Launch of the 2017 summer season - Parc Jean-Drapeau is oh so close to you this summer and with a nod to the 50th anniversary of Expo 67

MONTRÉAL, June 20, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - In a festive ambiance, with the 50^th anniversary of Expo 67 as a theme, the official launch of Parc Jean-Drapeau's 2017 summer program was held today at the Biosphere. The Parc's partners, promoters and employees were on hand to share in what is shaping up to be a highly exciting season, from a cultural, sports and recreation standpoint.

Speaking at today's launch event, Société du parc Jean-Drapeau Board Chair, Danièle Henkel, said the city of Montréal can be deeply proud of having an international calibre recreation-tourist site such as Parc Jean-Drapeau. "Expo 67 prepared the way for what the Parc is today – a site which is a convergence of nature and culture, sports and entertainment, for a diverse public of all ages," she remarked. "The summer program we are announcing today really instills the urge to discover and rediscover this marvellous site."

"Each summer, Montrealers enjoy making the short trip to Parc Jean-Drapeau to take advantage of the wealth of activities found there during the warm summer months. Easy to get to, this magnificent park, filled with history, offers a range of recreational activities for the whole family, thanks to a broad and varied cultural and sport programming schedule. This summer, I therefore invite all Montrealers to come enjoy the park, a place synonymous with summer vacations and fun," said Mr. Réal Ménard, executive committee member, head of Développement durable, de l'environnement, des grands parcs et des espaces verts (sustainable development, the environment, parks and green spaces).

Celebrating 50 years of history

Fifty years is well worth celebrating, and for this special occasion Parc Jean-Drapeau and its partners have a wealth of activities to offer, in conjunction with Expo 67. The Biosphere, Environment Museum, is presenting Echo 67, an exhibition on the environmental and cultural heritage of this memorable event. Meanwhile, the Stewart Museum invites the population to travel through an immersive and multimedia exposition – Expo 67 – A World of Dreams. The Casino de Montréal is staging the show "Un jour, un jour", as singers and dancers combine their talents to perform songs that came out in 1967. La Ronde is getting in on the celebration by inviting its clientele to climb aboard six rides that date back to Expo 67.

Complementing this array of activities is a magnificent exposition of Expo 67-themed giant photos, a collaboration of the Parc and the Biosphere. And, to cap it off, go on a journey of discovery of the history and evolution of the Expo 67 site through virtual and enhanced reality via the free  "Terre d'expériences" activity which is part of the official program of Montréal's 375^th celebrations at the Aquatic Complex, in collaboration with Montréal en Histoires.

Families have a place of honour at the Beach this summer!

Starting on Wednesday, June 21, people of all ages can come to Jean-Doré Beach for a refreshing dip and a thoroughly enjoyable experience. For the second straight year, admission to the Beach will be free for children every Wednesday. Along with this there will be theme days: Foam Party on Sunday, June 25, Swimmers' Christmas on Sunday, July 23 and Western Day on Sunday, August 27; plus there will be dance and music every Saturday. Meanwhile, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 23 to August 27, Parks Canada is offering free introductory kayaking and sand-castle building lessons.

Week-ends du monde: bigger than ever as a people-gatherer 

The annual Week-ends du monde event presented by Loto-Québec is moving to Île Notre-Dame, with this year's edition being held July 8-9 and 15-16. This great celebration is a cordial invitation to come and discover, through dance, music and culinary delights, the diverse cultures that make Montréal a city that is a window on the world. Set up on a new site that is even more convivial, this year's event has a family component every day, notably through the participation of Télé-Québec. Taking centre stage this year is the Belle et Bum team led by Normand Brathwaite, which will be on hand Sunday, July 9, for a musical performance, delivered with their familiar gusto. Week-ends du monde, it should be noted, benefits from the financial support of Tourisme Montréal.

"Because it's programming shares and celebrates a variety of traditions through dance, music and food, Week-ends du monde at Parc Jean-Drapeau represents perfectly Loto-Québec's mission as a provider of entertainment. We support events in the four corners of Québec, generating to important social and economic spinoffs in a number of regions and enabling festival-goers to experience a world of entertainment," stated Lucie Lamoureux, Director of Social Commitment at Loto-Québec.

Events all summer long

This summer at the Parc includes the traditional events people have grown to love. On the heels of the Grand Prix du Canada, which was run on June 11, the Parc will be playing host to many much-anticipated events, including the Osheaga Festival, Piknic Électronik, Loto-Québec International Fireworks Competition, ÎleSoniq, the Colour Run, 24h Roller, the Light The Night Walk, Montréal Triathlon Esprit and many sports competitions at the Olympic Basin. Parc Jean-Drapeau will also be playing host to two major rock shows, Metallica and Guns N' Roses.

Parc Jean-Drapeau is pleased to be able to enjoy the support of many partners, all summer long. The partners include: Loto-Québec, the presenter of Week-ends du monde, Tourisme Montréal, Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, Breyers, Parks Canada, Lafleur, and our media partners. For any information on the activities and events presented at Parc Jean-Drapeau, please go to www.parcjeandrapeau.com.

 

SOURCE Société du parc Jean-Drapeau

Véronique Caissie, Social Media and Media Relations Consultant, [email protected], 514 872-6679