Hon. Carolyn Bertram, Minister Responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs is encouraging Islanders to join together to celebrate National Acadian Day at Port-la-Joye - Fort Amherst National Historic Site, beginning on Friday, August 15.
“La Société Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin (SSTA) and Parks Canada have organized a full program of events and entertainment,” she said. “The weekend will be filled with activities in celebration of National Acadian Day, such as the all-age performance by the multi-ethnic music and dance troupe, Ouanani, which I am sure will delight everyone.
“This is a great opportunity for Islanders everywhere to come together with the Acadian and francophone community to mark the 1758 Deportation of Acadians and celebrate the courage, perseverance and vitality of the Acadian people in Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Bertram.
BACKGROUNDER:
Friday, August 15, 2008:
6:00 p.m. - Opening Ceremonies
7:30 p.m. - Everyone is invited to participate in the “tintamarre” or noise parade, beginning at the Information Centre and ending at the concert location. Bring your noisemakers!
8:00 p.m. - The Mega outdoor concert, co-hosted by Angèle Arsenault and Georges Arsenault, will feature Lone Wolf Singers from Lennox Island, Lennie Gallant, Vishten and Angèle Arsenault. You are welcome to bring lawnchairs or quilts to sit on.
10:30 p.m. - Fireworks over the Hillsborough River.
Free transportation will be provided from Acadian regions of the province. Seats must be reserved. For more information or to reserve transportation, contact:
La Société Saint-Thomas-d’Aquin, (902) 436-4881
West Prince: Conseil Rév. S.-E.-Perrey, (902) 882-0475
Evangeline: Conseil scolaire-communautaire Évangéline, (902) 854-2166
Summerside-Miscouche: Centre Belle-Alliance, (902) 888-1681
Rustico: Conseil acadien de Rustico, (902) 963-3252
Charlottetown: Conseil du Carrefour de l’Isle-Saint-Jean, (902) 368-1895
Kings: Conseil acadien et francophone de l’Est:, (902) 687-1220
Other activities taking place at the Port-la-Joye - Fort Amherst National Historic Site throughout the weekend include:
Saturday, August 16:
12 noon: Historical talk series featuring Earle Lockerby (12:30 p.m.), Rob Ferguson (1:45 p.m.), Georges Arsenault (3 p.m.) and Ronnie-Gilles LeBlanc (4:15 p.m.).
4:00 p.m. Kitchen party
7:00 p.m. Spiritual celebration with father Éloi Arsenault
Sunday, August 17:
7:30 p.m. The Musical group Grand Dérangement at Confederation Centre of the Arts will officially close out the weekend-long celebrations.
Unveiling of the Acadian Odyssey monument will be re-scheduled for a later date.