Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Adel Ahmed

SAINT JEAN BAPTISTE DAY

Kamloops Francophone Association preparing for Saint Jean Baptiste Day Saturday

Jun 23, 2023 | 5:03 PM

KAMLOOPS — Residents across the country and in the Kamloops area of French descent are gearing up to celebrate Saint Jean Baptiste day Friday night and Saturday (June 24).

The holiday, which was first declared in Quebec in 1925, is a day for people of French descent to celebrate their culture. The Kamloops Francophone Association are hosting two events, one Friday night and one Saturday at McArthur Island, to celebrate.

“We’re hosting a bluegrass country folk group from Montreal that’s doing their first tour in B.C. and they’re visiting all the francophone communities so we’re really excited to see that,” Event Coordinator Jamie Shinkewski told CFJC Today.

“Obviously our long-standing ranching tradition around Kamloops bluegrass and country has some pretty deep roots here, so we thought it was pretty appropriate.”

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The 98-year tradition of celebrating Saint Jean Baptiste Day is an occasion that Shinkewski says is important.

“Anytime you can gather and celebrate your culture is an important occasion for many people who have francophone roots in Kamloops. There are few occasions, if you’re not working in a French environment, to get together, speak French and celebrate some of the culture. Music and food are two things that always bring people together.”

Vernada is the bluegrass country folk group that will be performing at 7:00 p.m. Friday at the Kamloops Sports Council building.