Vacations, activities and going out
Activities and Attractions
TROIS-RIVIÈRES (Quebec), June 22, 2011 – The Forges du Saint-Maurice invites the public to come take part in the activities surrounding the Feast of St. Éloi, on June 26, 2011, beginning at 10:30. As in the time of our ancestors, this day’s activities are designed to pay homage to St. Éloi, the patron saint of blacksmiths, goldsmiths and metalworkers in general. The day also serves to kick off the Forges’ new summertime program of activities known as “New France Sundays.”
A broad range of activities will be held on the site: celebration of the Eucharist; musical entertainment with Lise Bergeron and Sébastien Deshaies; historical interpretation; demonstrations of the blacksmith’s and horseshoer’s trades with Sylvain Dion, Pierre Bédard and André Viens; a “live” foundry with the Pavillon de la fonderie group of the Centre de formation professionnelle Qualitech; costumed sketches; and several other surprises! This will also be the opportunity to see our brand new multimedia show, during which our scale-model village comes alive thanks to new technologies!
In order to take full advantage of these festivities, visi tors are encouraged to bring along a picnic lunch. All activities will be held come rain or come shine. Admission to the site will be free of charge between 9:30 and 11:00 am.
Every Sunday, from June 26 to September 4, 2011, several activities will be on tap for visitors at the Forges du Saint-Maurice. The Feast of St. Éloi is thus a great time to discover this history-themed program of events!
June 26: The Feast of St. Éloi
Come celebrate the patron saint of blacksmiths! As in the days of our ancestors, the festivities kick off with Sunday mass, followed by costumed interpretation activities, music, and much more!
July 3: Stories to Tell and Games to Play
Discover the entertainments of Forges workers and have fun with their children’s toys.
July 10 and August 7: A Foundry in Action
Get close to a blast furnace in action and feel the heat of the molten metal. The ironmaster will enable you to discover the basics of casting from yesterday to today.
July 17: Trades of Yesteryear
Come meet the spinner, the clog-maker and the wood turner as they perform their age-old crafts.
July 31: Daily Life in New France and the Art of Pottery
Meet period characters going about their daily tasks. Be sure to stop in at the potter’s workshop to admire his work.
August 14: Well-heeled Craftspeople!
If the shoe fits… To know for sure, consult the shoemaker, clog-maker and the snowshoe-maker!
August 21 and 28: Tourtières, terrines and other fine fare!
Are you curious to find out what our ancestors kept in their cupboards ? Take advantage of these two Sundays in Archaeology Month to discover the culinary secrets of the Forges’ inhabitants.
September 4: Harvest time
Come celebrate the end of harvesting with the inhabitants of the Forges village. It’s a family event you won’t want to miss!
For the full details of the program of activities, please visit the Forges Website at www.pc.gc.ca/forges.
This year, Parks Canada is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding as the world’s very first national parks service. Several activities have been developed in order to commemorate this centennial. Come celebrate!
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Information:
Martine Tousignant
Officer, Public Relations and Communications
La Mauricie Field Unit
Parks Canada
819-536-2638, ext. 235
Cell: 819-913-8185
Guy Désaulniers
Manager, Visitor Experience
Forges du Saint-Maurice National Historic Site
Parks Canada
819-378-5116
