Do you feel like there is almost too much to do in this town of 24,000 souls? We can certainly say that the activities never stop in February and March. The Francophonie is no exception. The community joins the general effervescence by organizing the Sugar Shack, the Sweet Tooth Breakfast and the Rendez-vous de la francophonie.
At the end of February, during the Yukon Sourdough Rendezvous, a third of the territory’s population would’nt miss the opportunity to put on their warmest winter clothes and stick together for a taste of the maple toffee at the Cabane à sucre – the Sugar Shack.
There’s always a line-up, and you might wait in the cold for a little while, but a lot of other people are waiting with you!
Sugar Shack is a good time to get together and have have fun outside. There is definitely a party atmosphere during the three days of the event, February 25, 26 and 27.
The sugar rush and the party continue two days later with the Sweet Tooth Breakfast at the Community Hall of l’Association franco-yukonnaise (AFY), March 1 and 2 from 7-10 am.
A greasy – or healthy (you choose) – French-Canadian breakfast, traditional for the sugar harvest, will be served in a friendly mood for the pleasure of everyone.
On March 3, from 7-9 pm, the women’s group Les EssentiElles will take the lead in the festivities with its annual visual art exhibition, Les Femmeuses,featuring the work of the Francophone women of the community.
The theme of the exhibition, “Women from Yesterday and Today: 100 Years of Change,” celebrates the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day.
Les Femmeuses features paintings, photos, sculptures and mixed media. One of the great visual art events of the season, it will be on display at the Centre de la francophonie at 302 Strickland Street until May 6.
The Rendez-vous de la francophonie begins the next day, March 4. For the 13th consecutive year, this national event will put the spotlight on activities of Francophone communities across the country.
It is a celebration of the French language and a way to value the dynamism of the French culture. It’s also a way to discover what is happening in other parts of Canada.
The Rendez-vous opens at noon on Friday, March 4 in the atrium of the Elijah Smith Building, with a performance by the percussion students at École Émilie-Tremblay, sponsored by AFY and the Government of Canada.
Representatives of the community will outline the whole program for the two weeks of cultural manifestation leading up to Francophone Day on March 20.
Come and enjoy the Marché des saveurs, featuring wonderful cooks and bakers offering a little taste of their best meals and pastries. Artists will also entertain the crowd in the atrium for an hour.
That evening at 8 pm, there will be a special show by a line-up of local Francophone artists at the Centre de la francophonie after the weekly Café-rencontre dinner.
While it is a tradition to have music shows at the Centre de la francophonie, this one will be a bit different: the show will feature screenings of musical performances. Moviemakers and musicians combined their creativity to produce an original musical happening.
As for the rest of the activities, we’ll keep the surprises for March 4 at noon: you have to be there!
Virginie Hamel is a regular contributor to What’s Up Yukon who keeps tab on events in Yukon’s francophone community.
