The Italian Feast
During late July or early August, the local Italian committee organized the Italian Feast, honoring several saints, namely; Saint Anthony, Saint Gabriel, Sante Emedio and La Madonna de la Libera. The statues of these saints were kept in the Saint Elisabeth church. The Italian community came from many regions of Italy such as Campobasso, Marches, Campania and Calabria, and each region or town had their own patron saint, hence the need to celebrate several saints at the same Italian feast.
The activity started on Thursday with the construction of the floats (three or four) at the foot of Walnut Street. Volunteer carpenters and decorators built huge wooden floats attached to a pick-up truck. These floats were decorated with ribbons and flowers and many cedar trees were attached to the sides. The trees were cut from a Laurentian property owned by one of the committee members. Each float had a statue attached with huge ribbons pinned with dollar bills. Prior to the parade, it was amazing to see people pin many $10 and $20 bills to the ribbons. That was a lot of money in those days.
On Saturday evening, the Italian marching band would circle the area as a pre notice that the feast would take place on Sunday next day. A few fireworks bombs were also lit as part of the ceremony.
Saturday was usually a very busy time for the Italian women who were very busy cooking up their specialties to feed and entertain visitors next day.
Vaillant Park was set up with a music stand and snack / refreshments booths. The traditional greased pole was also set up for those courageous enough to climb their way up for the $5.00 bill and the capicole ham. Many tried but few succeeded.
On Sunday morning the Italian marching band passed the area once again prior to the celebration of mass at the Saint Elisabeth church. The Mass was frequently presided by Bishop Cimicella and others. The Bishop was a friend of the people of our parish. Many children were dressed up in costumes representing the saints. There were thousands of people attending the festivities and then most joined the parade after the mass. Dignitaries always led the parade, the organizing committee and the flag bearers.
( Argendi and ti Jean Coulombe were the principal flag bearers). Each group followed the patron saint of their choice. The parade route started at Des Courcelles, then to St.Jacques, east to Sainte Marguerite, west on Saint Antoine, then St. Remi, Cazelais, Desnoyers, to St. Jacques and back to the church. It was quite a sight and experience enjoyed by all.
In the afternoon, people went to dine and then returned to Vaillant park for evening music and the famous fireworks.
The park, Upper Lachine road and St. Remi streets were packed with crowds estimated to exceed 15,000 people. The fireworks were the highlight of the feast.
A lot of credit had to be given to the volunteers who worked very hard at organizing this annual event.
