L’Orignal – The Regional Committee has launched its programming of the seventh edition of the Ottawa River Festival (ORF), which will take place from June 28 to 30, 2018.
This year, the festival is proud to collaborate with the Telus Poker Run Ride for Dad, a fun-filled activity that aims to raise funds for prostate cancer. The registration fee is $30 per participant and includes a hot dog lunch, Poker Run activity, prizes and more. This new nautical activity will take place at the L’Orignal municipal beach. Participants will leave the beach around noon in groups, and will stop in Hawkesbury, Lefaivre, and the André Lalonde Marina in Wendover, before returning to L’Orignal.
“Our shores are full of personal watercraft owners. We hope that many will enjoy this beautiful hike on the river,” says organizer Raymond Bender.
Water sports fans will be able to try kayaking, paddle boarding (SUP), paddle boating, wakesurfing and jet skiing at the new O’Shack Boating Center at Confederation Park in Hawkesbury. In Lefaivre, firefighters from Alfred and Plantagenet Township are organizing their first canoe-kayak race as a fundraising event for muscular dystrophy.
Following the great demand of last year, festivalgoers will have the chance to contemplate the beauty of the river during the festival, thanks to pontoon boat tours offered in Rockland, Lefaivre and L’Orignal on Saturday, June 30. Also that same day, East Hawkesbury Township will host its Community Breakfast and Champlain Township is hosting a mobile Pickrells Ice Cream Kiosk on the beach.
After several years, the Rockland Ford Classic Poker Run will take a new route to the St-Albert Cheese Factory. Ford Mustang and classic-car fans will be able to admire the exhibition of these beautiful cars at Parc du Moulin on Saturday afternoon. This Poker Run is a fundraiser for the CIBC Run for the Cure and Building the Heart of Your Community. Register at www.fordclassicspokerrun.ca (limit of 150 participants).
As for music, Lefaivre will vibrate to the rhythm of jazz on Friday evening, June 29, with guests of honour Oliver Jones and Doudou Rouet Boicel. The evening will continue with Rick D’Opra Band, Jazz Quintet and Jazz Trio with Didier Chasteau. The jazz will continue Saturday, June 30 with The Jivewires and The Commotions.
The City of Clarence-Rockland will offer two full evenings. On Friday, June 29, rock music fans will be able to enjoy the Tribute to Rock show with the original tribute to the Eagles, Hotel California, as well as Canada’s foremost tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), Green River Revival. The next day, Saturday, June 30, the park gives way to humor with the Gaspesian, PA Méthot. Both shows will take place on the Desjardins stage at Du Moulin Park. Tickets for these shows are on sale online, at City Hall, the Trillium Caisse Desjardins and Jean Coutu Pharmacy in Rockland.
For more information on the various activities of the Ottawa River Festival, visit www.festivalprescott-russell.ca.
