August 1978, Saint-Eustache

A black and white photograph of a man with a beard wearing a suit and tie. He is sitting at a desk with a pile of documents in front of him.

Gilbert Gardner, organizer of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache, 1980s

It’s August 7, the first day of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache! To blend in, you’ve purloined – uh, borrowed – an arrow sash from your sister. You are with your parents, but naturally you’ll be ditching them as soon as you can get lost in the crowd.

You’re lucky enough to be welcomed by one of the main organizers, Gilbert Gardner, who is supervising the team of volunteers.

Publinfo letterhead, 1974

Since the first year of the Fêtes, Gilbert Gardner has been putting an enormous amount of work into organizing the event and he has made a special effort to involve young people. In 1974, he met with a youth group called Publinfo, which had launched a summer project. Their aim was to produce free advertising for different organizations. He has given them a variety of assignments to produce material about the heritage of Old Saint-Eustache. By producing brochures, slide shows, films, a play, and even a sound and light show, they are helping to develop the historical mission of the Fêtes. Gilbert Gardner fosters and supports their creativity. A number of the young people in the group will later become event organizers.

A photograph, edited to look like a comic strip, of a man with a beard and long brown hair. He is wearing a coat, a burgundy scarf, and small round glasses. He is examining a roll of film.

Christian Giraldeau, one of the organizers of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache, 1976

Gilbert Gardner as described by Christian Giraldeau. Listen to the audio excerpt in French, the written transcription is available in English.

A black and white photograph of six police officers gathered around a patrol car. They are eating doughnuts and drinking Pepsi from glass bottles.

Saint-Eustache police officers taking a break, 1979

Along with the Fêtes team, Gilbert Gardner also ensures the security of the site in a way you might call unconventional. While there are occasional examples of excess behavior during the event – due mainly to alcohol consumption – there have not been any major incidents.

A photograph, edited to look like a comic strip, of a man sitting on a chair, singing into a microphone with both his arms raised. He seems to be on a stage inside a big tent. Behind him are four people standing and one person seated.

Louis Bricault, organizer of the Fêtes du Vieux Saint-Eustache, circa 1976

Security during the Fêtes by Louis Bricault. Listen to the audio excerpt in French, the written transcription is available in English.

A Mighty Festival from a Little Acorn Heritage is Part of the Party!