The year 2015 will be quite festive in Laval! Fifty years ago, great minds set out to shape the face of Laval as we know it today, and you’re invited to join in and celebrate the island’s history and splendour. In April and May, the fun is only getting started! Countless activities for the whole family will take place as spring rolls into town.

La Grande Fête des Pompiers, one of the city’s most popular events, is back this year with a special edition that will be held at Place du 50e at Centropolis from May 29th to 31st. Children of all ages will enjoy the myriad of shows, buskers, inflatable games, antique trucks and, of course, the parade! Runners can start off the season with a bang and participate in a half marathon that will be held on the last day of the festival. Participants will be invited to run 2, 5 or 10 kilometres. Participants in the half-marathon will run for the most part along the beautiful Des Prairies River, and new this year, they will pass through some of the city’s iconic areas and end up at Centropolis.
The Bal des Pompiers also promises some unique insights into this summer’s colourful light show and water theatre.

You must register to participate in this 50th anniversary activity. Simply visit www.fetedespompiers.com, under “Race” to register.

From May to August, the Balade magique en forêt will bring nature and theatre together to create an enchanting hour of fun and magic in the Bois de l’Équerre. Characters inspired by legends of the woods will take you on a journey through one of Laval’s most magnificent green spaces.

In the spring, citizens and visitors are invited to the opening of a temporary garden at Centre de la nature in celebration of the city’s anniversary. This unique garden will feature imaginative green walls, unique flower arrangements, ingenious eco-friendly furniture and a giant artistic mural. It’s also an anniversary year for Centre de la nature that is blowing out its 45th birthday candles in 2015. For the occasion, an alpine garden will be added to the already impressive natural environment of this large park.

In April, May and August, Laval’s libraries are the place to be as they host a puppet show and a play in honour of the Année de la lecture. Saint-Norbert School’s pupils have put together a musical show celebrating the city’s history and diversity called Ici, le monde! The Centre de la petite enfance Force Vive will also keep everyone entertained for a great cause with a wide range of activities, family picnics, circus workshops, and sports activities that will take place in several parks, including Du Moulin, L’Escale and Des Tilleuls Parks. À la découverte de son voisin (Get to Know Your Neighbour) is an invitation to a culturally immersive experience. On the last Saturday of each month, from May to August, discover several of Laval’s cultural communities through great social encounters, dances, tasting of traditional dishes and more. If you’re looking for an outdoor activity, bring your kids to Laval on May 4 and participate in the Tour de l’Est, a leisurely 25-kilometre bike ride promoting healthy habits and an active lifestyle.

As you can see, Laval’s 50th anniversary program has something for everyone. Join in the celebrations and create great memories to be cherished for years to come!

Visit http;//www.50ans.laval.ca/ for more information.

See you there!

Encart Cosmodôme
Do you know what happened on March 18th, 1965? Alexei Leonov was the first to walk in space! To celebrate this great achievement, the Cosmodôme has put together a fun-packed weekend for the whole family. Astronaut spacewalk trainings, drawing competitions, quizzes on “space firsts” and interactive virtual missions are only the tip of the iceberg of what you can look forward to on April 4, 5, and 6th.