Saint-Patrick Day : A virtual concert instead of a parade

The 16^th edition of Châteauguay’s Saint-Patrick’s Day parade is being postponed for a second consecutive year due to COVID-19. Activities are nonetheless being planned to celebrate the Irish holiday. Châteauguay & Valley Irish Heritage Association (CVIHA) and the City of Châteauguay are offering a virtual concert this Wednesday, March 17^th as of 7 pm. “This show featuring local artists will present performances captured for the occasion, such as numbers filmed prior to the pandemic. You will have an opportunity to see our queen and two princesses, the Châteauguay Academy of Irish Dancing, the Chœur La Bohème choir, 2 Guys and a Mike and The Riley Band,” detailed the Irish association in a press release. “The main part of the show was pre-recorded at the Pavillon de l’Île last weekend. We are eager to unveil it to the public!” expressed City of Châteauguay spokesperson Éric Laparé. The event will be broadcast from the City’s and the CVIHA’s Facebook pages. Meal and variety The BLVD Bar Resto-Bar and Grill and Force Nutrition, both located in the Kepler Shopping Centre in Châteauguay are offering a “reverse parade” for Saint-Patrick’s Day on Saturday, March 20^th. Anyone interested can get an Irish meal and energy drinks delivered to their parked cars. Musicians from The Riley Band will be playing outside. Members of the Black Watch will also be on hand with bagpipes and drums. Pick-ups will be scheduled at 30-minute intervals between 1pm and 3pm. “We’ll have twenty cars at a time. People will have to remain in their cars. It will be really small,” explained Michael Ghorayeb, owner of the BLVD Resto-Bar and Grill. The activity is being held to benefit the CVIHA. “Times are really hard for the Association. It’s difficult for them to find sponsors. We’re trying to do our part by helping out a little,’ emphasized Mr. Ghorayeb. Tickets are available at the BLVD Bar and Grill and at Force Nutrition. (Translation Amanda Bennett)