Serving the Eastern Townships English-speaking Community since 1979.

TOWNSHIPPERS' DAY

Sherbrooke September 14, 2009

The 30th annual Townshippers’ Day will be this Friday and Saturday, September 18 and 19, in Ayer’s Cliff. Kicking off the festivities is an Arts Gala on Friday September 18, 7-9 p.m. at the Old Union Church Hall (810 Route 208, Massawippi) launching the new book Taproot IV: Poetry, Prose, and Images from the Eastern Townships. This is followed on Saturday by an all-day bilingual cultural festival and information fair at the Ayer’s Cliff Fairgrounds.

The theme of the 2009 event is “Townshippers’ Day Ayer’s Cliff: Celebrating 100 Years of Harmony in the Townships / Townshippers’ Association – 30 Years Young” (Journée des Townshippers Ayer’s Cliff – Fêtons 100 ans d’harmonie dans les Cantons / Association des Townshippers – Jeune de 30 ans). This festival is a time for English-speaking and French-speaking neighbours to get together and celebrate the Townships’ English-speaking community and heritage in a climate of mutual respect and friendship.

Dr. Mary Pearson chaired both the volunteer organizing and fundraising committees, working diligently for over 6 months to make this event memorable, in celebration of Ayer’s Cliff’s Centennial Anniversary, and Townshippers’ Association’s 30th Anniversary.

“Come one, come all!” Dr. Pearson announced, “to a fun-filled day marking two big anniversaries – Ayer’s Cliff’s Centennial and Townshippers’ Association’s 30th. A good time will be had by all.”

Townshippers’ Day Arts Gala

The Friday evening Arts Gala will feature music by performers whose CDs are available through Townships Expressions, interspersed by readings from the 30th anniversary Taproot IV anthology. Art by visual artists whose works were selected for the covers of the four books in the Taproot series will adorn the walls. Taproot IV will be available for sale at the Friday evening launch and all day Saturday at the Townships Expressions booth.

T-Day Entertainment

On the Ayer’s Cliff Fairgrounds main stage at 10 a.m. Saturday, CBC’s Nancy Wood will emcee the Opening Ceremonies. The half-hour event will feature introductions of special guests and a few words by Graham Fraser, Commissioner of Official Languages, on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of the Official Languages Act.

Following the ceremonies, the main stage will present four one-hour concerts featuring Ralph Steiner, Jim Robinson, Amos Joannides and Patrick & Gary. The Ayer’s Cliff Bandstand, in the village’s center square, will be home to the Harmonie de Coaticook. In the Beulah United Church, will be two more concerts: the Choromondo World Choir and David & Elaine Vachon. Exact times are specified in the T-Day programme, available at the entrance to the Fairgrounds.

And let’s not forget the Dance Stage, set up in the Expo Building, where the Brome Squares, North Country Swingers and Rainbow Country Cloggers will strut their stuff. Popular Townships band Le Vent des Cantons will play two sets on this stage as well.

Activities

The Seniors’ Activities feature their very own music with The Castaways and Janice Graham, The Flame, will lead an exercise class. Door prizes, exhibits and other activities will complete the menu.

The youth have their very own exhibit area next to the ball field where the Astral Media Softball Team, made up of members of Virgin, CHOM and CJAD radio stations in Montreal, will square off against the Ayer’s Cliff Blues.

The kids will be busy petting chicks and sheep in the Animal Corner, bouncing on inflatables, getting their faces painted and doing a bunch of arts and craft activities. Bring them by the Townshippers’ Association booth so they can decorate a cloth bag for you to carry around your purchases.

And don’t forget to come by and see who’s sitting on the plank at the dunk tank! You might be tempted to try your hand at getting him or her all wet! Proceeds go to a good cause.

There’s more: Sentiers Massawippi will be leading two walks on the Tomifobia Nature Trail. The Ayer’s Cliff Library will feature a used-book sale and an array of fascinating historical documents from the town. St. Georges Anglican Church will be open to the public.

If you need a break - or a quick overview of what's on site - take a ride in a hay wagon.

Exhibits

Many exhibitors – government agencies, non-profit groups, businesses, educational and health and social services institutions, historical societies and youth groups will be set up in several different buildings of the Ayer’s Cliff Fairgrounds. Many artisans, coming locally or from the greater Eastern Townships, will hawk their wares. Antique cars will be displayed in the mid-way along with several other exhibitors.

Nutrition Information

Food vendors will set up alongside the grandstand, in the mid-way and in the Dining Hall. Most are fundraisers for various good causes, including church groups and youth associations. You’ll be able to find hot-dogs, hamburgers, chicken, ice cream, baked goods and other delectables.

Townshippers’ Day has been a green event since 2006. Once again this year, food will be served on compostable plates and bowls, with compostable utensils and the drinks in (you guessed it!) compostable cups. Eight recycling stations will be set up throughout the Ayer’s Cliff site for you to sort your refuse – with friendly volunteers available to help answer whatever question you may have. Cloth shopping bags will be available for $1 at the Townships Expressions booth, and you are encouraged to bring your own!

Silent Auction

The community has stepped up and donated many items for this year’s Silent Auction. VIA Rail passes, books, granite countertop, leather snowmobiling jacket, hockey sticks, pencil cases, an uncorrected proof copy of Louise Penny’s newest novel, hand-tied quilt and knitted hat, gloves and scarf – you’ll find a plethora of deals and steals in the Horticultural Building. Find a quasi-complete list on www.tday.ca and bring your chequebook! Bids are open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. so come back often. Proceeds help defray costs of Townshippers’ Day.

Thanks to our many contributors – including donors to the Silent Auction - and thank YOU for your $2 parking donation! Canadian Heritage’s Building Communities through Arts and Heritage Program, Desjardins and other supporting partners contributed monetary and in-kind donations to help support Townshippers’ Day and Youth Townships, the latter to help improve the economic and social quality of life for youth in the region, and inform them of the many opportunities the Townships have to offer.

We hope to see you there – rain or shine. Just in case, it’s good to know that the majority of exhibits are inside buildings. For even more on Townshippers’ Day, check out www.tday.ca.

SOURCE:         Valérie Bridger, Assistant Executive Director, Townshippers’ Association

                        819-566-5717 (toll free 1-866-566-5717), ta@townshippers.qc.ca.

PHOTO:            Rachel Garber

CUTLINE:          You never know who you will meet at T-Day! But there’s sure to be smiles all around at T-Day 2009 in Ayer’s Cliff, September 18-19.