Our Maine Street's Aroostook Issue 19 : Winter 2014 | Page 47

our ancestors were persecuted and forcibly deported The World Acadian Congress is encouraging from homes they had occupied for generations, we greater collaboration between the three regions by proposing that municipalities establish in groups are still here and we’re still strong. of three (triplets). Each triplet would include one CMA 2014 official opening ceremonies take place municipality form each region; NB, Tèmiscouata on Friday, August 8, 2014, in Turgeon Stadium in and Maine. They would be called upon to organize Edmundston, NB. It will feature a concert with two preliminary gatherings in the period leading more than 500 performers. Activities have been to the congress, (2013- 2014), one in NB and one scheduled in key municipalities all day so that all in Maine. At these meetings delegations from the three would work together to identify and plan roads lead to Edmundston. a collaborative project which will be announced August 15 events will be held in Madawaska. It or unveiled at a joint activity to be held in the is the single most important event of the entire Tèmiscouata municipality on the last day of the CMA 2014 celebrations. August 15 is considered a congress, August 24, 2014. national holiday for Acadians. There are several important things that you need The day begins with a very special outdoor Mass in to know: the sports field on Seventh Avenue. Approximately 5,000 faithful are expected to attend. All priests 1. Apply now for your passport, passport card, throughout the region have been invited to or NEXUS card. There are events throughout participate as well as the bishops of Maine, l’Acadie des terres et des forêts on both sides of the Témiscouata, QC, and Edmundston, NB. A unique international border and you will want to attend as choir will perform, led by the Neil Michaud Choir many as possible. and comprised of local choir members from Maine, Québec and New Brunswick, will mesmerize the 2. Reserve rooms now. Many hotels and motels are faithful. By then they will have been rehearsing for already booked solid. Go to www.cma2014.com for a list the accommodations available in the region. more than a year. The biggest tintamarre most of us have ever seen will begin at 6 p.m. on Main Street, Madawaska. A transportation plan is in the advanced planning stage to ensure that as many happy people as possible can participate in this once in a lifetime event. The crowning event of the day will be a Acadian National Holiday mega concert featuring artists from Maine, Louisiana as well as from Canada. This concert will be broadcast live across Canada by CBC-TV. 3. Register now for any and all