Franco-Ontarian Festival starts this weekend

The Francophone Centre of Sault-Sainte-Marie’s Franco-Ontarian Festival starts this weekend.

Everyone is invited to join in the fun from Saturday, September 23 to Monday, September 25. 

Here’s what the centre has planned:

Saturday, September 23 

We are taking part in the Fall Rendezvous at the Ermatinger Clergue National Historic Site. The event will run from 10-4p.m. and is by donation. Learn more about the history of Francophones in Sault Ste. Marie. For more information on the Fall Rendezvous follow the link.

Sunday, September 24 

Join us for a French Canadian inspired dinner at the Machine Shop as we look back on the 40-year history of the Francophone centre. End the evening with a special concert by Le Groupe Swing. Tickets for the dinner and concert are $60 for members and $65 for non-members. Tickets for the concert are $20 for members and $25 for non-members.

Monday, September 25 

It’s Franco-Ontarian Day and we will be marking this day with a flag raising at City Hall. We will be raising the flag at 11a.m. and then proceeding to Clergue Park for more celebrations. The Franco-Ontarian flag was first raised on September 25, 1975, at Laurentian University. The flag became the province's official symbol in 2001. In 2010, September 25 officially became Franco-Ontarian Day. With this decision, the province demonstrated its support for the Franco-Ontarian community. Franco-Ontarian Day is an opportunity to recognize the cultural, historical, social, economic and political contributions of the province's Francophones.

“Come and join the big crowd on this festive occasion for families and friends to enjoy and celebrate our Franco-Ontarian culture with us,” said Jessica D’Amour Torrance, the president of the Francophone Centre of Sault-Sainte-Marie in a news release.

“We look forward to seeing you all there.”