Residents of the Bellegarde area had two reasons to celebrate on June 24, thanks to the St. Jean-Baptiste Day festivities in the community and the 25th anniversary of Bellegarde’s French Cultural Centre.
More than 100 people attended the festivities. The streets were filled with young people participating in a scavenger hunt that showcased Bellegarde’s unique Francophone and Belgian ancestry.
Face painting, a bouncy castle, free balloons and cotton candy kept the children entertained in a fun zone at the École de Bellegarde (Bellegarde School), while adults enjoyed a campfire and barbecue supper hosted by Voyage Québec.
Award-winning Francophone musician Carmen Campagne, who hails from Saskatchewan, performed during an evening concert. Children danced and sang to their favourite songs, taking part in a very interactive performance by the children’s entertainer.
Before the concert, young people from the area had their opportunity to perform. Students from grades 3 and 4 at the École de Bellegarde played their recorders. The music club performed guitars and fiddles, and local residents Pierre Tinant and Aimée Poirier did folklore acts.
Students from grades 5 and 6 at the school did a rocket launcher demonstration that impressed the crowd. A water balloon fight was a hit among the teens. And a fireworks display, which was organized by local residents, ended the evening.
St. Jean Baptiste Day is celebrated on June 24 each year. It is a province-wide holiday in Quebec, and a celebration of French culture in other Canadian provinces and U.S. states.
