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Maple magic returns at 15th Annual Rupert Sugar Shack!

AFFNO brings another year of unforgettable celebrations

Families in Prince Rupert enjoyed AFFNO’s four-day wintery celebration, which was filled with French cuisine and exciting activities.

The rich array of cultural events featured the beloved Cabane à sucre (Sugar Shack), French folk music, and a taste of traditional cuisine. Festival-goers also enjoyed the film screening of “Le temps d’un été" at the local movie theatre, alongside a hands-on percussion workshop for children, offering something for all ages to enjoy.

Renée Syvret, the executive director of AFFNO explained Sugar Shack is a traditional event in Québec that takes place in the spring when the sap is running at the maple farms.

"It is a celebration of the coming of spring and the making of maple syrup. There are festivities all over the province of Québec just like our Sugar Shack event here in the North," said Syvret.

Approximately 100 people relished the food lineup, which included pancakes, beans, ham, tourtière, sugar pie, and maple taffy on the snow. In the background, the band Spring Fever gave a lively performance. 

The organizer, AFFNO (The Association des Francophones et Francophiles du Nord-Ouest), was founded in 2000 by a group of Francophones from Quebec who moved to northwest B.C., particularly to Kitimat for work.

"AFFNO’s challenges are always how to best serve the whole Northwest in all seasons, from Smithers to Prince Rupert. The Northwest covers a large territory and we are the only French Association in B.C. with such a challenge," said Syvret.

The group focuses on continuously promoting French culture and raising community awareness about the French language and traditions, contributing to diversity and inclusivity in Canada.

AFFNO also provides a panoply of services such as French book loans, language classes, assistance to new arrivals, hosting cultural events, and more.

It organizes at least one major event per community, including St-Jean Baptiste Day in Terrace, Sugar Shack festivals in Prince Rupert and Kitimat, Reconciliation Day in Hazelton, and Ski and Maple Toffee in Smithers. 

"All of these events have become tradition in the communities and are well attended every year," said Syvret.



About the Author: Radha Agarwal, Local Journalism Initiative

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