Lac-Mégantic: Events to Remember, Support, and Tell Each Other
Commemorations 2023 // Programming from July 4-8, 2023
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Translated from original French
Lac-Mégantic – As part of the commemorations of the 10th anniversary of the rail tragedy, the City of Lac-Mégantic, in collaboration with its many partners, is offering a “comfort summer” to the community. A sober summer, respectful of the wishes of residents who signified to us the desire to live these moments together. In this spirit, a diversified cultural and spiritual program has been built over the past few months with the objective of creating moments to remember, support and tell stories. These moments are designed to do good, but we recognize that each person will experience their commemorations in their own way, and we call for respect from all.
Under the Sign of Sharing and Spirituality
The animation committee of the Sainte-Agnès church, under the aegis of Father Garrick Huang, offers various moments of meditation, sharing, and spirituality. Indeed, on the night of July 5th to 6th, the doors of the church will remain open in order to offer a place of meditation and personal prayers. In the evening of the 5th, a baroque chamber music concert will feature three internationally renowned musicians. Local artists and guests will also provide musical performances. At 1:14 a.m. precisely, a march is planned to pay tribute to the lives of those who lost them ten years ago. This demonstration of support and solidarity has often been named as having a strong impact on the population.
Memorial Mass and Flight of Bells
The Memorial Mass will take place at 11 a.m., and the bells of the Sainte-Agnès church will ring at noon on July 6th, in tribute to the victims and the community. Flowers will be laid near the memorial in front of the church.
“Between Dog and Wolf” Concert and Evening Whow at the Musi-Café
Knowing the attachment of the people of Mégantic to the popular "Concerts Between Dog and Wolf" presented free of charge in the Veterans' Park every Thursday in the summer, and this, for years, the Arts, Culture, and Heritage Commission of Lac-Mégantic will offer citizens an extraordinary concert on July 6th, where two artists will warm the hearts of spectators.
On July 7th, the Musi-Café will also offer a moment of gathering around music, in the heart of the city center. A gentle evening show, both catchy, celebrating the strength of life will be offered by an artist, a longtime friend of Lac-Mégantic. He will perform on the Musi-Café stage in the evening.
On July 8, the Comfort Show
Inspired by the summer 2013 comfort concert series featuring free shows, a musical show will be offered to the entire population on July 8th at 8 p.m. at Veterans Park. During this meeting between the artists and the Méganticoise community, a benevolent atmosphere will reign and will highlight the strengths, the resilience, and the great victories that are hidden behind the last 10 years.
During this vibrant show, all in sobriety, the artists will present to the community many songs from their repertoire and also, some special requests from citizens. Light shows and citizen stories will add to the whole show to create a warm atmosphere, a place of communion and pride. The music will allow the community to let themselves be carried away by the emotion of the moment and to discuss the collective memory. It is always possible, until the end of May, to let the team know which song you would like to hear during this concert. You can do this through boxes placed at strategic locations in the City (grocery stores, pharmacy, City Hall, CSM) or via a form available on the City's website. The names of the artists who will take part in the commemorations will be announced shortly.
Sources:
Communications Department
City of Lac-Megantic
819-583-2441
