St. Jean and Canada Day events blasting off across region

Saint-Jean-Baptiste festivities are kicking off early next week across the region, followed by Canada Day events. Some towns will celebrate both days and others will host one big event.

The following is a quick guide as to what’s going across the MRC:

Vaudreuil-Dorion will celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste with a big party from 5:00 p.m. to midnight, on June 23, at the Cite des Jeunes Campus, on St. Charles.

At the same time, area churches will sound their bells at 5:00 p.m.

There will be inflatable structures and two jumping platforms. Other highlights include make-up artists and entertainment, cake provided by MP Meilli Faille and a family show. Things will swing into high gear with traditional Quebecois music and dancing, as well as fireworks (10 p.m.,) and speeches.

A Sainte-Jean-Baptiste mass will be held on June 24, at 9:00 a.m. at the St. Michel Church.

For more information call 450-455-5751.

St. Lazare will celebrate Saint-Jean-Baptiste and Canada Day with Les Fetes de St. Lazare, from June 22 to July 1.

Events will blast off with fireworks and a bonfire on June 23, at 10 p.m. at Park Bédard.

The town will host a parade on June 24, beginning at 11:30 a.m. It will go from Ch. St. Robert to Parc Bédard.

Family activities and animation will follow.

Canada Day will start on July 1 with a dog parade at the municipal park running from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Various activities will be held during the day, which will end with another fireworks show at 10 p.m.

There will be many activities held during the week, including a carnival that will set up at Park Bédard from June 27 to July 1.

For information, call 450-424-2999, Local 221.

Hudson will celebrate Canada Day beginning at 3 p.m. on July 1 at Thompson Park, 726

Main Road.

Activities include inflatable rides, children’s games, animation, face-painting, and a Royal Canadian Legion beer tent, among others.

There will be an old fashioned baking contest judged at 5:30 p.m.

Other highlights include: National birthday cake, flag-raising and singing of the anthem, a watermelon eating contest, dancing and music.

Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.

Free shuttle bus service will be offered between the Hudson Community Centre and Thompson Park from 5 to 9:30 p.m. and from 10:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Rain date: July 5. For more information, call 450- 458-6699.

Ste. Anne de Bellevue’s St. Jean Baptiste activities will start with music and dancing at 7 p.m. on June 23 in the City Hall parking lot. Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.

The next day area churches will toll their bells at 10 a.m., while artists display works on the boardwalk.

Other highlights include: Face make-up for kids and a St. Jean Baptiste cake. For information, call 514 457-1605

Canada Day events organized by Ste. Anne de Bellevue’s Royal Canadian Legion, Churchill branch 91, will begin at 10:30 a.m. on July 1, when the Legion dedicates its branch colours in front of city hall.

A parade will head back to the legion, 28 Ste. Anne St. where a flag-raising ceremony will take place at noon, followed by honours and awards. Other highlights include face-painting and free hot dogs for kids under 12, and live music. A Michoui dinner and dance will be held at 6 p.m.; Tickets ($25) can be purchased at the Legion. 514-457-9332.