BRENDA O’FARRELL
The 1019 Report
The Town of St. Lazare is inviting the region to enjoy a unique and spectacular outdoor event this weekend as it continues to celebrate its 150th anniversary – the largest display of giant kites in full flight ever assembled in Quebec.
Oh, and there will be hot-air balloons as well, including the opportunity to take a ride in one.
“These are all things we have never seen in St. Lazare,” said Paul Lavigne, president of the town’s 150th anniversary committee.
The event is set for this coming Saturday, May 24, at St. Lazare Airport, a vast open-air field that will be closed to flights for the day.
Giant kite-flying enthusiasts from across Canada will be converging in St. Lazare for what organizers are calling La Fête des Vents. Lavigne said having access to an entire airport is a rare event for these kite flyers, so they are quite excited. Thousands of visitors are expected, he added.
Weather permitting, visitors will get the chance to take a short trip in a hot-air balloon that will be tethered to the ground. It will take riders to a height of about 50 feet.
An open-air brunch will be offered at the site.
Organizers noted that parking will be available at a number of locations throughout the town’s village core, with a shuttle bus services to the airport on Ste. Angélique Street provided.
The municipality is marking its 150th year by organizing several festivities spanning the four seasons in 2025. Next month, a circus-themed party is planned at Saddlebrook Park, while in August, the town’s annual Festi Ouest will incorporate a show based on the municipality’s history that will be produced in collaboration with officials with the Cirque de Soleil and Just For Laughs.
In September, a parade celebrating the town, is planned, and organizers are expecting it to be the “largest parade ever seen in St. Lazare.”
All the events are free of charge. And everyone is welcome.