The Gatineau River - a gift of beauty and life for future generations.
It was a rainy autumn Sunday…but full of lively fun at Cantley’s River Pride event. Hosted by La Grange de la Gatineau and Cantley 1889, with help from the Cantley Lions Club, this was the final of six regional River Pride events coordinated by Maison Fairbairn House Heritage Centre.
Nestled on the bank of the Gatineau River, the historic log Grange set the perfect atmosphere for the afternoon. Cantley 1889 welcomed guests in the entrance room with their historical displays of the river. Seven of the Barrhaven Fiddleheads played toe-tapping traditional fiddle music in the “great hall”, while the Cantley Lions Club offered snacks and engaged the children in a variety of games.
Artist Hannah Ranger encouraged all who attended to participate in her community art project. Each person wrote on a blue ribbon a meaningful thought about “what the Gatineau River is...”. Each was attached to a bamboo stick planted along the entranceway of La Grange in time for the highlight of the afternoon: Ian Tamblyn’s musical play “A River Runs Through Us”.
The play tells of the Gatineau River’s major historical events, its legends and its people. Five talented actors dramatized 33 characters through story and song which were entertaining, clever, poignant and at times hilarious. The audience not only learned of the river’s history and culture in a very entertaining way, but also felt a deep sense of pride and connection to the Gatineau.
The play was performed in English. A summary of the play is available in French.