Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake

Fireworks on December 29th, 2009 at 6 p.m. (rescheduled to the following day in case of inclement weather)
At Coldbrook Park
Information: 450 242-2870 (to confirm date)

The magic of Christmas in Lac-Brome is above all the atmosphere of Knowlton village illuminated and decorated to create a magical and cozy atmosphear.

Lac-Brome his doning its ceremonial robe and dresses up for the festivities transforming itself into a huge Christmas market where you can stroll, shop, drink a little mulled wine or make a stop at a restaurant or an auberge.

The fir trees studded with sparkling lights adorn the streets, nutcrackers decorate the shops and traditional melodies will plunge the visitors into an atmosphere of childhood memories and emotions.

Come and experience of Lac-Brome in winter, the place of charm by excellence for your winter outings and after-ski!

Full programming details at www.cclacbrome.com/festivalenlumiere

Rues Principales in bloom contest winners

Here are the winners of the “Rues Principales in bloom” contest who were announced at a breakfast meeting held on last September 21 at the Auberge Spa West Brome.

Bondville
1er prize: Hill House B&B
2ième prize: Club de Golf Inverness

Foster
1st prize: Auberge Quilliams
2nd prize: Jardins Foster
3rd prize: Le Cyprès

Fulford
1st prize: La petite table nippone
2nd prize: Wright General Store

Knowlton
1st prize : Auberge Lakeview Inn
2nd prize: Galerie Knowlton
3rd prize: Galerie Bistro Carpe Diem

West Brome
1st prize: Auberge & Spa West-Brome
2nd prize: Mountainview Services vétérinaires
3rd prize: Pur Animal

There were also many honourable mentions, such as:
Allard Construction, Auberge du Joli Vent, Dépanneur Lakeside, Golf Lac-Brome, Auberge Knowlton, Brocante Casa, Bromewood, Boussada, Camlen, Chic Entrepôt / Rococo, Espace Mosaïc, Françoise Martel la Coiffure, Jones New York, Knowlbanks, La Marina, Le Chien Noir, Les Emballages Knowlton, Paddies Boutique, Papa Spiros, The Shack/Dawes Jewellers, Uniprix, Woolrich / Mill Pond, et le Restaurant O’Sunrize.

Brome Lake Duck Festival, the most beautiful autumn festival, announces its novelties

The village of Knowlton, Brome Lake, in the Eastern Townships, is preparing to dance to the rhythm of its famous Autumn Festival: theBrome Lake Duck Festival!

New revamped look

But before starting the festivities, they must be presented! To do so, the Duck Festival now has a new logo. This logo will become the trademark of the festival.
In addition, a brand new website has been created for the event. Under the new colors of the festival, the website presents different activities, programming details and schedule, a short biography of the Chefs performing cooking demonstrations, animation for the young and old, etc.

New sections have been added: a TOURISM section to assist visitors, a MEDIA section to facilitate information to journalists, a new CONTEST section for visitors and exhibitors, a VOLUNTEER section for all the wonderful people who assist us year after year, etc. Also, our EXHIBITORS have a great visibility with a section devoted to them.

New formula

With the growing number of requests of exhibitors wishing to participate, a new formula was introduced. Food side, only Quebec products are favoured! They will all gather under the big tent at “COIN-COIN DES GOURMANDS” (FOOD MARKET). Artists and artisans will show off their talents at the new “COIN-COIN DES ARTISANS” (ARTISTS’ PLACE). Children will not be left out! More activities will be presented to them at the “COIN DES CANETONS” (CHILDREN’S PLACE)! Petting-zoo, inflatable jumping castle, face painting, clowns, etc. Do not forget the “SALON DES CHEFS” (CHEFS COOKING PLACE) where chefs, cooks and food lovers will gather to concoct specialized duck dishes. Again this year, you will have the pleasure to see Jean-François Plante, spokesman of the event, conduct live cooking demonstrations!

New activity

Another novelty this year, the first Duck Fest Benefit Dinner which will take place on Tuesday September 15th, 2009 at the Inverness Golf Club in Brome Lake. For the occasion, the Duck Festival has partnered with the École Internationale St-Édouard. 30% of the profits will go toward the school.

