March 6, 2013 Volume 9 • Number 10 50¢ Newsstand Price
INSIDe
north shore
Putting things in perspective – page 3
also
Enjoy three great festivals! – page 5
open for business 250.376.2411
your neighbourhood. your newspaper.
Sugar shack cuisine awakens traditions A&W CHARITY
The sugar season (temps des sucres) is one of the oldest of Francophone culinary traditions. During springtime, many people head to sugar shacks (cabanes à sucre) for a traditional meal. Above, tire sur la neige (snow toffee) is prepared by Sylvie Reid and Line Dijkstra for those with a sweet tooth.
The time has sprung for a sweet activity that has remained an annual family-related celebration of Spring. Situated 16.5 km north-west of Kamloops, the main building at McQueen Lake Education Centre offers all the traditional character of a colonial log cabin in a natural setting. So it is here, on Saturday, March 9, that the Kamloops Francophone Association will soothe urgent maple cravings. They will host Cabane à sucre 2013 in the traditional style of Francophones of Quebec and into the provinces of Ontario and New Brunswick. "Cabane à sucre and other great Canadian traditions have been celebrated annually in this region for over 30 years," remarks Margo Mercier, executive director of the Kamloops Francophone Association. "Bring your 'joie de vivre' and your taste buds!" Translated from French, as the name implies, Cabane à sucre is a sugar shack. Historically, when maple sap flowed during early spring, it was collected from the trees and boiled into maple syrup at craft cabins on properties where settler families pioneered. Many things are on the menu this year for Cabane à sucre at McQueen Lake including fresh air, competitions and special activities for children and celebrating French culture in Kamloops. Sugaring off is a rite-of-passage at
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PLUS GOLF TOURNAMENT
this annual event. A warm and chatty atmosphere is promised when you queue up outdoors for what is perhaps Thursday, MayDelight 19 the best known activity. your taste buds with a special treat, la tire, (maple toffee) made in front of your eyes on snow! (Freshly transported.) This pièce de résistance on a stick will be offered for $2. open for business 250.376.2411 The celebration continues with a delicious, traditional supper open to everyone. Hearty dishes include eggs, sausage, ham, pancakes, beans and roasted potatoes complemented by liberal amounts of pure maple syrup. Did your ears perk up at the mention of more gooey, golden syrup? The smell alone of all the food will likely make this meal one of your cultural favourites for years to come. Pair this feast with a favourite beverage and prepare for an atmosphere of Francophone festivity. You may knock elbows with someone you like. Smile and say, "Salut!" This fun-filled afternoon makes for a wonderful family outing and a memorable culinary experience. Bravo for originality! Activities will start at 2:00pm. La tire from 3:00 to 4:00pm. Supper will be served at 5:00pm. Seats are limited for the supper. Tickets are available at the Association office at 348 Fortune Drive. Call 250-3766060 or visit francokamloops.org to learn more. Jody Tippett
Liz and Frank never missed a beat… Now they’re ready for the next step.
628 Tranquille Rd. Kamloops, BC
Call 250-376-5363
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