Canada Day ~ Fete du Canada

 

Photo Courtesy: http://www.montrealfamilies.ca/Montreal-Families/July-2012/Canada-Day-Festivities-in-Montreal/ 

The First Canada Day Parade in Montreal

 "Montreal began hosting a Canada Day Parade in 1977, just months after the separatist political party, Le Parti Québécois, first came to power back in November 1976. Initiated by Montreal cardiologist Roopnarine Singh, the first Canada Day Parade in Montreal was no more than a few cars tooting their horns around the city, a pale comparison to Canada Day festivities outside of the province and a conspicuous reflection of Quebec's political division: the sovereigntists versus the federalists. But this didn't stop the parade from carrying on. Its processional size and public participation grew as several of Montreal's ethnic communities showed a strong presence: Chinese, German, Armenian, Indian, Hungarian, Iranian, Greek, Italian, Turk, Indonesian, Polish, Philippino, Danish, Malagasy, Dutch, Sri Lankan, Irish and Japanese are just some of the cultures represented. And the grass roots parade keeps growing, with crowds of 40,000 or more attending one of Montreal's most beautiful parades."

Courtesy: http://montreal.about.com/od/attractionsbyholiday/a/canada_day_parade_montreal_defile_fete_du_canada.htm

"On July 1st, 2014, Montreal Canada Day organizers in charge of Old Port activities promise an assortment of freebies perfect for families (and non-families too), from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., including an opening ceremony featuring a Canadian Forces parade and brass brand.

MONTREAL CANADA DAY: 2014 OLD PORT HIGHLIGHTS

• giant cake (usually 2,000 portions, served at noon)
• traditional gun salute (cannon shot every minute for 21 minutes as of noon)
• cosom hockey (games start every 15 minutes from noon to 8 p.m.)
• inflatable games for kids (from noon to 8 p.m.)
• DJ workshops (start every hour from noon to 8 p.m.)
• dreamcatcher and bracelet making workshops (start every 20 minutes from noon to 8 p.m.)
• street entertainment (from noon to 8 p.m.)
• fireworks (start at 10:15 p.m.)
• food trucks might be on location

All of the above activities are held at the Old Port. Just get off at Place d'Armes Metro and follow the crowd. For a full schedule of activities, consult the Canada Day website"

Courtesy: http://montreal.about.com/od/attractionsbyholiday/a/montreal_canada_day_in_montreal_parade_events.htm

 Courtesy: http://fineartamerica.com/products/canada-day-fireworks-celebration-in-montreal-city-pierre-leclerc-greeting-card.html

I participated in a Postcard exchange this year . . . see this post . . . and here is my first ever hand made postcard . . .

Using a piece of muslin cut to size, I used Setacolour fabric paint in yellow to paint the fabric. Then using some maple leaves from a tree in my backyard, I adhered the largest leaf with temporary stencil glue and painted all with orange. Adhered the next two leaves, and painted over with red. Then made some green blotches. I used a decorative stitch with my sewing machine to sew a border...green thread on top, and yellow in the bobbin. Apparently I painted with a bit of a heavy hand as the paint seeped under the leaves, but I am happy with the overall result. It was a lot of fun to make a fabric postcard, and I foresee a few more in my future.

For the backing I used some pre-made ones from Monika Kinner-Whalen. of My Sweet Prairie. Available here in her Etsy Shop.

I haven't received mine yet, but with two holidays back to back here in Quebec, the post office develops a bit of a back log. It should be arriving any day now. Plus, I have to admit to being a little nervous about sending this "naked" without an envelope. The suspense is rather exciting lol.