Bustling weekend in Aylmer!
Sophie Demers
Aylmer was busy day and night as the warm weather brought warmer vibes. Activities and events kept folks busy, June 3 and 4. The Strawberry Moon lit the sky pink as a season of visiting Old Aylmer kicked off under a Quebec-wide fire ban. By Monday morning, it was clear. Parts of northern Outaouais succumbed to some forest fire activity, with the smoky sky and air quality in the High Risk zone. A forest fire was near Lac Simon (and still burning at press time, June 5) as well as near Calabogie.
Wychwood had their annual Garage sale on Saturday. The neighbours set up their garage sale in their front lawns. Many families, cyclists, and residents took the opportunity to find deals and catch up with friends in the neighborhood.
Also on Saturday, the Lakeview Terrace residents association, in partnership with 1st Aylmer Scouts, organized a yard sale and BBQ. The event took place in front of École Rapid-Deschênes and gathered many community members. St. Mark's church had a large garage sale over the weekend.
Greg Fergus, Liberal MP for Hull-Aylmer, hosted an open door event at his office in the Aylmer Galeries on June 3 from 10:30 am to noon. Residents were invited to speak with Mr. Fergus, and to share their ideas and concerns about the community.
The Aylmer Heritage Association had their 21st annual plant sale on June 3. The association had a variety of perennials for sale at the Old Methodist Chapel, 495 Aylmer Road.
Children and teens participated in “Fête de la Pêche'' with the Aylmer rod & gun club. The event taught participants the basics of fishing and kids left with a rod and a fishing license. On the same day, in the Aylmer Galeries, young entrepreneurs set up tables to sell their goods for the “La Grande journée des Petits Entrepreneurs”. Organized provincially, the young entrepreneur markets took place throughout Quebec. This year, there were approximately 8,000 kids participating and 180 markets organized.
On Sunday, June 4, the first Marché Vieu-Aylmer of the season took place at Parc Commémoratif. A variety of local producers and businesses participated. This event will continue throughout the summer every Sunday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.
5e Baron hosted the Aylmer Dance Party on Saturday night. The free event is organized by a group of volunteers. Last year, the event raised a little over $700 for Moisson Outaouais, a regional food bank.
The British Hotel and Restaurant was hopping with entertainment – a live band Friday night and DJ Saturday night.
The Outaouais Film Festival held outdoor screenings in Parc des cèdres at sundown throughout the weekend, with viewers sitting on blankets and folding chairs to enjoy the shows.
The Centre de Voile Grande-Rivière (CVGR) was host to their season’s first event – the sailing club has a roster of events for both the public and members throughout the season.
Photo 1 caption: Full Moon on June 3, the Strawberry Moon, photographed from the boat launch at the Deschênes Rapids.
Photo credit: Lyne Forget-Lanthier
Photo 2 caption: Beach goers at the Aylmer Marina enjoying the pleasant weather and good vibes.
Photo credit: Alana Repstock
