Heritage enthusiasts and culture enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that after having had to reinvent itself during its 2021 edition because of the pandemic, the Festival de la galette is back this year at Vieux-Saint-Eustache for a 37th year filled with new features. After the lighter version of last year’s event, Patrimoine culturel Vieux-Saint-Eustache (PCVSE) announced that it is excited to welcome festival-goers on September 17 and 18 for a most festive edition under the theme ” Tightly knit”.
Tightly knit, the theme
Take a look at the
featured Local Savings
at the bottom of this page!
“This year’s theme is a beautiful expression from Quebec which means “closely knit, closely united by ties of love or interest”. It reminds us of the attachment and commitment of artists, performers, artisans, partners, volunteers and participants to this family event, which this year will offer a program of activities designed to give festival-goers a charming step back in time. The Festival de la galette is the unmissable event in the fall to discover the history and heritage of the historic district of Vieux-Saint-Eustache, in addition to being an opportunity for privileged encounters with artisans and artists as well as enthusiasts of the region,” said Michel Goyer, president of PCVSE.
A varied program in different locations
The city invites everyone to be surprised, be entertained and discover the history and heritage of Saint-Eustache thanks to a rich program of activities that unfolds in three places (mill zone and gardens of the Globensky manor, Chénier house zone- Sauvé, rue Saint-Eustache area).
The visitor can retrace 100 years of history with the brand new historic village that will take place in the gardens of the Globensky mansion. Craftsmen practicing ancient trades such as the hatter, the mender, the spinners, the blacksmith, the militiaman and the potter will be present during the two days in order to share their know-how. Military historical re-enactment groups will transport the visitor into their worlds. Shooting exercises and battle re-enactments will also be on the menu during the weekend. A historical re-enactment group of inhabitants will introduce everyone to the habits and customs that marked the history of New France in the 19th century, and will meet visitors in front of the Globensky mansion. Prolonged pleasure can be assured by tasting an English tea on the gallery of the Globensky manor.
Not to miss, according to the organisers, are the temporary exhibitions Antoine Desilets, Icon of Photography and Rural Pilgrimage, the wayside crosses and row chapels of Saint-Eustache, as well as the permanent exhibition The Rebellion of 1837 in the county of Deux-Montagnes, presented at the Museum Space of the Globensky Manor.
Knitting
If residents are passionate about knitting or crocheting, the Galette Festival needs them. On September 18, they can take part in the Festival’s first Tricothon. The scarves and neck warmers knitted during this event will be donated to Eustachois in need.
The queen of the festival
Finally, the undisputed queen of the Festival, the famous buckwheat pancake, will delight the taste buds of festival-goers. The flour needed to make it is produced at the Légaré mill, the oldest industry still in operation in Canada. Built in 1762, it is still operational today by the force of water alone.
In addition to being served in the gardens of the Globensky manor, it will also be possible to savor the buckwheat galette at the Légaré mill, for a fee where guided tours will be offered. Daniel Saint-Pierre and his assistant, Martin Trudel, produce between 30 and 40 tons of wheat and buckwheat flour there every year, using traditional flour-making methods.
The little-known Maison Chénier-Sauvé
The Galette Festival is the perfect time to go to the Chénier-Sauvé house and visit the permanent exhibition Exceptional place, influential families: the history of the Chénier-Sauvé house as well as the new traveling exhibition Jacques Paquin: Life and Work. It is also the perfect place to attend the tales presented by Contes et Légendes du Patriote, participate in the Pêche en herbe offered by the Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles and meet the team of the Center de femmes La Movement.
La festive rue Saint-Eustache
On Saturday September 17th, visitors can stock up at the Marché public du Vieux-Saint-Eustache, which will exceptionally take place until 5 p.m. On Sunday, they can attend the first parade of historical re-enactors. The city invites everyone to take a seat along rue Saint-Eustache between the church of Saint-Eustache and rue Saint-Nicolas and discover the historical figures and musicians who make up this parade, in addition to a few surprises. Finally, during the two days, one can meet the members of the PolyArts group who will exhibit their paintings at the Maison du citoyen.
“ Throughout the weekend there will also be folk music shows, creative workshops at La p’tite fabrique, a fun fair with games from yesteryear, storytelling performances and multiple activities with period characters. In short, a program of activities designed to make the experience of young and old alike unforgettable! We are waiting for you! said the mayor of Saint-Eustache, Mr. Pierre Charron.
The Festival de la galette wishes to promote public access to the history and heritage of Old Saint-Eustache through a unique experience, in a festive and warm environment.
