Over 200 people gathered in Gordon Hill Park in the D’Avignon Park sector for a family festival on May 28, despite grey skies and an early deluge that made for a soggy morning.
Organized by Une Affaire de Famille in collaboration with the municipality of Hinchinbrooke, the festival included a parade, snacks, and special activities for families, provided by area organizations including the Montérégie-West Integrated Health and Social Services Centre (CISSSMO), Résidence-Elle, Pacte de Rue, and the Fondation Red Robin. Once the threat of rain had passed, members of Anchor and Wings provided live music, while artist Lilianne Reeves encouraged visitors to help complete a group mural. Visitors were also able to help create a giant mandala on the basketball court.
Hinchinbrooke mayor Mark Wallace was on site early in the day. He was joined by Salaberry-Suroît MP Claude DeBellefeuille, who visited with citizens while taking part in the activities.
“It is awesome so many organizat-ions came,” says Hinchinbrooke director general Kathleen Rufh, who admits she wasn’t sure what to expect, but was very impressed with the turnout.
Several D’Avignon Park residents were in attendance; they remarked they had never seen so many people in the park, and that it was nice to see it being used in a positive way.
Rufh says the municipality is committed to improving the park. New playground equipment, similar to the play structure in Athelstan, was to have been installed in time for the festival, but it was unfortunately delayed. She adds that she is hopeful the festival and coming improvements will inspire residents to keep the park clean and safe for young families.
