Yesterday saw Bastille Day celebrated in the village of St. Claude.

Bastille Day, or la Fête nationale, is a French national holiday which officially takes place July 14th. This year's celebration was extra special as it is Canada's 150th anniversary as well as St. Claude's 125th.

Bruno Burnichon, Honorary Consul of France for Manitoba, comments on the importance of communities like St. Claude holding such celebrations, saying St. Claude has always been a good place in the francophone community for people from France. He notes today's event was a great one.

"There's a lot of people, there's very good organization. The kids are playing, the music is playing, the people are eating and it looks like everyone's having a great time."

He adds it was nice to see as celebrating the national day of France is very important to them. 

The festivities included a barbecue, live entertainment from local musicians, a vehicle show and shine, games of pétanque, face painting and more. 

Angelique and Julia both enjoyed getting their faces painted and note they especially liked the mermaids they had painted on their arms. 

Maurice Hince attended the festivities and says it was nice to relax. He explains he was one of the people employed to build the water tower at the Manitoba Dairy Museum which was holding an open day for the celebration.