Under the formula “dinner tasting” concept, this year's theme is the DUCK CASSOULET. A total of six chefs of the region, including Jean-François Plante, spokesperson of the event and owner of the Bistros L’Aromate, will prepare their recipe for duck cassoulet. A group of students from École Internationale St-Édouard will also prepare their version of this highly prized dish. Products used for this dinner must come or be prepared in Quebec.

Artist Marie-Andrée Leblond, who was chosen for a fourth consecutive year to paint the original poster of the festival, agreed to have a reproduction for her 2009 duck fest masterpiece sold through a silent auction during the dinner.

For its first edition, the Duck Festival Benefit Dinner will host 120 guests. Tickets are on sale for $70 per person (taxes included, service not included). For reservations, call 1 877 242-2870.

Further details about the festival will be communicated shortly. Stay tuned!

From August 8 to 16, "CELEBRATION KNOWLTON" will present activities and animation in the center of Knowlton to complement the Knowlton Festival (see details below). Program accessible at following link: Celebration Knowlton.

Back from August 4 to 16 2009, the Knowlton Festival becomes an annual event with a permanent site.

The OSM, conducted by Kent Nagano, will present all four symphonies by Johannes Brahms as well as concerts featuring vocal music, with performances by contralto Marie‑Nicole Lemieux, tenor Ben Heppner, baritone Thomas Hampson and soprano June Anderson, four of the world’s most sought-after opera singers.

Maestro Nagano will also conduct two performances of the concert version of Vincenzo Bellini’s La Sonnambula with soprano Sumi Jo in the title role. To promote up-and-coming singers, the Festival will be presenting some of the winners from Placido Domingo’s most recent Operalia competition, along with young singers from the Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia (Rome), whose participation is made possible through collaboration of its president, Professor Bruno Cagli. Rounding out the program will be a concert by Les Violons du Roy conducted by Bernard Labadie, with soprano Hélène Guilmette, recitals by pianist Stephen Kovacevich and mezzo-soprano Susan Platts, as well as a workshop for children, a family concert, talks and master classes.

The Knowlton Festival Orchestra will be created for the event and will consist of specially selected musicians. As a preview, the Youth Orchestra of the Americas will perform in concert on Tuesday, August 4. Along with the Festival Theatre, concerts will take place in Saint-Eduard chapel and the church in West Brome.

Tickets:

Tickets range in price from $60 to $115. They can be purchased in person at the town halls in Lac-Brome and Waterloo and at the tourism information centres in Bromont, 15, boulevard Bromont, and Sutton, 24-A, rue Principale Sud. They are also available at www.festivaldeknowlton.com, www.osm.ca or by calling 514‑842-9951.

NOAH RICHLER HEADLINES CANADIAN AUTHORS IN KNOWLTON LITERARY FESTIVAL LETTERS FROM KNOWLTON

On August 1st and 2nd, the quaint little village of Knowlton will extend an open invitation to the general public to write letters in attractive settings as the heart of the village will transform into an outdoor literary salon. Letters from Knowlton is the first satellite event of Les Correspondances d’Eastman which this summer (August 6-9) will celebrate its 7th edition.

Other than letter writing, various activities are scheduled involving English writers
participating in round table discussions and readings. National Bestselling author Noah Richler is coming back home to the Eastern Townships to help inaugurate the event. He will be joined by prize-winning authors Neil Smith (Bang Crunch) and Heather O’Neill (Lullabies for Little Criminals), who will be participating in a round table followed by book signings and moderated by former CBC journalist Anne Lagacé Dowson.

This year’s event was announced by Philip Lanthier, chair of Knowlton’s Organizing
Committee and retired Champlain College teacher who now leads literary discussion groups at the Knowlton campus of Bishop’s University. « Everyone is excited to welcome our award-winning authors who will be spending the weekend of August 1st and 2nd in Knowlton. We’ve also been able to gather a group of extremely talented local writers, Don Davison, Laura Teasdale and Harrison Yates and they’ll also be part pf the literary round-table discussions » says Lanthier.

