French Festival Celebrates Its 40th Anniversary

Sen. Aubertine commends the hard work and vision that make the festival a success

CAPE VINCENT (July 3, 2008)—State Sen. Darrel J. Aubertine (D-Cape Vincent) today encouraged people to attend the Cape Vincent French Festival’s 40^th Anniversary celebration and applauded the work done by volunteers to make the event a success over the past four decades.

"Some very dedicated people had the vision 40 years ago to start all of this with a parade and now it has grown into an essential North Country summer celebration," Sen. Aubertine said. "The volunteers who continue to make this event so successful are the reason we draw tens of thousands of people here every year. It’s a great tradition that should certainly be on everyone’s summer itinerary."

Celebrated every year on the weekend after the 4^th of July, the French Festival has drawn crowds in excess of 25,000 people to its booths, live music and activities. Restaurants and shops participate in the celebration as well, benefitting from the increased traffic.

"I know people who plan their vacations to fall between the 4^th and the French Festival so they can spend this week with family and friends," Sen. Aubertine said. "It is the foundation of reunions, but also a tourist attraction. We can’t overlook the economic value of this festival to the local businesses, which over the past 40 years have come to expect the revenue from this event. It has become a major holiday."

The 40^th Annual French Festival begins at 7 a.m. Saturday July 12 with a pancake breakfast and runs through Sunday afternoon. French pastries and bread go on sale at 8 a.m. in the fire hall and at 10 a.m., craft booths and exhibits open for the day. The parade starts at 2 p.m., while children’s programs and live music are scheduled throughout the day Saturday before fireworks at dark. For more information go to: www.capevincent.org/frenchfestival.asp.

"This is my hometown festival and my heritage," Sen. Aubertine said. "Whether you have ancestors among the first 11 to settle here more than 175 year ago, you moved here a few months ago, or you’re just stopping in for a visit, this festival lets everyone share in the history, heritage, natural beauty and fun here in Cape Vincent."