For the 10th straight year residents from across the region gathered at Tellier's l'Eptinettiére to enjoy an afternoon immersed in French-Canadian culture.
Sleigh rides and toffee on the snow highlighted the 2016 edition of La Cabane à Sucre du Nord, which has become an annual Bonnyville tradition for over 35 years.
“It gives us the opportunity to expose our food, our culture and our artists. It is just awesome,” said Catherine Han of the Bonnyville—Cold Lake ACFA. “So many people, whether they are Francophone, Ukrainian, or Anglophone, all come together for this one event.”
Over the last three years the event, also known as the Northern Sugar Shack, has been drawing crowds of 450 to 650 people. Over 300 tickets were sold in advance of the Saturday event, resulting in another successful crowd taking over the Tellier's farm.
“For the community to come together for such a big event that is the trademark of the French community is awesome,” added Han.
The large crowd of people enjoyed a warm, beautiful day by sipping on hot chocolate, eating traditional French food and listening to award-winning fiddler Daniel Gervais play French tunes.
La Cabane à Sucre du Nord has come along way since its inaugural year at Tellier's l'Eptinettiére 10 years ago. It has grown from a small collection of people with no infrastructure, to a series of shacks that allow hundreds of people to enjoy a slice of French culture.
“When it first started it was a week or two before the event that they decided to have it here. We didn't have the facilities, but it turned out very well,” said Louis Tellier, who along with his wife Gabrielle offered up the farm to host the event.
“Over the years it kept on getting better. People seem to enjoy themselves, especially the kids. We have two teams of horses that offer sleigh rides and they don't quit all day,” added Tellier.
The small piles of snow still left around the property were enough to entertain the local children who grabbed sleds and spent hours sliding down the mounds of snow. After playing in the snow most kids jumped at the opportunity to try some toffee on the snow, which draws a steady crowd all day long.
“It seems that from year to year people are looking forward to the activities,” said Gabrielle Tellier. “After the long winter months it is nice to be outside in a place like this. People are so happy. It makes us happy to see this.”
Since it's inception, La Cabane à Sucre du Nord has become a staple for many, with families coming from across the province to take part in the festivities that replicate those of Carnaval de Québec on a smaller scale. Pleased with the reception the event continues to get year after year local MLA Scott Cyr took time to highlight event.
“It is a wonderful event,” said Cyr, who mentioned it during a two-minute member statement in the Alberta Legislature.
“It is these events that bring communities together, especially the various ethnic groups. This is one I would highly recommend to all Cold Lake – Bonnyville to come out and see.”