For her part, Nicole Fontaine, founding member of Les Correspondances d’Eastman and literary advisor thanked “ those inspired Knowlton citizens who proposed the event. For some time we had been thinking of creating this type of rapprochement between our two literary communities and this year, it has become a reality”.

There will be a dozen «letter writing spaces » set up around Knowlton offering
picturesque scenery to inspire young and old. Letters will be stamped and delivered
anywhere in the world, courtesy of the organization sponsored by Canada Post. At the conclusion of the weekend, there will be readings of letters, past and present. A Saturday evening celebration of «Words & Music» has also been organized.

Major Sponsors of the literary festival include the Town of Brome Lake and Canada Post. Letters from Knowlton is produced by the highly acclaimed «Correspondances d’Eastman», which for several years now, has attracted hundreds of writers, readers, and book lovers. Les Correspondances will continue this summer in Eastman, with its French program and writers.

The English/French crossover is no accident and in future years it’s hoped that both
organizations will share some authors and bilingual programming.

Program (pdf)
Guest writers biography (pdf)
Local guest writers (pdf)
knowltonreads.blogspot.com

Canine capers in Knowlton now rite-of-spring

Knowlton’s annual Dog Pageant is on again Victoria Day week-end. Sunday, May 17, 2009 will see the 9th annual parade of man’s best friend and the barks and woofs of excitement are already being heard in the village. In case of rain, the activity is scheduled for the following day, Monday, May 18.

A fundraiser for the Frontier Animal Society and Montérégie SPCA, the public can
vote for the “Best In Store” dog using ballots at participating Knowlton stores, or at Pur Animal in West Brome. Votes for “Best In Store” dogs cost $1.00.

Store dogs participating are from Arts & Antiquités A La Carte, Bousada, Brome Lake Books, England Hill, Jouets du Village, La Coiffure, Pur Animal, The Shack and Woolrich.

As well, individual dog owners can enter their pooch in the “Open Invitational” category in order to participate in the parade and win prizes. Registration forms are available in Knowlton’s boutiques and the cost is $5.00.

Last year, dozens of dogs and their owners joined in the fun at Coldbrook Park, where dogs play games and win prizes and treats for different feats. In addition to the parade and the park activities including a blessing of the dogs by Rev. Tim Wiebe, organizer Judith Duncanson announced that the Knowlton Harmony Band will give a free concert from the Park bandstand following the dog pageant. “The event has become a rite-of-spring for the families of the area,” she says. “Adults and kids alike bring their dogs and have a great time.”

Dogs registered in the “Open Invitational” will join the “In Store” dogs in the pooch parade that wends its way down the hill to arrive at Coldbrook Park at 1 p.m. from Ambience de Garage, behind the England Hill boutique at 104 Lakeside.

For more information, please contact Judith Duncanson 450-242-2491

Sugaring event

As part of the "Sugaring" event and for Easter, restaurants in Lac-Brome invite you to enjoy their special menu featuring maple products. For a list of participating restaurants and their offers, click here.

The Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake plans for the upcoming year

Brome Lake, January 29, 2009 – The Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake has implemented its plan of action for 2009. During the last annual general meeting for the Chamber members, which took place on January 20th at the Auberge Spa West Brome, nine new directors were elected. These directors will be added to the six others on the board of directors, who did not require a re-election this year, due to the fact that they will be serving their second year of their two-year term agreement. Consequently, there are a total of 15 directors who are now on the Board of Directors for the year 2009. In alphabetical order they are: Mr. K. Barnes (J. L. Flanaghan), Mr. C. Bourbeau (Rona Lévesque), Mr. C. Brown (Les Entreprises Camlen and President CCBL), Mr. J.R. Deshaies (Bell Aliant), Mr. G. Delvaux (Auberge Quilliams), Mr. R.C. Gagnon (Uniprix Gagnon), Ms. S. Hauver (Canard du Lac-Brome), Ms. N. Janelle (CFE Desjardins), Mr. J.F. Mallette (Dépanneur Place Knowlton), Ms. P. Mason (Panier Champêtre and V.P CCBL), Mr. M. Paris (Produits Etang.ca), Mr. C. Prosser (Loch Investments), Ms P. Provencher (Auberge du Joli Vent), Ms. N. Taillon (Galerie Bistrot Carpe Diem), et Mr. B. Timmins (Le Chien Noir). The Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have this great team of directors who are ready to synergize their efforts and invest their strengths, knowledge and time for the development of the commercial community of Brome Lake.

