Brett Thoms
Chapeau March 19, 2021
A disco skate event was held at the Upper Pontiac Sports Complex in Chapeau on Saturday, which saw dozens of families skating to music and a light show.
The event was organized by volunteers with West Pontiac Connects and was sponsored by . . .
the MRC Pontiac with funding coming from the Quebec government through the Entente de développement culturel. The disco skate was DJed by Danse Mobile.
The event was mandated to have 65 per cent francophone music, which was a condition of funding from the Quebec government.
“Our community is primarily anglophone, but most people in the community speak both languages,” said Natalie Thompson, one of the organizers of the event. “It’s a way to get the word out that there are some good French Quebec artists and musicians and get the kids to hear it more.”
“I’m not even sure people notice the content of the music,” said Steve Proulx, one of the DJs with Danse Mobile, noting that most people were there just to skate and have a good time.
Many attendees were happy to be out after COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.
“It’s nice to see the community coming together again, it’s been a long winter, so it’s nice to see people getting involved in an event like this,” said Marielle Lair , manager of West Pontiac Connects.
Local teenagers also volunteered to help organise as a part of a program run by West Pontiac Connects called Driving for Success, which helps them raise money for the costs associated with obtaining a driver’s licence.
There was also a raffle held for those who attended the event.
