Last year’s first au Galop Festival drew more than 10,000 visitors to Saint Lazare during its run. The 2016 festival will get underway on July 1 and run until July 3. (File photo)
*Update: The Knights of Valour medieval jousting tournament is free to attend.
Saint Lazare’s second annual three day western themed au Galop Festival will get underway this week and will run from July 1-3. Organizers say they’re ready to welcome thousands of visitors for three full days of activities that will kick off on Canada Day. All festivities, workshops, shows and demonstrations, which will take place in three separate venues situated in the downtown core, will showcase the town’s equestrian roots. Visitors are encouraged to dress in their best western garb, while Saint Lazare businesses and home owners have also been challenged to decorate for the theme. Highlights from the event that welcomed more than 10,000 visitors last year will include the flagship show, the Knights of Valour, a free medieval jousting tournament taking place at 3 p.m. on July 2 in the Grand Galop zone. An introduction to the sport of horse-ball is also scheduled, as are carriage driving demonstrations and a ticketed concert starring Ariane Moffatt being held at Chez Maurice at 9 p.m. on July 2. Other events will include a hunters & jumpers show, barrel racing, chainsaw wood carving demonstrations, mechanical bull riding, a food fair, a cultural fair, an equestrian fair, line dancing, amusement rides, kids activities, and more. Funds from this year’s festival will support the Fondation de l’Hôpital du Suroît and the Centre Équestre Thérapeutique Marie-Laurence. Most activities aside from a few ticketed events will be free. For a full list of events and activities go to www.augalop.ville.saint-lazare.qc.ca, or visit the Saint Lazare au Galop Facebook page.
Lire la nouvelle Saint-Lazare au Galop Festival starting Friday sur le site web VIVA média.