The year 2008 was a great success, and the 2009 plans are just strong. We hope to see many changes in the development of our projects, due in large part to the support of our directors and the devoted employees of the Chamber. We are confident that we can reach all our objectives, despite the economic situation and the new challenges we face this year. One of these challenges is the financial situation that the Chamber faces. Indeed, cuts in our subventions will affect our budget this year and we will need to use innovative tactics to develop new strategies for funding in order to support our initiatives. Nevertheless, we are confident.

The Chamber continues to strive to support our members by providing opportunities to exchange and network, sharing business tools, initiating promotional projects and encouraging initiative and involvement in all of Brome Lake events. Furthermore, the Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake pursues its goal of being a main source of tourist information for the area of Brome Lake. We are committed to promote the region and we are pleased to encourage all activities and events in our beautiful municipality.

Menus for lovers

Exceptionally for Valentine's Day, we have compiled various special offers for the season of lovers. Prices range from $13 to $50 dollars.

Let yourself be tempted by these sumptuous meals, as well as a variety of activities, such as the theatre, dancing and a guided tour. Click here to download document. Here are our participants:

Auberge Lakeview
50 Victoria, Knowlton
450.243.6183

Auberge Quilliams
572 Lakeside, Foster
450.243-0404

Auberge Spa West Brome
128 route 139, West Brome
450.266.7552

Bistro Knowlton Pub
267 Knowlton, Knowlton
450.242.6862

Brie & Cie
291-C Knowlton, Knowlton
450.242.2996

Café Floral
30 Lakeside, Knowlton
450.243.0792

Club de Golf Lac-Brome
700 Lakeside, Foster
450.539.2582

Forfait Knowlton Players & Knowlton Pub
267 Knowlton, Knowlton
450.242.6862

Restaurant Le Relais
286 Knowlton, Knowlton
450.242.2232

Restaurant le St-Martin
8 Bolton Pass, Bolton
450.243.6584

Restaurant Papa Spiro’s
290 Knowlton, Knowlton
450.242.2409

Vignoble Chapelle Ste. Agnès
2565 Scenic, Glen Sutton
450.538.0303

Knowlton Festival of Lights back in strength on November 29th. A wide range of activities will be presented for the whole family!

The Chamber of Commerce of Lac-Brome has unveiled the programming of activities to be presented during the weekends, in preparation for the holiday season, between November 29th and January 1st.

Come celebrate with us the initial lighting of the village at 5:30 pm on Saturday November 29th at Coldbrook Park in Knowlton. During the countdown, enjoy a drink of hot cider, wine or hot chocolate - the choice is yours! If this is not enough to keep you warm, there will be bonfires with marshmallows to roast! A choir will also be on the scene to sing Christmas songs for which everyone will be invited to join in. It seems that even a few elves have promised to be there to entertain the children.

On Saturday December 6 at 1 pm the young and old at heart will not want to miss the traditional Santa Claus parade organized by the Lions Club. Following the parade, children are invited to meet Santa Claus himself at Knowlton Academy. In the evening, let yourself be charmed by the international star, Giorgia Fumanti, during an intimate concert at the Chapelle St- Édouard. The charismatic singer invites us to a most memorable and touching concert imbued with authenticity. For this special occasion she will perform great Christmas songs, songs from the pop and classical repertoire, some famous film music as well as songs from her album From My Heart and of her first French opus to be released on November 18th.

