances by the Bernadette Short School of Irish Dance. 7:30 p.m.: Music with live band and at 10 .p.m. fireworks followed by a bonfire.
Check with your city hall to find out if any activities are going on in your area.