For the past 20 years, the congregations of Christ Church and the Mid-Laurentian United Church in Rawdon have combined their efforts to hold the Rawdon Family Fun Fair in July. This event has become the main fundraiser for both parishes as well as being a not-to-be-missed activity for the community.

For many years, Christ Church had organized a picnic at Darwin Falls, then in later years the Bazaar on the first weekend in July, and the United Church held a mini-fair (including an auction) the following weekend. In 1996, Shirley Tinkler and the late Donald Stewart spearheaded the joint event, Rawdon Family Fair and it has been going strong ever since. In the last three years the auction has been held on a separate day so that the people can enjoy both the entertainment and the auction. This year the Rawdon Family Fair Auction will be held on August 15, 2015.

The theme of the Fair this year is “Family Reunion Weekend”. For the very first time, it will be held over the entire weekend, from July 10 to 12. In case of rain, the Saturday activities could be postponed to Sunday. The organizers hope that people with connections to Rawdon will return over this weekend for a home coming, and encourage residents to hold a family reunion to coincide with this activity.

Many activities are planned over the course of the weekend;

  • Outdoor concerts, including a Battle of the Bands
  • Booths of handicrafts, home-made goodies, second-hand books (nearly new), Christmas in July, plants, etc.
  • Historical presentation by historian Daniel Parkinson, author of “Up to Rawdon”
  • Inflatable structures
  • Horse rides
  • Games and more!
Refreshments (snack bar, tea room, alcoholic beverages, cotton candy, etc.) will be available on the site. The Rawdon Legion is also organizing a supper for 6;00 on Saturday, July 11, and a breakfast will be served after church on the 12th, either on the field or in the United Church hall.

Crafters are invited to rent a 10’ X 10’ or 10’ X 12’ booth on July 11th for only $25. Two crafters may share a space. The deadline is July 7th. To reserve your space, contact Sue-Ellen at 450-834-2235 (evenings) / sueellenj@decolin.com.

The Rawdon Family Fair will take place on the Rec tory Garden field just off Metcalfe Street, between 3rd & 4th Avenue, Rawdon, Quebec. You can Google the address for directions; 3360 Rue Rectory Garden.

While in Rawdon for this weekend reunion, it is also well worth your time to visit some of the other sites and attractions, such as the Darwin Falls, Mason Falls, the Cascades, the Centre d’interprétation multiethnique, the municipal beach, the Russian Orthodox cemetery, Arbraska or La Source Nordic spa. The bison farm Terre des bisons is also holding its Prison Break race on July 11th. You can obtain more information on this fun and challenging activity on their website at terredesbisons.com.

After 20 years of organizing the Family Fun Fair, some of the original volunteers are no longer able to continue contributing to the success of this event. It is time to pass the torch to some of the younger community members. To get involved, please do not hesitate to contact; Merle at 450-834-3535 or mparkinson@xplornet.com.

Please follow us on Facebook at Rawdonfamilyfair.

Source; Michelle Eaton-Lusignan
English Community Organization of Lanaudière
450-421-5379
ecollanaudiere@hotmail.com