It’s now just shy of 50 years since its inception, and the Festival du patrimoine – Montcalm Heritage Festival has come a long way in that time.
It had its humble beginning as a bicycle marathon, and it is now a full two-day, activity-filled weekend.
The festival celebrates the culture and heritage of the RM of Montcalm and the communities of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, Letellier, and Saint Joseph.
“It’s a heritage festival, and we also celebrate the agricultural aspect of the region … and I would say the main focus is the food in St. Joseph,” shared Camille Fisette-Mulaire, executive director of the Musée Saint-Joseph Museum, which hosts the festival.
“It is a draw, and it makes for a great family day … and it’s a great educational tool as well,” she added. “It does bring a lot of people … and I am always amazed at the volunteer commitment to the festival. It is amazing to see. St. Joseph is a very small town, and yet we have 190 names of people who volunteer for it.”
This year’s festival is this weekend with a full lineup of events and entertainment Saturday and Sunday.
The festival represents an important source of identity, branding, and pride in the communities, noted Fisette-Mulaire, adding the celebration is an interactive, inter-generational and homegrown event that can be enjoyed by all age groups.
The weekend includes live entertainment as well as demonstrations and free tours of the historical village and agricultural machines. Other activities include historical interpretations, musical entertainment, and the beer garden.
The festivities kick off Saturday with a free pancake breakfast from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a parade at 1 p.m. and a barbecue meal in the evening.
“We have a big historical village, which is always interesting to a lot of people,” said Fisette-Mulaire.
“Our feature event is the Saturday and Sunday barbecue suppers, and those are the only things you have to pay for other than if you’re buying food or beverages at the canteen.
“We have a bundle of activities for children,” she added. “And there is the family baseball tournament that is held on Saturday.
“The parade is the longest parade in the smallest town I’ve ever seen,” she noted. “By the time the first float goes around, the last float is leaving the museum grounds.”
Special to this year will be the unveiling of a new mural.
For more information, you can call 204-737-2244 or email museestjoseph@gmail.com.
