Julien St-Jean

Fort Coulonge June 30, 2021

Over 100 people gathered at Le Patro in Fort Coulonge last Thursday celebrate Fête nationale du Quebec.

After being closed last year, due to the pandemic, organizer Suzanne Baze wanted to make sure members of the community could come and celebrate while enjoying the weather, activities and simply getting out into the community again.

“I’m happy to be here, happy to celebrate Fête nationale,” said Baze. “It’s a family fun day. We hope people will see that we have a nice spot here and that the kids enjoy themselves.”

The event, which started in the early afternoon, boasted a number of attractions, such as a barbeque, live music performed by Maxime de Wilde, activities, games and face painting. There was even a splash pad and a water slide.

“It’s a tradition,” said Jacques Valliere, who has been coming to past celebrations at Le Patro for years. “It’s a great thing for the kids.”

As of Monday, the grounds will be used to host Le Patro’s summer camps, which will go on for seven weeks this summer.

“I think they needed to come out today,” said Baze, referring to how people may have felt a little stir crazy over the past year. “It makes me feel good because we’ve accomplished something good today.”