2018 Friendship day parade dancers. Record archives
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Preparations are underway for this year’s Friendship Day in Lennoxville June 8, promising a day filled with fun activities and community spirit. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with fireworks starting at dusk at Bishop’s University.
Mandy Osborne, a longstanding committee member, shared the details with The Record in a recent interview. The Record also spoke with three other organizers on their individual Friendship Day events.
“We’ve got the Euro Bungee and inflatables returning, and new this year, we have a petting zoo from D & P’s Run Away Farm,” Mandy revealed, “the previous providers are no longer available, so we’re excited about this new addition.”
Along with the petting zoo, the event will feature live music from two artists, performing at Square Queen and Centennial Park.
“We have the artisans, the hands-on activities, the curling club, the art festival upstairs at the old fire hall, and the book sale outside the fire hall,” Mandy detailed.
The event will also host a farmer’s market, and a bake sale by Lennoxville Elementary School accompanied by an online auction to raise funds for its Parent Participation Organization (PPO). Food trucks, including the popular Danny’s POP Kettlecorn and StreEATacos, will cater to attendees’ cravings.
A highlight of the day will be the evening fireworks display, weather permitting.
“We are closely monitoring the weather, especially for the inflatables and the fireworks,” Osborne said.
“The petting zoo has tents to protect the animals from rain or sun, so it should remain operational regardless of the weather.”
She also noted that construction on Bishop’s’ campus might affect traffic flow.
“There are specific entry and exit points due to construction, so we’re encouraging people to walk if possible. Security will be on-site to help direct traffic.”
Part of Hunting Street and Speid Street, up to the Centennial Park kiosk, will be closed from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Samuel-Gratham Street will be closed for the farmer’s market and book sale.
Osborne expressed the committee’s need for volunteers, highlighting the importance of community involvement.
“Many hands make light work,” she said, “we already have a few volunteers, but more are always welcome.”
Reflecting on the significance of this year’s event, Mandy mentioned, “This is our 31st edition of Friendship Day. It’s a big milestone, and we’re hoping for good weather. Historically, we’ve managed to go ahead rain or shine, so fingers crossed for a sunny day.”
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/lennoxvillefriendshipday
Historical Society offers homemade delights and art exhibit
The Lennoxville-Ascot Historical and Museum Society (LAHMS), is once again gearing up for its annual Friendship Day celebration. The event promises a variety of activities and homemade treats, bringing the community together to celebrate local history and culture.
“We’re doing our usual,” said Graham Moodie, president of Uplands Cultural and Heritage Centre.
“We have cake and ice cream, homemade cakes (and not homemade ice cream), served on the porch from noon till 3.” He said the event will also feature lemonade, coffee, and tea, all offered at reasonable prices.
In addition to the delectable offerings, the society will open its doors to visitors interested in exploring the historic house.
“The house is open for anybody who would like to go in and have a look,” Moodie said. While formal tours are not available, guests are welcome to wander through the space and soak in the history.
A new art show, recently opened, will be displayed in the gallery, adding an artistic flair to the festivities.
“We had a vernissage just this past Sunday, so the new art show is already up on the walls,” noted Moodie.
One of the highlights of the day will be an impressive selection of cakes, with a record number of 30 different delicious options.
The event is expected to draw a large crowd, despite a potentially wet weather forecast.
“If it’s a bit wet, it’s good to know that the porch is covered,” remarked Moodie.
Community members are looking forward to the celebration.
“It’s always fun – I help serve and meet people,” said Moodie, “It’s a good place to be.”
Lennoxville Library book sale
In celebration of Friendship Day, the Lennoxville Public Library will host its bi-annual book sale this Saturday.
The sale is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m.
“This event is something the community looks forward to,” said Library Coordinator Christian Collins.
The book sale features thousands of books in both English and French, with most priced at one or two dollars. Some new or collectible books may be priced slightly higher.
Taking place on Samuel-Gratham Street, in front of the old fire hall, the event will proceed as planned unless heavy rain forces a postponement.
“We’ve been fortunate with the weather over the past five years, never having to cancel because of rain,” Collins mentioned, “but if the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ll announce any changes by Friday.”
The sale not only offers affordable books but also supports the library’s programs and operations, with most items being donated by community members.
“It’s a great way for people to declutter their homes and support the library at the same time,” said Collins. Donations can be made at the library during regular hours, though larger donations should be arranged in advance due to specific guidelines on what can be accepted.
Additionally, the library is launching its “Espace Biblio,” a series of youth activities on Saturdays in Square Queen throughout the summer.
“Our youth activities coordinator… will be present during the farmer’s market [this Saturday], offering various activities for children,” Collins said.
For more information about the book sale or to inquire about book donations, residents can contact the Lennoxville Public Library directly.
Curling Club to host annual Smoked Meat Lunch
The local curling club is gearing up for a special Friendship Day celebration, featuring its much-anticipated annual smoked meat dinner.
“We’re having our annual smoked meat dinner,” said Club Manager Allan Rowell.
“It’s a tradition we’ve had for many years. For $15, you get a smoked meat sandwich, chips, coleslaw, and a drink.” The event is scheduled to take place from 11:45 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
In addition to the smoked meat dinner, the club will be setting up a kiosk aimed at attracting new members.
“We usually have a kiosk in St. Antoine’s (Elementary School), but this year, we might set it up right at the curling club,” Rowell explained.
“It’s a kiosk for learning to curl. We’re trying to see if we can get more members to join.”
The club runs a “Learn to Curl” program every fall, which is an eight-week course held every Sunday from October until December.
“Many people think they can’t curl and feel embarrassed to try, but this program is for beginners. They learn how to curl and often join the club afterwards,” Rowell said.
Despite already having a strong membership, the club is always open to new members due to natural attrition.
The club invites everyone to join the Friendship Day festivities.
“We welcome people to come in and enjoy a smoked meat sandwich. It’s all about community and friendship,” Rowell said.