Generations Party 2025: a great success despite the rain!

This third edition of the event organized by the Table de développement des communautés Sutton-Abercorn once again brought together people of all generations around activities that encouraged meeting and exchange. Despite the rainy weather, activities were maintained by moving the meal to the school cafeteria and most of the activities to the gymnasium. Both areas had been set up in a cozy and pleasant atmosphere, and sports activities were still held outdoors, since a little rain doesn’t prevent you from playing outside!

The day kicked off in the gymnasium with the Swap Market, organized by the Organisme de participation des parents (OPP) of Sutton School from 10 to 11:30 am. This ecological activity encourages waste reduction through the exchange of goods or services. A dozen tables were occupied by young people from the school, as well as members of FADOQ, Loisirs Sutton (soccer) and L’Accorderie de l’Estrie-Ouest . Visitors were invited to exchange objects or services with them! This very popular activity got the day off to a great start.

Families also enjoyed story time between 10 and 11 a.m., hosted by Alexandre de Jocas of Éditions Les 400 coups, in the relaxation area set up with mattresses and cushions.

From 11 a.m. onwards, a wide range of activities was on offer in and around the gymnasium:

• Flower-making art activity with Sutton School of Art
• Community weaving with CAB Sutton, who also distributed lemonade!
• Introduction to piano with the Sutton Traditional Fiddle Festival
• Bird workshop with the Club d’ornithologie de Brome-Missisquoi
• Introducing the Joëlette for inclusive hikes with PENS
• Face painting with Catherine Thomas, school daycare technician
• Obstacle course with Maison des jeunes le Spot
• Learning physical literacy with En Mouvement
• Soccer matches with Loisirs Sutton

allraté Kloune also entertained people of all ages!

Information kiosks

Many community organizations were also on site to promote their services. Participants could visit the following booths: Accorderie de l’Estrie-Ouest, Ballet-Théâtre Sutton, CIUSSSE-CHUS, CAB Sutton, Club des Ornithologues de Brome-Missisquoi, Conservation Nature Canada, Coop Gym Santé Sutton, Corporation de développement économique de Sutton (CDES), Sutton School of Art, Sutton School, En mouvement, Espace Sutton, FADOQ Les Deux Monts, Festival de violon traditionnel Sutton, Loisirs Sutton (soccer), Maison des jeunes Le Spot, Men’s Shed, PENS, Piano public Sutton. The Town of Sutton also had an information booth on its various services, with firefighters present to raise awareness of residential fire prevention.

A delicious free cold lunch of sandwiches, salads and side dishes was served from noon onwards. Thanks to the work of numerous volunteers and the Racine pop organization, participants were able to feast in the cafeteria in a convivial atmosphere that encouraged discussion and new encounters.

Back in the gymnasium after a hearty meal, those present were able to continue enjoying the musical program, while savouring a delicious dessert sold by Ballet-Théâtre Sutton as part of its fund-raising campaign. Two young Sutton girls also raised funds for their competitive swimming club by selling coffee and herbal teas.

The day unfolded in a beautiful musical atmosphere, thanks to performances by local artists:

• Patrick Simard and his djembes
• Chris Velan
• The BéGés duo of Agnès Boisvert and Jean Garceau, accompanied by the Sutton School choir
• Numbers from the school’s Talent Show
• Karen & Friends

The artists brought atmosphere and warmth to this grey day, offering dynamic and varied performances to the spectators! Special thanks to Willy leMaistre, who expertly handled the sound all day long.

The Table de développement des communautés Sutton-Abercorn would like to extend its warmest thanks to the 18 volunteers, 3 cooks, the sound technician and the 4 coordinators whose invaluable contribution helped ensure the smooth running of the activities and meal. Thanks also to all the organizations that participated in the day’s diverse programming, and to photographer Tristan Corbeil Lapointe who immortalized this beautiful edition of the Generations Party.

Once again this year, we would like to thank the many citizens and organizations who lent their equipment. It certainly takes a village to host such a successful event!

And finally, thank you to everyone who came out in such numbers and enthusiasm to take part in this warm and unifying community event, despite the rain!

The Generations Party is made possible thanks to many hours of volunteer work and the support of the Réseau de développement social de Brome-Missisquoi, funded by the Fondation Lucie et André Chagnon, as well as the Town of Sutton.

The Table de développement des communautés de Sutton-Abercorn (Sutton-Abercorn community development table) is a forum for exchange, partnership and concerted action, with a view to structured collective action by citizens and social players on collective issues relating to living conditions in their community. In concrete terms, these meetings enable the exchange of information, the development of a common vision, the identification of perceived problems and solutions to be implemented together. To find out more, visit Réseau de développement de Brome-Missisquoi.