"In 1964, we brought the old Dominion Paper Co. mill back to life with help from the community. At the time, we had little idea that our bold gamble would transform into a grand adventure that would stand the test of time and take us around the world. Now, 50 years later, we are celebrating our economic, environmental, and social success through numerous activities that will remind us just how far we have come," explained Bernard Lemaire.
On March 26, Cascades' official birthday, all of the company's 100 or so units will be invited to celebrate the event with their employees. A morning ceremony will take place in Kingsey Falls at the very first Cascades mill to highlight its half century of existence. In the evening, the Lemaire brothers will pay tribute to all of the company's builders. Customers, suppliers, financial partners, and the mill's original employees will be invited to a gala in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Cascades' success.
"We owe this success to the men and women who believed in Cascades and in us. Indeed, this is why we are so proud to have been able to arrange certain activities in celebration of our 50th anniversary—activities that will really let our region shine," said Laurent Lemaire.
This summer, Kingsey Falls will be host to a wealth of events. The Boréalis museum (interpretation centre on the history of the paper industry) in Trois-Rivières will present the Generations exhibition, featuring the great families of Québec's paper industry. The Collection Loto-Québec will make a stop in Kingsey Falls, where it will present an exclusive exhibit highlighting paper through the artistic creation Support papier. Other activities will take place throughout the summer season, including an open house at the Cascades units, and performances in Parc Bernard-Lemaire.
A number of partners will also pay tribute to the Lemaire brothers and celebrate their accomplishments. On April 16, the Fondation de l'entrepreneurship will hold a gala for the three founders, where they will be honored by the Québec business community. The City of Kingsey Falls, students from La Cascatelle elementary school, Vélo-Québec, and many others will take turns organizing events and activities commemorating the founding of Cascades. The local microbrewery the Hermite will even brew a 50th anniversary beer!
The Cascades' 50th anniversary activities include:
March 26: Official launch of festivities in all Cascades units and an evening honoring the company’s builders. On its official birthday, the company will launch festivities in all Cascades units worldwide and host an evening honoring its builders, giving it the opportunity to highlight the many years of work and dedication of those who contributed to the birth and success of Cascades. More information is available online.
April 16: The Lemaire brothers tribute gala—larger-than-life entrepreneurs. The Fondation de l'entrepreneurship will pay tribute to these three men, highlighting their contribution to the company’s entrepreneurial history. This celebration will paint a portrait of past generations of Québec entrepreneurs. More information is available online.
May 8: Inauguration of the footbridge. The Lemaire brothers will inaugurate the new footbridge made of recycled materials and used paper machine parts, which spans the Nicolet River. Both artistic and practical, the footbridge is symbolic of the rich past and promising future of Cascades and Kingsey Falls, and will connect the municipal park with Parc Marie-Victorin and its larger-than-life attractions. More information is available online.
May 17: Envol des passionnés. The fifth edition of the Envol des passionnés will take place in Kingsey Falls. Participants will depart from the Centre récréatif Norman-Boisvert, where sporting events for all ages will be organized. All profits will go to the Kingsey Falls Youth Centre. More information is available online.
June 21 to September 7: Boréalis' Generations Exhibition. This summer, the Boréalis museum (interpretation centre on the history of the paper industry) in Trois-Rivières will bring the Generations exhibition to Cascades. It will be on display in the community hall in Kingsey Falls, and tells the story of several families, including the Lemaires, the Perrons, and the Prices, who have marked history with their contribution to the growth of Québec's paper industry. More information is available online.
June 21: Vélo-Québec Summer Challenge. Vélo-Québec will make a much deserved stop in Kingsey Falls during its Centre-du-Québec Challenge. More information is available online.
July 3: Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau. The Tour CIBC Charles-Bruneau will also stop in Kingsey Falls. More information is available online.
July 4 to 6: Festivities in Kingsey Falls for all Cascades employees. In celebration of its 50th year in operation, Cascades wishes to thank its employees for their active involvement and their dedication to the company. As the Lemaire brothers often point out, the company's employees are the basis for its success. Various activities will be organized for them to enjoy during the weekend in Kingsey Falls—a parade featuring floats, fireworks, cardboard boat races, shows, and more. More information is available online.
July 6 to August 30: Performances at Parc Bernard-Lemaire. Every Sunday in July and August, starting at 2:00 p.m., come and listen to free performances and enjoy the entertainment at Parc Bernard-Lemaire in Kingsey Falls. "It's the perfect way to spend time with the family in a festive atmosphere worthy of a 50th anniversary," the company emphasizes. More information is available online.
Starting July 8: The Escalier jaune. Isabelle Bonneau, Emily Knight, and Monique Verville, artists from the Escalier jaune art studio in Warwick, will present a collection of artwork created entirely from Cascades products. Their collection will be on display inside what was once a Cascades trailer, now repurposed and redesigned.
July 8 to September 1: Collection Loto-Québec—Support papier. The Collection Loto-Québec will make a stop at the Ateliers Marie-Victor in Kingsey Falls, where it will present an exclusive exhibit highlighting paper through the work of art entitled Support papier. Visit the free exhibit and admire the artistic creations carefully chosen from among the most important Canadian collections of contemporary visual art. More information is available online.
August 23 and 24: Open House at the Kingsey Falls Units. Are you curious about how Cascades manufactures its products? Visit these units to learn more about the basics of recycling, the production of paper and plastic, and more. Come and feel the rhythm of the machines in an experience designed especially for the company's 50th anniversary. More information is available online.
TAPPI
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