City of Cornwall proclaims June 18-24 as La Semaine française
A traditional celebration of French culture in Cornwall has returned for another year with La Semaine française.
At its recent meeting, City Council proclaimed the week of June 18th to 24th as La Semaine française and the ceremonial flag was raised at the Justice Building on Monday to mark the occasion.
The roots of the week-long celebration date back to the 1960s and the tradition continues today with a full slate of activities aimed at honouring and celebrating Cornwall’s rich French culture and heritage.
“We don’t want to forget our culture and we’re trying to involve every generation,” said Mr. Marc Bissonnette, organizer and President of the Centre culturel de Cornwall.
La Semaine française features a variety of events over the course of the week and they are open to all residents, with most activities taking place at the Centre culturel (501 Second Street East, the former Cornwall General Hospital).
On Monday, there will be the opening of the Francophon exposition at 2 pm followed by a presentation at 3 pm by Mrs. Nichole White on ‘The Story of Cornwall French Canadians.’ At 6 pm, there will be a literary supper at the King George restaurant on Montreal Road.
On Tuesday, there will be a presentation at 2 pm by Mr. Pierre Giroux on the visual arts in Cornwall followed by a wine and cheese at 8 pm and a performance by Andre Theriault. Tickets are $7 or 2 for $10.
Wednesday’s events include the opening reception for Corrid’Art – featuring artwork by Cornwall students – from 1 pm to 6 pm and a Summer Solstice Celebration (music, songs, improve and theatre) at Centre Charles-Emile Claude.
On Thursday, there will be a presentation at 2 pm by Mr. Pierre Doyon and Mr. Bissonnette on ‘The Story of Music in Cornwall’ as well as a wine and cheese at 7 pm. Tickets for the wine and cheese are $7 or two for $10.
Friday will see the Annual Picnic at Centre Charles-Emile Claude beginning at 10 am and a wine and cheese at 7 pm featuring a performance by the Clarpian Duo. Tickets for the wine and cheese are $7 or 2 for $10.
La Semaine française will close out on Saturday with a special St-Jean-Baptiste Mass at St. Felix Parish at 4 pm.
For additional information on the events or La Semaine française, please contact the Centre culturel at (613) 932-9106.
