ST-ALBERT - For the 14th consecutive year, the St-Albert Curd Festival, which will be held from August 16 to 19, will be back in full swing.
Organizers are preparing to greet thousands of visitors, young and young at heart, in this eastern Ontario village renowned for its cheese factory. Again this year, the St-Albert Cheese Co-op and the Caisse populaire Nouvel-Horizon, a major sponsor, will contribute financially to the success of this annual event.
Of course, the Curd Festival would not be what it is today without the valued support of its more than 150 volunteers.
"These volunteers make it happen. They are always ready to lend a helping hand year after year because of their pride in both the festival and the cheese factory," said Roxanne Blanchard, chair of the Curd Festival’s board of directors, during a news conference June 28.
For the second year, the program includes rodeo presentations by Wild Time Productions. Presentations are scheduled on Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 3:30 both days. Tickets for the shows are available at a cost of $17 for adults and $10 for children aged 5 to 12 if purchased ahead of time; cost for the same tickets during the festival will be $22 for adults and $12 for children. Children 4 and under will be admitted free of charge. Shows will be held rain or shine.
This year, the public will enjoy the catchy melodies and heart drenching lyrics by rock group Kaïn, on stage on Fri., Aug. 17. Kaïn has produced two albums, Pop Culture and Nulle part ailleurs. Local group Latreille and The Rock Junkies will precede Kaïn on stage.
On Saturday night, it will be up to rock group Jonas to strut its stuff. Singer and composer Jonas Tomalty is renowned for his extraordinary presence on stage and his rock’n’roll attitude. Jonas was nominated for an award at the Gala de l’ADISQ 2005 (best English album) and for a Juno award for Best New Artist/Best Rock Album. Jonas will be preceded by local group Soul of Silence.
Tickets for each of these two shows are sold $25 advance and $30 at the door. Passport bracelets for both shows are sold $40 in advance and $50 at the door.
Obviously, what would be a Curd Festival without St-Albert’s famous curd? Curd will be served under the tent throughout the weekend free of charge, except on Saturday afternoon during the cheese sampling session. For $2, participants will get to sample a variety of cheeses. Wine by Pelee Island Winery will also be available for $2 per glass. All proceeds will go to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Last year, the Festival raised $5,769.25 for this valuable cause.
Also scheduled during the event are bingos, a regional talent show and a volleyball tournament. Festival-goers will also enjoy various other activities such as the inflated air games, animation and various kiosks. Camping facilities will also be available.
Tickets are available at the St-Albert Cheese Factory, Marché St-Albert, Cheddar et cetera in Orléans, Caisse populaire Nouvel-Horizon (St-Albert, Embrun, Casselman and St-Isidore) and Caisse populaire Trillium in Limoges. They can also be purchased through the inter-caisse service at the Caisse populaire in St-Albert.
To consult the schedule and for more information, visit the website at www.curdfestival.com or call 1-800-465-1553.