By Gabrielle Fahmy
www.thesuburban.com
Those used to checking out Ste. Rose in the summertime will not be disappointed this year, as the festivities promise to be bigger and better than ever, with a new organization taking over the reins.
The festivity season kicked off on Saturday, June 28 with the opening of the Old Ste. Rose neighbourhood market. No worries if you missed it though, because the market will open every Saturday until Sept. 6, at Latour School.
What will you find there? According to Vincent Auclair, who’s president of the newly founded Les festivités du vieux Ste. Rose and in charge of the events, “fruits and vegetables, local produce, fresh meals, apple pies and a few surprises too…chefs will come and offer presentations and tastings with those local products.”
“The big challenge was to find people who grow products in Laval, we really want to encourage local producers,” says Auclair.
Next up will be the annual antique car show on July 6, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., held on la Berge des Baigneurs.
“People will be able to see more than 200 antique vehicles, and we’re not talking about old modified cars but real vintage ones,” says Auclair. “They will be able to talk with people who are passionate about those cars.
Then there’s the Apétit fête du Vieux Ste. Rose held on Aug. 1, 2 and 3 on Ste. Rose Boulevard, in front of the church. The annual gastronomic feast will showcase no less than 80 exhibitors and people will be able to taste flavours of the world made with all local produce.
“This year people can expect to have even more choice, more products than previous years,” said Auclair. “There will be a health food section, with gluten-free and additive-free products, food that is basically as organic as possible.”
Last but not least, the Ste. Rose Dolce Vita on Aug. 17, also in front of the Ste. Rose de Lima Church. In its second edition this year, the Dolce Vita is inspired by the Ferragosto, a public holiday in Italy where many festivals are held across the country.
“There will be Italian music, including a performance by singer Marco Calliari, dancing, there will be various stands, Italian products for sale and, of course…Italian food!” said Auclair. “And the Ste. Rose church really is one of the prettiest sites for such an event.”
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