On Saturday, December 13th, get ready for the Brome Lake Midnight Madness where several shops and restaurants are in connivance to stay open until midnight. Come discover the specials that they have prepared for this crazy night of shopping in the village of Knowlton! Music in the streets, bonfires, sleigh rides and entertainment with the elves will be offered between 4 to 9 pm. This animation will also be back on Saturday December 20 from 4 to 7 pm. All you can dream of for a perfect 100% Christmas atmosphere!

The annual fireworks display is planned for Sunday, December 28th (postponed to the next evening in case of bad weather) at 6 pm at Coldbrook Park in Knowlton. Do not miss this rare opportunity to enjoy such a display in the region! Make sure you arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and the incredible energy of anticipation!

The after-ski place to be is in Lac-Brome! The thousands of lights will be in place until the spring break week to the delight of all visitors of the region. Come and take the time to walk, shop and eat in the heart of the most magical town in Quebec. For a complete listing of activities, please visit our calendar of activities.

Best holiday wishes to all!

In line with the Knowlton Festival of Lights, International star Giorgia Fumanti will be in concert in Knowlton, Saturday December 6 at 8 pm

For the first time in Knowlton, Quebec singer of Italian origin, Giorgia Fumanti, invites us to a magical holiday season concert, offered for the first time in Knowlton, on Saturday December 6th at 8 pm at the St-Édouard’s Chapel. Honorary Chairman of the evening will be Mayor Richard Wisdom.

Living in Quebec over the past few years, this charismatic singer invites you for a touching and memorable concert imbued with authenticity. For this special occasion, the international artist will interpret the great pop and classical Christmas songs, a few pieces from major film soundtracks, songs from her latest album (From My Heart) as well as new songs from Je Suis, her first French opus which will be released on Tuesday November 18.

Over the last year, Giorgia Fumanti shone on some of the most prestigious stages of the world, in the USA, Mexico, Italy, Portugal, England, Greece, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong and India. She also sang alongside big stars such as José Carreras, Lang Lang, Mario Frangoulis, Justin Hayward - Moody Blues, John McDermott and Lucio Dalla. Last August, Giorgia sang before millions of TV spectators at the Beijing Olympic Games.

After being warmly applauded around the world, the beautiful Italian is now back at home. A golden opportunity is offered to residents of Knowlton and the region of the Eastern Townships, as her angelic voice will enthrals the St-Édouard’s Chapel (364 Knowlton Rd.) in the village of Knowlton, Brome Lake, on Saturday, December 6th at 8 pm.

“Regular” tickets will be sold for $ 30 (tax included) or *Privilege tickets for $ 50 (tax included) available at the Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake (255-C Knowlton Rd. (450) 242-2870) and at participating stores.

*Privilege tickets are available in limited quantities and entitle you to reserved seating as well as a cocktail in the presence of Giorgia Fumanti and Mayor Wisdom after the concert.

Get answers to your questions, come and meet the candidates for the upcoming Federal Elections!

On Friday October 3rd, 2008 the Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake invites the residents of Brome Lake and the surrounding region to meet all six election candidates at the Lakeview Inn, situated at 50 Victoria St., at 7:15 pm.

There will be no debate but rather a “7 minutes open-mike” for each candidate followed by a question period, in a bilingual setting. Mr. Michel Green, lawyer, will be the moderator of the evening.

Be present to be sure to make an informed decision on Election Day about who can best represent you!

The Brome Lake Duck Fest returns to Knowlton

Where in the world can you get a cooking lesson from the Mayor while sipping wine and listening to great music? In Knowlton, that’s where. Famous the world over for its Brome Lake duck, the village of Knowlton (Lac-Brome) is already gearing up for its now famous fall street festival, the Brome Lake DuckFest.

The village of Knowlton, known one of Quebec’s most beautiful villages, will transform itself over two weekends this fall. This year’s festival promises to be a feast for the senses, both culinary and visual, as autumn’s colours will be out in all their splendour.

