The annual Village en Fête 2022 in Fort- Coulonge was back after a two-year hiatus. Although it was a particularly windy day, residents were out enjoying the different activities on rue Baume.

The event had about 20 different local vendors that sold home decor and body care products.

The Fort-Coulonge and Mansfield firefighters . . .

were celebrating their 65th anniversary, for which they served cake and had their fire truck out for kids to enjoy.

Residents lined up for helicopter rides, and kids jumped in bouncy castles, did some paddling in the pond and got their faces painted. There was also a barbeque, pizza and popcorn being served to community members and live storytelling for kids up to 10 years old.

Claudee Galipeau, the event organizer, highlighted that events like this are a way for local businesses to benefit from the extra traffic.

Some of the vendors included Gina Berube, who owns Mountain Pine and Iron designing home decor items. She started her business in 2018. “I always had an interest in arts. I studied visual arts for years, and I wanted to sort of utilize my talent,” said Berube. She currently does this part-time but her dream is to one day have her own store selling home decorations in the Pontiac.

Another vendor, Chanatel Dyelle, with her business Herboristerie Dyelle Herbalism, sells herbal teas but hopes to expand her product line after she becomes a certified clinical herbalist, and also hopes to open up her own store.

Dyelle currently works at the Pontiac Hospital as a registered nurse’s aide. “I love the healing process, and how we need to get back to basics, how it all began. With healthy eating, knowing where our food comes from and making sure that it’s organic. And how to heal with what grows around us, rather than taking a pill to just put a bandaid on the symptom,” she said.

Community members were also able to participate in a 50/50 draw.

Fort-Coulonge mayor, Christine Francoeur said she enjoys meeting people at these community events. “I just love meeting all the people on the street and everybody is just so happy when they come here. So it’s a nice environment.” said Francoeur.

Gina and Amanda Berube, who own Mountain Pine and Iron enjoyed their time meeting community members.

Chanatel Dyelle of Herboristerie Dyelle Herbalism, selling herbal teas at the event and hopes to expand her product line one day.

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