The 53rd Carnaval des Compagnons got underway Saturday, starting with a traditional French Canadian breakfast served up at L’Eglise St-Vincent-De-Paul.
Early afternoon had the event that everyone was waiting for, the grand entrance of Bonhomme Carnaval at the opening ceremonies at Memorial Gardens.
Dignitaries, and the board of directors of Le Centre les Compagnons welcomed visitors and the francophone community.
The stands were full with children showing school spirit from Héritage, Odyssée, Saint Anges, Algonquin, St.Raymond’s, and St.Vincent.
Bonhomme was accompanied by ambassadors from the francophone schools. About a thousand people enjoyed the musical entertainment at Le Carnaval.
After the opening ceremony, there were children’s games, a family skate and a supper featuring both hot dogs and traditional French Canadian fare.
Directing Le Carnaval is veteran Carnaval participant Lou Gagne. “I’m a Carnaval child. I’ve been coming to Le Carnaval since I was four years old, first a participant, then I was a coach for the kids sports activities and then I became an organizer. So I’ve had different roles for Le Carnaval for over 30-years now.
"Le Bonhomme is rivaling Santa Claus in popularity. When Bonhomme does visits in the school, the children want to touch and grab onto Bonhomme’s leg. I was lucky to be Bonhomme in 2007. It’s an experience that Bonhommes don’t forget. It's a lot of hugging and a lot of dancing.”
Gagne says the francophone culture is the draw. “It’s food, it’s music, it’s dance, it’s art. And that’s where we strive. The Carnaval theme song it peppy and toe-tappy. We are celebrating our culture all week.
"When you come to Le Carnaval, you are looking for the Cipaille and beans and the pancake breakfast. We give everybody three breakfasts and two big suppers this week.
"Le Carnaval is the chance to gather in the best of francophone language and culture.”
Le Carnaval ends with a family skate at the West Ferris Arena next Saturday at 1 p.m. to be followed of the unveiling of Bonhomme to reveal the secret identity of the popular mascot at 2 p.m. A Valentine’s Day supper and dance happens that night at Centre les Compagnons beginning at 6.
A good way to follow scheduled activities for the week-long event is on the Facebook page of Centre culturel Les Compagnons des francs loisirs. https://www.facebook.com/Centre-culturel-Les-Compagnons-des-francs-loisirs-179986602038885/?fref=nf