The street festival kicks off two activity-packed weekends, September 20-21 and September 27-28, 2008. The hours will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dozens of local producers and wineries will be present in the Park to tempt the tastebuds with their interesting and tasty offerings from duck patés, maple syrup and local wines to artisanal soaps and lotions. Musicians, artists, entertainment and games for children are also on the agenda. Of course, duck specialties will be on the menus of all the local restaurants. Music is also taking on increased importance in the Festival. In addition to the live musicians throughout the day, four well-known performers will offer free concerts in the park, each day at the end of the afternoon.

The Festival’s artistic side:
New this year is spokesperson, Jean-François Plante, a culinary chronicler with Salut Bonjour at TVA, also well-known from radio and television and co-founder of the bistros L'Aromate.
Again this year, artist Marie-Andrée Leblond has designed and painted the DuckFest poster. It is sure, again, to become a collector's item for those connoisseurs of both art and gastronomy, as are her others. The poster will be for sale in many of the village’s boutiques and the Chamber of Commerce tourist offices in Brome Lake.

Culinary demonstrations:
The most popular activities during the festival are the daily culinary demonstrations offered by the many different chefs of the region. Following the demonstrations, the audience partakes of the chef’s offerings and it’s an excellent occasion for connoisseurs to learn the secrets of the art of cooking and serving duck.
Top on this list of chefs is Richard Wisdom, mayor of the Town of Brome Lake, a self-taught gastronome who, with the Festival, has found the perfect outlet for his culinary talents. In addition, Jean- François Plante, our spokesperson will share with the audience his passion for duck in the afternoon of September 27th. Other renowned chefs of the region will also be there for the pleasure of the duck lovers.
The demonstrations will take place in Coldbrook Park in the centre of the village.
For lovers of fine food and wines, The Brome Lake DuckFest offers the perfect excuse for a delicious week-end in Knowlton while enjoying the charm and ambience of this historic village on the shores of Brome Lake.

The great duck race:
On Sunday, September 28, the popular Great Duck Race will take place on Coldbrook River that runs through the centre of Knowlton. Thousands of yellow rubber duckies will be released at the top of Mill Pond dam where participants and “duck sponsors” can follow their ducks progress along the Coldbrook walking path to the finish line at Knowlton Academy bridge. Among the $15,000 worth of prizes is a trip for two to Zurich, courtesy of SwissAir.

How to get to Knowlton:
From Montreal (Champlain Bridge) you take the Eastern Townships Autoroute 10 to Exit 90 (Lac Brome), then right on route 243 South for 10 km.
From Vermont, Route 89 north to the border, then follow 133 north to Bedford, 202 East to Cowansville and 104 East to Knowlton.

For further information, please visit our website or call 1-877-242-2870 or write to us at info@cclacbrome.com

Main Streets in Bloom contest results

The Chamber of Commerce of Brome Lake, in conjunction with the Main Streets committee, has chosen the winners of the Main Streets in Bloom contest. We want to give a huge Thank You to all of the businesses that contributed to the beautification of our town.

The winners are:

In the FOSTER sector,

1. Auberge Quilliams and Jardins Foster
2. Auberge du Joli Vent and Estrie Garage/Depanneur Lakeside
3. Motel le Cypres and Club de Golf Lac-Brome

In the KNOWLTON sector,

1. Auberge Lakeview and Bromewood Garden
2. Galerie Knowlton and Coiffure Marcel Dussault
3. Woolrich, Papa Spiros restaurant and England Hill

In the WEST BROME sector,

1. Rêves et Jardins

and the nonorable mentions:

Auberge Knowlton, CIBC, BMO Bank of Montreal, Bousada Interiors, B&B Hillhouse, Café Inn, Clémentine à la Campagne, Inauen Coiffure, Knowlbanks, La Passerelle des mousses, Lawrence Antiques, The Crazy Duck, Le Chien Noir, Mountainview Veterinary Services, Boutiques Rococo, Emporium, Sandila, Stone Haven enterprises, Stuart Realties, Marina Knowlton, The Shack, Uniprix,

and a very special mention to the Pettes Library for their beautiful corner attraction, providing the public with benches and gardens to enjoy.

Certificates will be given out at a special breakfast to be held at the Auberge Quilliams on Tuesday September 30 at 8:00am.