Fête Nationale Politicians

Back on the 23rd and 24th of June, the Ville de Longueuil held their annual Fête Nationale celebrations.  On the 23rd, the celebrations were held in the historic Parc St. Marc on Saint-Charles Ouest in Longueuil while on the 24th, the party took place at the immense Parc de la Cité in the borough of Saint-Hubert.  I had the good fortune to be able to photograph the concerts during both parties.  Thankfully the weather was a little bit cooler and less wet than in past years.  The great weather added to the party and a great time was had by all.  As is tradition, both events began with speeches for our municipal, provincial and federal governments.  The MC for our first night was Laurence Lambert-Chan, who has done a great job doing sor for a couple of years now.  Night two was headlined by radio DJ Jean-Yves Lemay from FM 103.3.  The politicians on hand for the party on the 23rd were Longueuil mayor Catherine Fournier, Members of the National Assembly, Shirley Dorismond, Lionel Carmant, and Ian Lafrenière, as well as Members of the House of Commons of Canada, Natilien Joseph and Sherry Romanado and city councillor Lysa Belaicha.  On the 24th, Member of the House of Commons of Canada Olivier Ntumba, a returning Natilien Joseph and City Councillor Nathalie Delisle were on hand.  As usual, they did a great job mentioning the importance of the day and a solid cheer-leading effort to get the crowd pumped up on both nights for the musical goodness that was to follow.  The first photograph was taken at f/3.2, 1/800sec, ISO 1600 at 70mm and the second photograph was taken at f/3.2, 1/8sec, ISO 1600 at 70mm.  Here are a few more photographs of our elected leaders in action at La Fête Nationale.

With all of the speeches out of the way, it's time to get La Fête Nationale party started.  To see the photographs of Muhoza Band, Louis-Jean Cormier, Andréanne A. Malette and Kaïn, who all performed over the two days, you can follow the respective links.  Much thanks to the Maryse Riendeau of Ville de Longueuil and Longueuil est Culture for putting these shows together and for allowing me to photographer them.  Merci beaucoup.  Stick around for some fun.