Village fair promises old-fashioned fun

BY BARBARA LAVOIE

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, shouts Notre Dame de L’Ile Perrot’s town crier. Come one, come all to Notre-Dame of Yore, the revival of an annual village fair circa 1850 on the historic Ste.-Jeanne-de-Chantal church grounds in Notre Dame de L’Ile Perrot on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Up until the early 1970s, a celebration held every June brought residents together to commemorate the arrival in 1849 of the statue Notre-Dame de la Garde, the island’s patron saint, guardian angel of all who travel the waterways.

Organized as a unique country-style fundraiser by members of the NDIP cultural committee staff, volunteer directors of the Sainte-Jeanne-de-Chantal NDIP Foundation and others, the goal is to generate much-needed funding for the preservation of one of the area’s oldest and most significant religious sites in New France, construction on the church began in 1753.

“Everyone involved is very passionate about making this event a success,” said Martine St-Pierre, director of community services for NDIP. “For some years, the city has wanted to revive its heritage. Now, thanks to the foundation we can begin. The day promises to be lots of fun for everyone, older residents, new arrivals to the island and visitors.”