Big Franco-Ontarian Day bash in Chelmsford Sept. 25

Hundreds of elementary and secondary students from various Conseil scolaire catholique du Nouvel-Ontario (CSCNO) schools will celebrate Franco-Ontario history by taking part in various activities on Sept. 25.

More than 1,500 elementary and secondary students from some 12 CSCNO schools will gather at Place Bonaventure (4764 Regional Road) in Chelmsford to take part in the celebration of the provincial Franco-Ontarian Day.

As it has since 2008, this annual Francophone pride event will begin with an animated march and conclude with a host of events on the École secondaire catholique Champlain school grounds (61 Brookside St.).

All members of the community are invited to attend this event organized by Champlain students and staff. First held in 2008, this pride-building activity is very popular among CSCNO students, staff and families.

Wearing green and white clothing and proudly waving Franco-Ontarian flags and school banners, participants in this celebration of Franco-Ontarian vitality will march through the streets of Chelmsford.

This animated march (tintamarre) will be followed by a concert featuring Mandala, a rock band from École secondaire catholique l’Horizon, winners of the Brunante and the Canada Day Battle of the Bands, as well as Michael Sea, a popular singer among younger children.

A variety of activities and a barbecue will also take place. The celebration will conclude at 1 p.m.

The provincial Franco-Ontarian day, celebrated officially for the sixth time, will take place on Sept. 25.

The selected date coincides with the anniversary of the Franco-Ontarian flag, flown for the first time in Sudbury in 1975.