Congres mondial acadien

 As we roll into 2014, it's time to start planning your trip to the Blanchette Family Reunion 2014!  This is the first of several blog posts that you will see over the next day or two about the travel logistics, schedule, and more.

You may already be aware that our reunion is part of a larger event- the World Acadian Congress, or Congres mondial acadien (CMA.)  The CMA is a 17-day celebration of the Acadian and French-Canadian culture.  There will be many different kinds of events throughout the very northern part of Aroostook County, Maine, the Temiscouata region of Quebec, and much of New Brunswick.

The CMA will start with community gatherings throughout the region on the morning of August 8.  The theme will be "erasing the borders" and breakfasts in Fort Kent and Van Buren, as well as across the border, will allow everyone to view the live webcast of the erasing the borders ceremony.

That evening, there will be an opening ceremony in Edmundston, NB.  The "L'Acadie du Monde" show will offer images of Acadia then and now, as well as musical and dance performances.  The show will also feature popular recording artist Roch Voisine.

Throughout the CMA, events will be held on both sides of the border.  From art exhibits and visits to historical sites to youth events and a variety show, there will be many different things to do!

Do you like some friendly eating competition?  Check out the ploye eating contest in Edmundston!  Feeling athletic?  There will be cycling and kayak/canoe tours in Clair (NB) and nordic walking at 10th Mountain in Fort Kent.  Are you looking for some quiet spiritual time?  Grand Isle (ME) will offer Mizpah, a place for spiritual healing and reflection.  Other offerings will include a lumberjack competition in Kedgwick (NB), a traditional music show in Lejeune (QC), horse and buggy trail rides in Madawaska (ME), wreath making and Christmas tree farm tours in Packington (QC), a Whoopie Pie Festival in Portage Lake (ME), and so much more.  Throw in guided tours of a Maliseet cultural site, textile demonstrations, agricultural exhibits, many concerts, a flea market, a demolition derby, and multiple traditional Acadian dinners, and you'll be sure to find some interesting activities!

There may even be some conflict- both Edmundston and Fort Kent are claiming they will be producing the world's biggest ploye!  Which one will succeed?  Fort Kent's annual Ploye Festival holds the current record, but will they break that across the river?

The entire schedule is available on the CMA website.  http://www.cma2014.com/en/programmation/journees-piliers - check it out!